Cascade Wiring Unit for Safety Switch Lock and AUX Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing serial cascade connector systems for safety switches require additional wires for lock inputs and AUX outputs, leading to increased complexity and cost, especially when multiple safety switches with lock functions are used.
Innovation Solution
A wiring unit that simplifies wiring work by integrating power, safety signal, and communication functions, allowing multiple safety switches with lock functions to be connected in a cascade without the need for a safety PLC, and reducing the number of required wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a serial cascade connector system is used to connect multiple safety switches, then the number of wires for transmitting OSSD output is reduced, but additional wires are required for lock inputs and AUX outputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (OSSD output transmission, lock input, AUX output) into a single serial cascade connection interface. The wiring unit integrates power supply, signal transmission, and communication functions into one unified connection system, eliminating the need for separate wire bundles for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The serial cascade connector is designed to handle multiple signal types (safety outputs, lock inputs, AUX outputs, power) through a single universal interface. This multi-functional connector can adapt to different safety switch configurations without requiring additional specialized connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If safety switches with lock functions are connected using conventional cascade systems, then more wires are needed for lock inputs, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lock input signal is merged into the same serial cascade communication bus used for OSSD and AUX signals. The wiring unit distributes lock inputs to multiple safety switches through this single integrated connection, eliminating separate lock input wiring for each switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring unit acts as an intermediary device that receives lock input signals and distributes them to the appropriate safety switches with lock functions. This mediator approach allows centralized lock control without requiring direct separate connections to each switch.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple safety switches are connected with full functionality, then all features work, but the number of wires increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single serial cascade connector interface provides universal support for all safety switch functions including OSSD outputs, lock inputs, AUX outputs, and power supply. This multi-functional interface eliminates the need for separate wire bundles for each function, maintaining full functionality while minimizing wire count.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges power supply, data transmission, and control signals into a single integrated cable connection. The wiring unit combines multiple signal types that would traditionally require separate connections into one unified communication bus, dramatically reducing the total number of wires needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Wiring work without requiring a safety PLC is simplified even when a plurality of safety switches having a lock function are arranged. The plurality of safety switches are cascade-connected to a wiring unit. The wiring unit supplies power received via the power input unit (a VCC terminal or a GND terminal) to the plurality of safety switches. The wiring unit performs through-output of an OSSD input received from the most downstream safety switch to the outside of the wiring unit. The wiring unit outputs upstream-facing communication data COM (a lock input or the like) based on a lock instruction (LOCK). The wiring unit receives downstream-facing communication data COM (such as bundle data of AUX outputs) and outputs the communication data COM as individual AUX outputs.