Industrial Control Cable With Knuckle Connector And Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial and process control systems face challenges with managing diverse cable types for various automation equipment, leading to increased complexity and costs due to the need for extensive inventory and potential production delays from incorrect cable usage.
Innovation Solution
A versatile cable design with a connector assembly and knuckle configuration that allows articulation and authentication through circuitry, including a unique identifier and security credential, to ensure correct device connection and prevent counterfeit equipment, while also facilitating cryptographic communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cable types are used for different automation equipment, then device compatibility is improved, but inventory complexity and management costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal cable design with a standardized connector assembly that can connect to multiple types of automation equipment including I/O modules, power supplies, and controllers. The connector assembly features a knuckle mechanism that allows articulation to accommodate different mounting orientations and device types, enabling a single cable type to replace multiple specialized cable types in diverse industrial control system applications
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive cable inventory is maintained for different equipment types, then device compatibility is improved, but costs and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal cable design with standardized connector assembly enables a single cable type to interface with multiple automation equipment types including I/O modules, power supplies, and controllers. The knuckle mechanism provides articulation capability to accommodate various mounting orientations, allowing facilities to reduce their cable inventory while maintaining compatibility across different device types and manufacturers
3Reliability
If authentication circuitry is added to cables, then security is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable incorporates authentication circuitry that automatically performs security verification when connected to automation equipment. The circuitry includes authentication credentials and communication interfaces that enable self-service authentication without requiring external security systems, allowing the cable to verify its own legitimacy and the compatibility of connected devices while maintaining a relatively simple overall design
Data Source
AI summary
A cable includes a wiring assembly with a knuckle and wires bundled together. The cable also includes a connector assembly with a connector having connections for the wires, where the connections are arranged along a longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the connector assembly captures an end of the wiring assembly, and the knuckle of the wiring assembly is pivotally connected to the connector assembly. In some embodiments, the cable includes circuitry configured to authenticate the cable to a device connected to the cable by the connector and/or to authenticate the device connected to the cable. A control system includes control elements and/or subsystems coupled with a backplane adjacent to one another and cables configured to connect to the control elements and/or subsystems. Wiring assemblies of the cables can articulate to be parallel to each respective connector. Further, each cable can authenticate the cables and/or the control elements or subsystems.