Detachable Display Module for Programmable Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation systems with programmable controllers often lack displays, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for separate computers for updates and programming, and the inability to access controllers in the field without tools.
Innovation Solution
A detachable display and memory module that can be toollessly coupled with automation controllers, featuring a liquid crystal display and non-transitory machine-readable medium, allowing for communication and data exchange, enabling programming and updates without a separate computer and compatible with various programmable controller models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a display is integrated into the programmable controller, then field access and programming capability are improved, but the cost and complexity of the controller increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display and memory module is separated from the controller body, allowing the controller to remain simple while the display module provides field programming capability when attached. The module can be detached when not needed, keeping the controller simple for basic operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable display and memory module can be coupled with multiple different controller models through universal coupling features, providing field programming capability across various controller types without requiring each controller to have an integrated display.
2Ease of operation
If a display is integrated into the programmable controller, then field programming capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the display function into a detachable module, the controller body can be manufactured without the complexity of integrating a display, while the display module itself is manufactured separately and attached through standardized coupling features.
Solution Approach 2:
A single display and memory module design can be used with multiple different controller models, reducing the variety of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
3Device complexity
If separate computers are used for programming and updates, then controller cost is reduced, but operational efficiency and accessibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The programming capability is segmented into a separate detachable module that can be attached to the controller for programming operations and then removed, eliminating the need for separate computers while maintaining controller simplicity for basic operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller with the attached display and memory module can perform programming and updates autonomously without requiring external computers, enabling field programming and self-sufficient operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An automation controller that includes a central processing unit configured to communicate via an input/output module with automation devices of a process controlled by the automation controller. The automation controller also includes a retention feature configured to toollessly couple with a detachable display and memory module. Further, the automation controller includes a controller connector configured to communicatively couple with a display connector of the detachable display and memory module such that the automation controller and the detachable display and memory module are communicatively coupled, wherein the central processing unit is configured to transmit data for presentation on a display of the detachable display and memory module and configured to receive data from a memory and/or a data entry feature of the detachable display and memory module when the detachable display and memory module is communicatively coupled to the automation controller.