Junction Box Logic Expansion Reducing Voltage Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing junction boxes are complex due to the need for specific compatibility with different sensor output signals and suffer from excessive voltage drop when multiple proximity sensors are connected in series, leading to degraded output signals and increased design complexity.
Innovation Solution
A junction box with logic functions that receives output signals from multiple sensors, generates a single output upon all sensors indicating a closed status, and allows expansion by connecting additional junction boxes, featuring isolation devices and expansion connectors to maintain signal integrity and accommodate varying numbers of sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple proximity sensors are connected in series to generate a common signal, then a single output signal can be generated when all sensors indicate closed position, but the cumulative voltage drop across the sensors degrades the output signal excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor connection system into multiple independent parallel channels, each with its own isolation device. Instead of connecting sensors in series through a single common path, each sensor connects to the output device through separate isolated channels, eliminating cumulative voltage drop while maintaining the AND logic function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces isolation devices as intermediary components between the input sensors and the output device. These isolation devices act as mediators that transfer the logical state of each sensor to the output device without allowing voltage drops to accumulate, thereby maintaining signal integrity while enabling multiple sensor inputs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a specific junction box is designed to be compatible with both specific sensor output signals and robotic device input signals, then compatibility is achieved, but the design complexity of robotic devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the junction box with universal isolation devices that can handle different sensor output signal types (PNP, NPN, and other types) through a common architecture. The isolation devices are configured to accommodate various input signal characteristics while providing a standardized output interface, making the junction box adaptable to different sensor and robotic device combinations without requiring custom designs.
3Quantity of substance
If more than two proximity sensors are connected in series, then more sensors can be monitored, but the cumulative voltage drop degrades the output signal excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor input paths into multiple independent parallel channels, each protected by its own isolation device. This allows any number of sensors to be connected without their voltage drops accumulating, as each sensor operates in its own isolated electrical domain while contributing to the common logical output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a series connection topology (one-dimensional signal path) to a parallel connection topology with multiple independent channels (multi-dimensional signal paths). This dimensional change allows multiple sensors to be connected while preventing voltage drop accumulation, as the signal paths no longer share common conductive elements that would cause cumulative resistance.
Data Source
AI summary
A junction box receives a plurality of input signals. The input signals are combined in accordance with AND logic to provide an output signal when all input signals are present. Multiple junction boxes may be connected to one another to increase the number of input signals that are accepted.