Bus Subscriber Position Detection via Signal Transit Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting the position of bus participants in a bus system are inefficient, requiring additional configuration steps, increased manufacturing effort, and are prone to errors, especially in complex wiring and manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A method where a control device sends a signal through a line to bus participants, measuring the transit time of the signal and using it in relation to the line length to determine the position, allowing for autonomous and cost-effective position detection without additional components or complex wiring, enabling automatic configuration and reduced hardware requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If explicit configuration or teach-in process is used to detect bus participant position, then position detection can be achieved, but additional configuration steps and time are required during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The bus participant automatically determines its own position by measuring the propagation time of signals through the line to the control device and back. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual configuration or teach-in processes, as the system autonomously configures itself during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual configuration mechanisms (mechanical switching, DIP switches, end-of-line programming) with an electronic signal-based position determination system. By using electrical signal propagation time measurement, the system substitutes complex mechanical or procedural configuration methods with a simpler electronic measurement approach.
2Loss of information
If circuitry measures such as additional address pins or daisy chain wiring are implemented, then position information can be coded, but additional manufacturing effort and complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position information determination from the physical wiring configuration and address coding, and instead derives it from the signal propagation characteristics of the existing line. This removes the need for additional address pins, complex wiring arrangements, or daisy-chain configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal propagation time acts as an intermediary that carries position information without requiring explicit coding. Instead of using additional wires or pins to transmit position data, the system uses the inherent electrical characteristics of the existing connection line as a mediator to convey position information.
3Measurement precision
If manual configuration steps are required during sensor installation, then position can be determined, but process reliability is reduced and additional expenses are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The bus participant autonomously determines its position without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability ensures that the position determination process is reliable and consistent, eliminating human error and variability associated with manual configuration steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the signal propagation time measurement to automatically determine position. By continuously measuring the time it takes for signals to travel to and from the bus participant, the system provides automatic feedback that confirms correct position determination without manual verification.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method simplifies and cost-reduces the position detection of bus participants, eliminating the need for manual intervention and complex wiring, facilitating easier installation and configuration, while reducing manufacturing effort and potential errors.
Implementation Method 1
The control device sends a signal or pulse via the line to the respective bus subscriber, and the bus subscriber responds with a response pulse, response signal, or the like. The control device can determine a propagation time of the signal
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detecting the position of a bus subscriber (2, 2a, 2b, 2n) of a bus system, in which a control device (1) and several bus subscribers (2, 2a, 2b, 2n) are provided. The bus subscribers (2, 2a, 2b, 2n) are respectively in a position (P1, P2, Pn) to be detected and are connected to the control device (1) via at least one line, the line to the respective bus subscriber (2, 2a, 2b, 2n) having a definable line length (L1, L2, Ln), and the position of a bus subscriber (2, 2a, 2b, 2n) is then detected by the control device (1) in which a signal is sent via the line to the respective bus subscriber (2, 2a, 2b, 2n) within a measurement cycle and the bus subscriber (2, 2a, 2b, 2n) responds. The measurement cycle duration is determined and a ratio of measurement cycle duration and line length (L1, L2, Ln) is used to detect the position.