Bus Node With Third Interface For Protocol Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bus node systems lack flexibility in adapting to different control tasks and protocols, limiting their ability to efficiently couple higher-level bus systems with multiple internal bus systems.

Innovation Solution

The bus node incorporates a third bus interface with separate activation capabilities, allowing for independent coupling of additional function module arrangements to the higher-level bus system, using a single circuit board with a processor to manage signal conversions between bus systems, and modular housing parts for adaptability and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a bus node is designed with only a single bus interface for coupling to a higher-level bus system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different control tasks and protocols is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different control tasksVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bus node is designed with multiple bus interfaces (first, second, and third bus interfaces) that can be separately activated, allowing a single device to perform multiple functions by coupling to different internal bus systems independently, thereby achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bus node incorporates dynamic activation capabilities where the electronic circuit can selectively activate or deactivate specific bus interfaces based on the required control task, allowing the system to adapt its functionality dynamically rather than being statically configured

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple internal bus systems are coupled to a single bus interface, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of independent communication is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent communication reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bus node divides the coupling function into separate, independent bus interfaces, where each interface can be independently activated and managed. This segmentation ensures that communication through one interface does not interfere with another, guaranteeing independent communication reliability while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional bus interfaces are added to enable separate activation of multiple function module arrangements, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in control tasksVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic circuit is designed to universally support multiple bus interfaces with separate activation capabilities, allowing the same circuitry to handle different internal bus systems through the first, second, and third bus interfaces, thereby achieving flexibility without proportionally increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2602959B1Bus node and control system
Publication Date: 2014.06.04 FESTO AG & CO KG
  • EP2602959B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2602959B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The bus node (1) has electronic circuit (5) for conversion of control signals and/or sensor signals between bus protocol of higher-level bus system (2) and internal bus system. The electronic circuit has first bus interface (6) with first connector (7) for coupling to central bus system and second bus interface (8) with second plug-in connector (9) for coupling to internal bus system. The electronic circuit has third bus interface (10) to electrically couple superordinate control system. The separate control of second and third interfaces is performed by electronic circuit. An independent claim is included for control system for controlling production machine.