Modular Client Bus Switching for Flexible Machine Automation Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular machine automation systems with serial bus systems face challenges in freely arranging server and client modules due to fixed signal processing interfaces, limiting flexibility in machine assembly and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A modular machine automation system comprising a server module and multiple client modules, where each client module has two connection faces with signal transfer units and a bus switch-on unit with a signal coupling unit, allowing for flexible arrangement and operation modes to ensure signal flow and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed signal processing interfaces are used in client modules, then signal processing is simplified, but flexibility in module arrangement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism in the client module that can change the signal processing interface configuration based on the detected module arrangement. The switching unit changes over time between different connection modes (first and second modes) to adapt to different physical configurations of modules in the automation system, thereby maintaining both simplicity and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the signal processing interface by switching between different modes. In the first mode, the interface connects to a first signal processing unit, and in the second mode, it connects to a second signal processing unit. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different module arrangements while maintaining proper signal processing functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modules are arranged freely during assembly, then adaptability is improved, but ensuring proper signal flow becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The client module automatically detects its position and connection status in the automation system and self-configures the appropriate signal processing interface mode. The module performs its own initialization and mode selection without requiring external configuration, enabling free arrangement while maintaining proper signal flow automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the client module detects signals from neighboring modules to determine the correct connection mode. Based on this feedback information about the physical arrangement, the module automatically switches to the appropriate mode to ensure correct signal flow direction, simplifying the overall system configuration.
3Device complexity
If a serial bus system with fixed interfaces is used, then communication protocol is simplified, but client module configurability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The client module implements dynamic configurability by switching between different operational modes based on runtime conditions. The module can adapt its communication interface configuration during operation to match different physical arrangements, maintaining ease of use while providing full configurability without complicating the underlying communication protocol.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular machine-automation system includes a server module and a plurality of client modules. Each client module includes a housing having a first client module connection face with a first client signal transfer unit and a second client module connection face with a second client signal transfer, and a client bus switch-on unit. In an initialization mode, a client signal coupling unit in the client bus switch-on unit is configured to determine which client module connection face is connected to a server module connection face, either directly or via one or a plurality of further client modules, in order to switch to a first operating mode when the first client module connection face is coupled to the server module connection face, and to a second operating mode when the second client module connection face is coupled to the server module connection face.