Communication Structure Connecting Assembly for Stable Node Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional communication systems with serially connected I/O modules face instability in electrical connections and increased manufacturing costs due to redundant nodes when expanding the system, leading to lost data transmission signals and inefficient use of additional modules.

Innovation Solution

A communication structure with a connecting assembly that includes a housing base, circuit board, connecting terminals, adapting board, and cover unit, allowing for stable electrical connections between communication structures, enabling easy expansion of communication nodes by using a connecting assembly that securely fastens and aligns components for signal transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If elastic contacts are used to electrically connect I/O modules serially, then the communication system can be constructed with multiple modules, but the electrical connections become unstable and data transmission signals are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule connectivityVSAvoidelectrical connection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the connection system into distinct segments: a connecting assembly with rigid conducting terminals and a socket, separate from the I/O modules. This segmentation replaces the unstable elastic contact interface with a stable rigid connection at the module interface, while maintaining the ability to connect multiple modules serially through the socket interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting assembly acts as an intermediary component between I/O modules, providing a stable electrical connection pathway. The rigid conducting terminals and socket in the connecting assembly mediate the electrical connection, eliminating the need for unstable elastic contacts while enabling reliable data transmission between modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional module groups are added to expand the communication system from 32 to 33 I/O modules, then the communication system can accommodate more nodes, but 15 redundant I/O modules are generated increasing manufacturing cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication node expansionVSAvoidnumber of redundant modules
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting assembly provides universal functionality by enabling any I/O module to connect to any position in the serial chain through standardized interfaces. This multi-functionality allows the system to expand incrementally by adding individual modules or small groups rather than requiring complete module groups, eliminating the need for redundant modules when expanding from 32 to 33 nodes.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system becomes dynamic and flexible, allowing the communication network to be configured in various topologies and expanded incrementally. The rigid connecting assembly enables individual modules to be added or removed without requiring fixed group configurations, allowing the system to adapt precisely to the needed number of nodes and eliminate redundancy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a rigid connecting assembly with conducting terminals and sockets is used instead of elastic contacts, then electrical connection stability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of electrical connection and mechanical support into a single integrating socket structure. The socket provides both the mechanical mounting interface and the electrical connection pathway through integrated conducting portions, eliminating the need for separate complex connection mechanisms while achieving stable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting assembly is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing through the socket interface. The rigid conducting terminals automatically align with the socket contacts upon insertion, and the mechanical engagement provides inherent stability without requiring additional alignment features or complex fastening mechanisms, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The solution provides a stable and cost-effective method for expanding communication systems by ensuring reliable data and power signal transmission between modules, reducing redundant nodes and manufacturing costs while allowing for convenient expansion of communication nodes.

Implementation Method 1

the first soldering portions of the first conducting terminals are correspondingly and electrically soldered with the conductive sidewalls of the second terminal holes of the circuit board; an adapting board comprising a plurality of third terminal holes and a plurality of fourth terminal holes, wherein the second soldering portions of the first conducting terminals are correspondingly and electrically soldered with the third terminal holes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSoldering: Soldering

Data Source

PatentEP3185661B8Communication structure with connecting assembly
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 VIEWMOVE TECH

AI summary

A communication structure with connecting assembly is described. The communication structure comprises a housing base, a circuit board, a connecting assembly and a cover body wherein the connecting assembly comprises a plurality of conducting terminals, an adapting board coupled to the conducting terminals, and a first connecting socket coupled to the adapting board. The communication structure stably and electrically connected to another communication structure by the connecting assembly and at least two communication structures are electrically connected together to construct a communication system for conveniently expending more communication nodes.