Modular Cable Assembly with Protocol Translation Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic communication systems face challenges due to differences in communication standards and protocols between subsystems, making it difficult to modify or replace components without creating custom interfaces, which is costly and inhibits plug-and-play modularity.
Innovation Solution
A modular cable assembly with a communication translation module (CTM) that stores predetermined system device protocols, allowing it to identify and translate between different electronic communication protocols, enabling seamless communication between various system devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary or custom interfaces are created for each subsystem, then communication compatibility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication control assembly as an intermediary device that includes a protocol translation module. This module translates between different communication protocols, allowing subsystems with proprietary interfaces to communicate without requiring custom interface creation for each subsystem. The translation module acts as a mediator that converts protocol A to protocol B, eliminating the need for direct custom interface development between each pair of subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication control assembly provides universal communication capability by supporting multiple communication protocols simultaneously. Rather than creating specific custom interfaces for each subsystem combination, a single communication control assembly can handle multiple protocol translations, making it a universal solution that works across different subsystem types and communication standards.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed-time interfaces are used based on existing software platforms, then initial system integration is simplified, but system adaptability and update capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The communication control assembly implements dynamic protocol translation capabilities that can adapt to different communication protocols as subsystems are updated or replaced. Rather than being fixed to a single protocol at manufacturing time, the system can dynamically select and translate between multiple protocols based on the connected subsystems, enabling seamless updates and replacements without reintegration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures the communication control assembly with multiple protocol translation capabilities during manufacturing, preparing it in advance to handle various communication protocols. This preliminary preparation allows the system to easily adapt to different subsystems without requiring custom interface development at integration time, combining manufacturing simplicity with operational flexibility.
3Reliability
If custom interfaces are created for each subsystem modification, then communication precision is maintained, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol translation module serves as an intermediary that maintains communication precision by accurately translating data between different protocols. Rather than creating custom interfaces for each subsystem modification, the translation module handles protocol conversion while preserving data integrity and communication reliability, enabling rapid subsystem updates without sacrificing precision.
4Reliability
If proprietary interfaces are developed for each device, then communication reliability is improved, but ease of operation and repair deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The communication control assembly provides universal plug-and-play capability by supporting multiple communication protocols through its translation module. Subsystems can be connected and operated without specialized interface knowledge, as the communication control assembly automatically handles protocol translation. This maintains communication reliability while dramatically improving ease of operation and repair.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular cable assembly for use with a system including a first system device and a second system device is provided. The first system device is configured to produce a first electronic communication protocol. The second system device is configured to produce a second electronic communication protocol. The modular cable assembly includes a first connector, a second connector, a cable body, and a communication control assembly. The communication control assembly includes a communication translation module (CTM). The CTM includes a protocol storage submodule configured to store a plurality of predetermined system device protocols (PSDPs) and a processor in communication with the protocol storage submodule storing instructions, which instructions when executed cause the processor to identify the second system device using a second selected PSDP of the plurality of PSDPs and translate at least a portion of the second electronic communication protocol into the first electronic communication protocol.