Modular Bus System Grid Backplane for Space Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular bus systems face rigidity in space requirements due to uniform module widths, leading to wasted space when fewer channels are needed, limiting flexibility in arranging input/output function modules.
Innovation Solution
A modular bus system with a mounting rail and base modules featuring perpendicular electrical connectors and receiving areas, allowing input/output function modules to be arranged transversely and connected in a grid format, enabling flexible combination of modules with varying widths and functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If uniform module widths are used in modular bus systems, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but space utilization efficiency deteriorates when fewer channels are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The backplane is divided into multiple receiving areas arranged in a grid pattern, allowing I/O modules of different widths to be segmented and positioned in specific grid units. This enables partial occupancy of the backplane, improving space utilization while maintaining standardized module designs for ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the backplane are designed with different numbers and arrangements of receiving areas to accommodate various I/O module configurations. This local differentiation allows optimal space utilization for specific channel requirements while maintaining uniform manufacturing processes for the modules themselves.
2Device complexity
If fixed module arrangements are used, then system structure is simplified, but flexibility in arranging input/output function modules deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed module arrangements to a dynamic configuration system where I/O modules can be selectively positioned in different grid units on the backplane. The evaluation and control device dynamically detects module positions and configurations, enabling flexible arrangement while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The module arrangement flexibility is enhanced by introducing a grid-based positioning system with multiple dimensions (rows and columns of receiving areas). This allows modules to be arranged in two-dimensional space rather than simple linear sequences, providing greater configurational flexibility while maintaining structured organization.
3Quantity of substance
If all available channels are provided in existing modules, then communication capacity is maximized, but space along the DIN rail is wasted when fewer channels are required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing all available channels in every module, the system allows partial utilization of communication capacity by enabling selective activation and positioning of I/O modules with specific channel counts in appropriate grid locations. This prevents wasted DIN rail space while maintaining the capability for full communication capacity when needed.
4Ease of manufacture
If modular units are serially connected, then system expansion is simplified, but communication flexibility between non-adjacent modules deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The backplane with its grid of receiving areas serves multiple functions: it provides a standardized expansion interface like serial connections, but also enables direct communication pathways between any modules positioned on the same backplane regardless of adjacency. This universal platform maintains expansion simplicity while adding communication flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a modular bus system (100), comprising – a support rail (1), which has a basal area (1a) and a longitudinal axis, – at least one base module (2), mountable on the support rail (1), for electrical connection to at least one input/output functional module (31 – 36) that has a backplane printed circuit board (21) to which at least one group of at least two 1st electrical connectors (70a, 70b) for electrical coupling to an electrical connector (23) of an input/output functional module (31 – 36) is connected, wherein the at least two 1st electrical connectors (70a, 70b) of the at least one group are arranged in succession relative to an imaginary line that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support rail (1) and lie in a plane in which the basal area (1a) of the support rail (1) lies or that lies parallel to the basal area, – at least one input/output functional module (31 – 36) that has an electrical connector (23) and an electronic device (120) for communication with the modular bus system, wherein the electrical connector (23) of the input/output functional module (31 – 36) is designed for electrical connection to one of the electrical connectors (70a, 70b) of the at least one base module (2).