Integrated Field Signal Processing Without Universal I/O Cards

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing field control systems require additional installation space and are prone to setup errors and functional failures due to the need for universal I/O cards, which increase setup time and costs, and necessitate adaptations in signal processing and interconnection systems.

Innovation Solution

A field control system comprising a control component and a processing component that are electro-conductively and mechanically connected, allowing for the direct exchange of electric signals between field devices and the control system without the need for universal I/O cards, thereby simplifying installation and retrofitting while adapting to different signal forms and communication directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If universal I/O cards are used to match the function of signal processing, then the system can handle different signal forms, but additional installation space is required and setup time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing adaptabilityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the signal processing unit with the base unit into a single integrated field control system. The processing component is electrically connected to the control component within the same housing, eliminating the need for separate universal I/O cards. This integration maintains signal processing adaptability while reducing installation space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The field control system is designed with a universal architecture that can handle different signal forms through software configuration rather than hardware adaptation. The control component can be configured to match different signal processing functions, providing versatility without requiring additional physical cards or components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If universal I/O cards are used for signal processing, then different signal forms can be handled, but setup errors and functional failures increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the processing component directly into the field control system with defined electrical connections, the patent eliminates the intermediate universal I/O cards that serve as potential failure points. This reduction in component interfaces decreases the probability of setup errors and functional failures while maintaining signal processing versatility through software configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If universal I/O cards are used to match signal processing functions, then the system is more versatile, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing adaptabilityVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated field control system, eliminating the need for separate universal I/O cards and their associated hardware complexity. The integrated design maintains versatility through software-based signal processing configuration rather than hardware adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/hardware-based universal I/O card system with a software-based configuration approach. The control component can be programmed to handle different signal forms without physical hardware changes, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If universal I/O cards are installed for signal processing, then the system can accommodate different functions, but installation time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing adaptabilityVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the processing component into the base unit, the patent eliminates the time-consuming installation and configuration of separate universal I/O cards. The field control system is pre-configured to handle different signal forms, reducing setup time while maintaining signal processing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The field control system is designed with pre-integrated processing capabilities that are ready for use without requiring additional installation steps. The control component can be configured for different signal processing functions through software settings before deployment, eliminating the need for time-consuming hardware installation and testing of universal I/O cards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20230244201A1Technology for processing and exchanging field signals

Publication Date: 2023.08.03 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A field control system includes: a control component for exchanging electric signals with at least one field device; and a processing component for processing electric signals exchanged between the at least one field device and the control component. The processing component and the control component are electro-conductively and mechanically connected or connectable. In a connected state, the electric signals are exchangeable between the at least one field device and a control system connected to the field control system by the processing component and the control component.