Electropneumatic Module System with Integrated Bus and Supply Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automation systems, electro-pneumatic modular systems require separate connections for electronic and pneumatic modules, necessitating complex and costly sealing in harsh industrial environments, and limit flexibility in module arrangement and expansion.
Innovation Solution
A modular system with a head module that integrates all necessary connections and interfaces on one side, allowing direct passage of lines to functional modules, enabling flexible ordering and minimization of external connections, and including expansion modules for increased functionality and protection levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate connections are provided for electronic and pneumatic modules, then each module type can be connected to its required supply lines, but the system complexity increases and sealing requirements become more stringent in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electronic supply lines and pneumatic supply lines into a single integrated connection system. The head module provides both electronic and pneumatic connections through unified interfaces, eliminating the need for separate connection paths for each module type. This merging approach maintains reliable connections while reducing overall system complexity and sealing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The head module is designed with universal interfaces that can connect to both electronic modules and pneumatic modules through the same connection structure. The multipole connector system provides multi-functionality by handling both electrical signals and pneumatic fluid transmission through integrated pathways, allowing a single connection type to serve multiple purposes.
2Reliability
If modules are connected with multiple separate line connections, then all required supplies can be provided, but mounting in a switch cabinet becomes necessary and costs increase due to sealing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges electronic and pneumatic supply connections into a single integrated connector system. By combining multiple supply lines into one unified connection interface, the system eliminates the need for separate sealed connections for each supply type, thereby reducing mounting complexity and cost while maintaining reliable supply to all modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sealed connector designs with protective enclosures that integrate multiple lines within a single sealed unit. This approach allows the connections to be made without requiring individual sealing of each line, reducing the need for switch cabinet mounting and associated costs while maintaining protection against environmental factors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pneumatic modules are removed to connect electric modules during system expansion, then system configuration can be adjusted, but the expansion process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The head module is designed with universal interfaces that accept both electronic and pneumatic modules through the same connection mechanism. This universality allows modules to be added or reconfigured without requiring the removal or repositioning of other modules, enabling quick system expansion and reconfiguration while maintaining full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into independent modular units that can be individually added or removed from the head module without affecting the connectivity of other modules. Each module connects through standardized interfaces, allowing for easy system expansion by simply attaching new modules without disturbing existing connections.
4Reliability
If each connector is sealed and line insulations meet specific requirements, then connections are protected in harsh environments, but constructive complexity increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate sealed connections into a single integrated sealed connector system. By merging electronic and pneumatic connections into one unified sealed interface, the system maintains protection against harsh environments while reducing the overall number of sealing points and associated construction complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular system comprises a head module having at least one connection for an external bus signal on an external bus, at least one pneumatic supply connection, an electric supply connection and having a serial bus interface for an internal serial bus, an electric supply interface, a multipole interface and a pneumatic supply interface which are each led to the outside on the same side. The modular system further comprises at least one functional module having an internal serial bus line, electric supply lines, electric multipole lines and pneumatic supply lines which are each passed through from one side to the opposite side and which are each connected to a corresponding interface of the head module. The head module here converts serial bus signals into multipole signals and outputs these signals at the multipole interface. The functional module selectively branches at least one of the multipole lines and, with a signal carried thereon, executes a pneumatic or an electric or both a pneumatic and an electric function.