Interlocking Modular I/O Bus Assembly for Remote Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular electrical bus systems for pneumatic valve manifolds lack ease of modular I/O component mounting and separation, and do not provide a graphical visual display for status and parameter monitoring, limiting remote installation and configuration flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A modular electrical bus system with interlocking I/O units connected via bridge members, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and featuring an alpha-numeric graphical display for status monitoring, enabling remote installation and automatic power source selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If modular I/O units are designed to be easily mounted and separated for remote installation, then installation flexibility and remote mounting capability are improved, but mechanical connection stability and electrical connection reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular I/O units that can be independently mounted and separated. Each unit contains complete functional components (electrical fittings, processing electronics, display), allowing individual replacement and remote installation without affecting other units in the valve manifold system.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge member is received within a cavity in the I/O unit housing, creating a nested structure where the connector is housed inside the module. This provides secure mechanical retention while maintaining ease of installation and removal through simple plug-in operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If I/O modules are remotely mounted away from the main communication module, then remote monitoring and control capability are improved, but communication connection stability and power supply reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical connection between modules, establishes electrical connections for power and communication signals, and enables data transmission. This multi-functionality ensures reliable remote mounting while maintaining stable communication through a single integrated component.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional modular systems require different remote components for distributed I/O, then system complexity increases, but if a unified modular design is used, then component variety increases while maintaining ease of assembly
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal I/O unit design with standardized housing, electrical fittings, and bridge member interface can be deployed in multiple locations and configurations. The same module type serves all I/O functions throughout the system, eliminating the need for different remote component variants while maintaining ease of assembly through consistent mounting procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a modular electrical bus assembly comprising a first module and a second module juxtaposed against each other; said first module having at least one side with an interlocking extension; and said second module having a juxtaposed side with a complementary interlocking cavity.