Functional Module Connections for Backplane-Free Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automation platforms for industrial plants face challenges such as complex assembly, limited flexibility, and high space requirements due to the limitations of backplane designs, leading to inefficiencies and increased error-proneness.
Innovation Solution
A modular automation platform comprising functional modules with integrated connection arrangements that allow for flexible expansion and connection without a separate backplane, utilizing electrical and data connections to facilitate seamless integration and operation, including main and auxiliary energy flows, data transmission, and various automation functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional backplane designs are used to assemble functional modules, then the automation platform can be formed with standardized connections, but the assembly becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection arrangement directly into the functional modules themselves, eliminating the need for a separate backplane. Each functional module integrates its own connection interfaces and electrical connections, allowing modules to be connected directly to each other without requiring assembly on a common backplane structure. This integration simplifies the assembly process and reduces errors associated with complex backplane installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the backplane from the system by implementing decentralized connections where each functional module has its own integrated connection arrangement. This removes the central backplane component that caused assembly complexity, allowing modules to connect directly to each other through their own built-in connection interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional backplane designs are used, then functional modules can be connected, but flexibility to adapt to individual requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by allowing functional modules to have different connection configurations based on their specific functions. Each module can be independently configured with appropriate connection arrangements, enabling the system to adapt flexibly to various automation requirements without being constrained by a fixed backplane design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal functional modules that can serve multiple purposes through integrated connection arrangements. Each module is designed to be versatile, capable of connecting to different types of devices and performing various automation functions, thereby eliminating the limitations imposed by specialized backplane designs.
3Productivity
If conventional automation platforms are used, then functional modules can be assembled, but larger space requirements result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by integrating the connection arrangements directly within the functional modules themselves, rather than requiring external backplane structures. This nested integration allows the connection functionality to be contained within the modules, reducing the overall space required for the automation platform while maintaining full connectivity capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the connection functionality into the functional modules, eliminating the need for separate backplane space. By combining the connection arrangement with the functional modules themselves, the system achieves more compact packaging and better space utilization compared to conventional platforms that require dedicated backplane areas.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a functional module (200) for forming a decentralized automation platform (1), in which the functional module (200) is modularly connected to a plurality of further functional modules (201) in order to modularly provide a plurality of functions for the automation of an industrial plant, comprising: - an electronic arrangement (60) for providing at least one of the plurality of functions, - a base body (20) with a base body housing (30) in which the electronic arrangement (60) is arranged, - a connection arrangement (40) which is arranged on the base body housing (30) and/or is electrically connected to the electronic arrangement (60) in order to provide an electrical connection for one of the plurality of further functional modules (201), wherein the connection arrangement (40) is designed to form a main energy flow,to provide an auxiliary energy flow and a data flow between the functional module (200) and the connected further functional module (201) in order to operate the automation platform (1) for automating the industrial plant.,