I/O Module Link Element for Power Line Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input/output modules in industrial automation require an undesirably high number of power lines to be connected to the connector strip, making the connection process cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The input/output module incorporates a means for forwarding a supply voltage in parallel to the contact strip, using a link element that plugs into terminal points on the connector strip, eliminating the need for additional wiring of power lines by using a pair of conductors with terminal points that can be connected via link elements, allowing for efficient supply voltage distribution to printed circuit boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional input/output modules use separate power lines for each signal line, then reliable power supply is ensured, but the number of power lines to be connected to the connector strip increases undesirably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power line connections into a single common power line that serves all signal lines. Instead of having separate power lines for each of the 32 signal lines, a single common power line is introduced that distributes power to all channels through the contact strip, thereby reducing the number of power lines from 32 to 1 while maintaining reliable power supply to all signal lines
Solution Approach 2:
The common power line serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power to all 32 signal lines through the contact strip, acts as a reference potential for all channels, and eliminates the need for individual power line routing for each signal line. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by making a single power line perform the work of many
2Ease of operation
If conventional modules require multiple power lines for each signal line, then individual power control is possible, but the connection process becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all power line connections into a single common power line that is connected to the connector strip once. This single connection point replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate power line connections, dramatically simplifying the connection process and making it much more efficient while reducing the quantity of power lines from many individual lines to one common line
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration reduces the number of power lines needed, simplifying the connection process and enabling efficient supply voltage distribution to multiple printed circuit boards with minimal wiring requirements, thereby enhancing user-friendliness and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the supply voltage is connected to the printed circuit board via a link element able to be plugged into the terminal point and the mating terminal point
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial automation technology input/output module includes a base section with front and rear sides, a printed circuit board, a contact strip on the front side with a plurality of contact elements configured to make an electrical connection with corresponding mating contact elements of a connector strip, wherein the contact elements are electrically connected to the printed circuit board, a device for forwarding a supply voltage for the printed circuit board is disposed parallel to the contact strip, the device includes a terminal point and the connector strip is formed to include a plurality of mating terminal points electrically connected to respective mating contact elements, and the supply voltage is switched to the printed circuit board via a link element that is insertable into the terminal point and the mating terminal point to interconnect a pair of opposed contact elements and to supply voltage to the printed circuit board.