IO-Link Gateway for Multi-Device Port Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing IO-Link system faces challenges such as a lack of master ports, difficulties in replacing devices with different cyclic data structures, providing low latency feedback without PLCs, and meeting specific data format requirements for clients.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus is provided that connects at least two secondary devices to a single port of a master device, acting as an IO-Link-capable intermediary. This apparatus includes a processing unit for establishing point-to-point communications and aggregating data, enabling flexible integration and data processing for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional sensors or actuators are added to extend functionality, then the system functionality is improved, but the number of available master ports is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the master device functionality by introducing a separate apparatus (gateway device) that handles port aggregation. This allows the master device to maintain its original port structure while the apparatus provides additional connection capabilities by combining multiple secondary device connections through a single master port.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus acts as an intermediary device between the master device and multiple secondary devices. It receives data from multiple secondary devices via multiple master ports, processes the data, and forwards aggregated data through a single device port to the master device, thereby enabling extended functionality without requiring additional master ports on the master device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a device is replaced with a similar one having different cyclic data structure, then device availability is improved, but data structure compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus dynamically changes data structure parameters by receiving data in one cyclic data structure format from secondary devices and transforming it into a different cyclic data structure format that is compatible with the master device. This allows device replacement with different data structures while maintaining compatibility through automated data format conversion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data processing is performed to meet specific client data format requirements, then data format compliance is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs preliminary data processing and formatting before data is forwarded to the master device. By pre-processing the data to meet specific client format requirements in advance, the system avoids the need for complex real-time processing at the master device or client side, thereby reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining format compliance.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus (3) for connecting at least two secondary devices (8a-d) to one port (7a) of a master device (7), the apparatus (3) being configured as an IO-Link-capable-device for being interposed between the secondary devices (8a-d), each configured as an IO-Link device, and the master device (7), configured as an IO-Link master.