Modular Automation Connector with Separate Grounding Contacts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular automation solutions face challenges in assembling functional modules, which can be complex and error-prone, necessitating improved connection methods for automation platforms.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with contact-receiving elements for providing energy and data flows, along with grounding elements, ensures secure and efficient connection of functional modules to an automation platform, utilizing various contact types and grounding mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular automation solutions with individual functional modules are used, then flexibility and adaptability of the automation system are improved, but the complexity and error-proneness of assembling functional modules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is segmented into distinct receiving elements: a contacting receiving element for electrical contacts and a grounding receiving element for grounding connections. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall assembly process, as modules can be connected through standardized, separate connection points rather than complex integrated interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device provides universal connectivity by integrating both contacting and grounding receiving elements in a single device. This multi-functional design allows the same connecting device to handle multiple types of connections (power, data, grounding) simultaneously, reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying module assembly while maintaining system flexibility.
2Reliability
If conventional connection methods for functional modules are used, then device complexity is reduced, but assembly errors increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating contacting and grounding functions into distinct receiving elements, the device reduces assembly errors through clear functional differentiation. Each element can be independently optimized for its specific purpose, improving connection reliability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easier to assemble correctly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device acts as an intermediary between functional modules and the automation platform, providing standardized receiving elements that mediate the connection process. This intermediary role ensures proper electrical and grounding connections are established reliably, reducing assembly errors through standardized interfaces while keeping the device structure manageable.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting device (10) for an automation platform, comprising a contact-receiving element (12) which is designed to provide contact with a contacting element (22) of a functional module (20) corresponding to the contact-receiving element (12) and, via this, to provide at least one of a main energy flow, an auxiliary energy flow and a data flow to the functional module (20), and an earthing receiving element (15) which is designed to provide earthing for the functional module.