Control Circuit Board Layout for External Expansion and Termination Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control devices with high expandability, such as robot controllers, face challenges in downsizing and simplifying expansion work due to the need for internal space and weight increases, making user expansion complex.
Innovation Solution
A control device configuration with a control circuit substrate having internal and external connectors connected in parallel, allowing expansion circuit substrates to be connected both inside and outside the casing, and incorporating a relay circuit to switch termination resistors between effective and ineffective states, facilitating expansion work and downsizing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If expansion I/O boards are arranged inside the casing, then the control device achieves high expandability, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the expansion capability from internal-only to external connections by adding external connectors. This dimensional expansion allows expansion boards to be connected outside the casing, eliminating the need to accommodate all expansion boards internally, thus reducing device weight while maintaining high expandability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If expansion I/O boards are arranged inside the casing, then the control device achieves high expandability, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces external connection capability through external connectors, allowing expansion boards to be positioned outside the casing. This moves the expansion function to an external dimension, reducing the internal space requirement and overall device size while preserving expandability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the connector system into internal connectors and external connectors. This segmentation allows the control device to support expansion boards both inside and outside the casing, reducing the need for large internal space while maintaining high expandability.
3Device complexity
If conventional internal arrangement is used, then the control device structure is simple, but user expansion work becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection interface into internal and external connectors with standardized configurations. This segmentation allows users to perform expansion work externally with simpler access and manipulation, while the internal device structure remains relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal connector designs that support both internal and external connections with the same interface standards. This universality simplifies user expansion work by providing consistent connection methods regardless of whether expansion boards are installed inside or outside the casing.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device includes a casing and a control circuit substrate arranged inside the casing. The control circuit substrate includes: a control circuit mounted on the control circuit substrate; an internal connector connectable to a communication cable inside the casing, the communication cable being connected to an expansion circuit substrate; and an external connector connectable to another communication cable outside the casing, the another communication cable being connected to another expansion circuit substrate. The control circuit is connected to the internal connector and the external connector in parallel.