Modular Bus Segment with Multi-Speed Sub-Segments

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The expansion of MODULBUS systems is limited by data transfer rates, which restricts the complexity and efficiency of data transmission within these networks.

Innovation Solution

A MODULBUS system segment comprising a gateway and multiple slave modules, connected in series, with sub-segments operating at different data transmission speeds and capable of data conversion, including compression and fragmentation, to facilitate efficient data transfer across varying communication speeds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a MODULBUS system uses a single data transmission speed for all sub-segments, then the system structure is simple and easy to implement, but the data transmission efficiency is limited and the system expansion is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The MODULBUS system is divided into multiple independent sub-segments, each capable of operating at different data transmission speeds. This segmentation allows each sub-segment to be optimized independently for its specific communication requirements, thereby improving overall data transmission efficiency without requiring the entire system to operate at a uniform speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic data transmission by allowing different sub-segments to operate at different speeds simultaneously. The gateway performs data conversion and speed adaptation, enabling the system to dynamically adjust transmission parameters based on the specific requirements of each sub-segment, thus resolving the contradiction between transmission efficiency and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the data transmission speed is increased throughout the entire MODULBUS system, then the data transmission efficiency improves, but the compatibility with existing devices and the system stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different sub-segments of the MODULBUS system are assigned different data transmission speeds according to their specific requirements. High-speed sub-segments can operate at higher rates for time-critical communications, while other sub-segments maintain lower speeds for compatibility with existing devices. This local optimization approach improves overall efficiency without compromising system-wide stability or compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway acts as an intermediary between sub-segments operating at different speeds. It performs data conversion, buffering, and protocol adaptation, allowing high-speed and low-speed sub-segments to coexist without interfering with each other's stability. This mediator function enables speed differentiation while maintaining overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the MODULBUS system is expanded to include more slave modules, then the system functionality and capacity increase, but the data transmission bottlenecks and communication delays worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem expansion capacityVSAvoidcommunication delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into multiple sub-segments that can operate independently at different speeds. This allows the system to expand by adding more slave modules to specific sub-segments without creating a single points of congestion. Each sub-segment can be optimized for its specific communication load, reducing overall transmission delays while maintaining expansion capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If different data transmission speeds are implemented in sub-segments, then the data transmission efficiency and system adaptability improve, but the device complexity and data conversion requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem adaptabilityVSAvoiddata conversion complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle data conversion between different speeds, protocol adaptation, and coordination of multiple sub-segments. This universal device consolidates the complexity of speed differentiation and data conversion in a single component, allowing the rest of the system to remain relatively simple while still achieving high adaptability across different sub-segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4325776A1Modular bus segment and method for automation of a treatment system
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 TURCK HOLDING GMBH
  • EP4325776A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4325776A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4325776A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a module bus segment for connection to a network, in particular to a fieldbus network or Ethernet, comprising at least one gateway and at least four slave modules, in particular five or more slave modules, wherein the gateway and the at least four slave modules are connected in series and together form a module bus segment, wherein a slave module comprises the following: - for power supply at least one two-wire connection for a supply line, - for communication upstream data at least one UP_input interface and at least one UP_output interface and downstream data a DN input interface, and wherein the gateway is arranged on the input side of the module segment.The module bus segment comprises, or is formed from, at least two sub-segments, each of which has an input side and an output side, wherein at least one sub-segment is configured to transmit data at a first speed and at least one sub-segment is configured to transmit data at a second speed that differs from the first speed. The invention also includes an associated method.