Inlay Connector Assembly for Modular Process Control I/O
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current process control systems lack modularity, making it difficult to configure and maintain complex production systems efficiently, as they require extensive reconfiguration or replacement of entire units for changes in controller modules or fieldbus connections.
Innovation Solution
An inlay element with customizable connector sections for controller modules and fieldbus devices, allowing for flexible configuration and easy replacement within a module termination unit, utilizing form-fitting mechanisms and various connection types like RJ45, D-SUB, and USB sockets, enabling modularization without direct signal or electrical connections to the unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If process control systems use fixed configuration units, then system stability is maintained, but modularity and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The inlay element is divided into a first connector section for controller modules and a second connector section for fieldbus devices, creating separable functional units that can be independently configured and replaced within the module termination unit
Solution Approach 2:
The inlay element serves as a universal intermediary component that can connect different types of controller modules to various fieldbus devices, providing multi-functional connectivity without requiring separate dedicated units for each configuration
2Ease of repair
If entire units are replaced for component changes, then system reliability is maintained, but maintenance time and system downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inlay element is designed as a separate replaceable component within the module termination unit, allowing individual inlay elements to be removed and replaced without affecting other inlay elements or the entire module termination unit
Solution Approach 2:
The inlay element is extracted as a distinct removable component from the module termination unit, enabling selective replacement of only the faulty inlay element while leaving the rest of the system operational
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Inlay element (10) configured to be arranged in a module termination unit (11) of a modular process control system, wherein the inlay element (10) comprises: a first connector section (12a) and a second connector section (12b), wherein the first connector section (12a) is configured to be connected to at least one controller module (13) and wherein the second connector section (12b) is configured to be connected to at least one fieldbus device.