Instrument Panel Card Layout for Reconfigurable Monitoring HMIs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitoring systems for industrial machinery are inflexible, requiring different components for each implementation, which slows down deployment and increases resource requirements.
Innovation Solution
A flexible monitoring system with a common architecture that allows circuits to be configured for different functions, enabling rapid development of new implementations by rearranging existing circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different components are used for each monitoring implementation, then each implementation can be optimized for its specific function, but the deployment time increases and resource requirements multiply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal card module architecture where a single family of card modules can be configured to perform multiple different monitoring functions. Each card module contains reconfigurable circuitry that can be programmed or configured at runtime to serve different monitoring implementations, eliminating the need to manufacture separate hardware components for each function while maintaining implementation-specific optimization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where card modules can change their functional behavior during operation through software configuration or firmware programming. This allows the same physical hardware to adapt to different monitoring requirements dynamically, reducing deployment time while maintaining function-specific performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different components are used for each monitoring implementation, then each implementation can be optimized for its specific function, but the resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal card module architecture where a single family of card modules can be configured to perform multiple different monitoring functions. Each card module contains reconfigurable circuitry that can be programmed or configured at runtime to serve different monitoring implementations, eliminating the need to manufacture separate hardware components for each function while maintaining implementation-specific optimization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple monitoring functions into a single reconfigurable card module platform. By combining what would traditionally require separate dedicated components into one universal module with configurable functionality, the system reduces the total quantity of hardware resources needed while maintaining the ability to optimize for specific monitoring implementations.
3Quantity of substance
If a common architecture is used for all monitoring implementations, then resource requirements are reduced and deployment is faster, but the ability to optimize for specific functions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring system into standardized card modules with common architectural elements (power interfaces, data buses, mounting mechanisms) that provide resource efficiency, while allowing each module to contain specialized functional circuitry that can be configured for specific monitoring functions. This segmentation enables both resource reduction through commonality and function-specific optimization through modular specialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by maintaining a common architecture at the system level while allowing each card module to have customized functional characteristics. The common power interface, data bus, and mechanical mounting provide efficiency, while each module's internal circuitry can be optimized locally for its specific monitoring function through configuration or specialized design.
4Quantity of substance
If a common architecture is used for all monitoring implementations, then resource requirements are reduced, but the customization capability for different functions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring system into standardized card modules with common architectural elements (power interfaces, data buses, mounting mechanisms) that provide resource efficiency, while allowing each module to contain specialized functional circuitry that can be configured for specific monitoring functions. This segmentation enables both resource reduction through commonality and function-specific optimization through modular specialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring card modules with common architectural features during manufacturing, while leaving the specific functional configuration to be determined later through software or firmware. This allows standardized production of the common architecture while maintaining customization capability for different monitoring functions without requiring complex manufacturing processes for each variant.
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument panel includes a frame defining an opening, a plurality of cards, and an HMI. The cards have a front face, a rear face, one or more circuits, and a data interface on the rear face in communication with the circuits. The cards include one or more first cards and one or more second cards. The first cards front face have a vertical dimension approximately equal to a vertical dimension of the opening. The second cards have a body, a nose projecting from the body defining the second cards front face, and a recess between the nose and body. The HMI includes a front face received within the opening. The first cards are positioned with the front face visible within the opening. The second cards are positioned with the nose visible within the opening and a depth of the HMI received within the recess.