Intelligent Connector Bus Control Module Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing direct-connection control mode in electric appliances becomes cumbersome and inflexible as new devices are introduced, leading to a need for a more versatile and efficient method to couple hardware modules to a bus for control and power supply, especially given the diversity of hardware modules with varying structural and size differences.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent connector is developed, comprising a bus control module with a bus interface, load interface, switch control interface, and signal processing unit, which allows for the integration of different hardware modules onto a bus, enabling signal exchange and power supply control through a bus architecture, thereby alleviating installation challenges and enhancing flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional direct-connection control mode is used to connect the master control board to each hardware module, then each module can be controlled reliably, but the master control board becomes larger in size and more complex with more devices and switches integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into segments: a master control board that remains simple and a bus-based distributed control architecture where each hardware module has its own control circuit. This segmentation allows reliable control of each module without concentrating all control functions on the master board, thus reducing its complexity and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bus system as an intermediary between the master control board and hardware modules. This bus architecture acts as a mediator that enables communication and control without requiring direct connections from the master board to each module, simplifying the master board while maintaining control reliability through the bus protocol.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bus-type control architecture is used to control hardware modules, then the system flexibility and integration are improved, but hardware modules without data processing function cannot be connected and require additional intelligent control modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal intelligent connector that can interface with various types of hardware modules (heating pipes, electrical machines, valves, etc.) regardless of their original data processing capabilities. This universal interface allows both simple and complex modules to be connected to the bus system through a standardized adapter, maintaining system flexibility while avoiding the need for complex module-specific control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The intelligent connector acts as an intermediary adapter between the bus system and hardware modules. It provides the necessary data processing and communication protocols at the connector level rather than requiring each module to have built-in intelligence, thus enabling simple modules to be connected while keeping overall system complexity manageable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If numerous hardware modules are integrated with diverse structural and size differences, then the appliance functionality is enhanced, but it becomes difficult to devise a versatile intelligent connector installable on different modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal intelligent connector with standardized interfaces and mounting mechanisms that can accommodate various hardware modules despite their different structures and sizes. The connector incorporates adaptive features such as adjustable mounting brackets and universal electrical contacts that can interface with different module types, enabling easy installation across diverse modules while maintaining consistent bus communication.
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent connector is provided and includes a bus control module. The a bus control module includes a bus interface, a load interface, a first switch control interface configured to output a switch control signal, and a signal processing unit configured to process a interchanged signal.