Connection Module Installation Mode for Error-Free Machine Wiring

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of automation systems leads to inadequate documentation during installation, maintenance, and repair, resulting in gaps in system documentation, making reliable maintenance or repair difficult or impossible.

Innovation Solution

A computer-aided method and connection module for decentralized and modular connection of machine components, which provides an installation function to support component connection, an operating function for machine operation, and a test function to detect and correct connection errors, using display elements for optical output and communication with a control device for error-free installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If comprehensive documentation is provided for automation systems, then maintenance and repair reliability is improved, but documentation completeness and coordination are worsened due to complex work processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance reliabilityVSAvoiddocumentation completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The connection module automatically documents connection data without requiring manual recording by installers. The system self-services by capturing installation information directly at the source, eliminating the need for separate documentation processes and ensuring complete, coordinated documentation automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback mechanisms where connection data is automatically captured, stored, and made available for maintenance operations. This feedback loop ensures that documentation is continuously updated and maintained, providing reliable information for maintenance and repair activities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If manual installation methods are used, then flexibility in installation process is improved, but installation time and error rate are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection module performs automatic documentation and connection verification without requiring manual intervention for recording or checking. This self-service capability maintains installation flexibility while dramatically improving installation speed by eliminating manual documentation steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If decentralized connection modules are used, then system modularity is improved, but documentation coordination is worsened due to distributed installation points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem modularityVSAvoiddocumentation coordination
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each decentralized connection module independently documents its own connection data locally. This self-service approach at each distributed point eliminates the coordination problem, as each module autonomously captures and stores its documentation without requiring centralized management or manual coordination between installation points.

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

Enables simpler, faster, and error-free installation of electrical components by providing comprehensive support for users during the installation process, ensuring accurate documentation and reducing the risk of errors, thus facilitating reliable maintenance and operation of automation systems.

Implementation Method 1

A display element can be assigned to each connection point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP4345558B1Method for operating a connection module
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 MURR ELEKTRONIK GMBH
  • EP4345558B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4345558B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4345558B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (100) for operating a connection module (4) during a computer-aided installation of a machine (1), in particular a system (1), wherein the connection module (4) is designed for a decentralized and modular connection of components of the machine (1), the method (100) comprising the following steps: providing an installation function of the connection module (4) for the installation of the machine (1), wherein the installation function initiates an output of installation information to support the establishment of the connection of the components; providing an operating function of the connection module (4) for the operation of the installed machine (1), wherein the operating function initiates an electrical output to the connected components; and initiating an installation mode at the connection module (4), wherein the operating function is deactivated and the installation function is activated.