Modular Communication Device With Circular Permutation Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular electronic devices for digital wireless communications lack modularity and standardization, requiring specific design for each board position and lacking software intelligence, which increases complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular communication device with a master element and standardized modular elements featuring bidirectional electrical links and interchangeable boards, allowing for standardized connections and operation without a backplane, enabling bidirectional communication and mass production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each board is specifically designed according to its rank in the rack, then the device can operate correctly with proper signal routing, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to lack of standardization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal connection interfaces with standardized terminal patterns on all modular elements, allowing any board to be installed in any position without rank-specific design. The circular permutation connection method ensures proper signal routing regardless of board position, enabling mass production of interchangeable boards while maintaining operational reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If modular elements use standardized connection interfaces, then mass production of interchangeable boards becomes possible, but proper signal routing to specific board positions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures the connection topology by establishing a circular permutation pattern where each connection interface is predetermined to connect to specific positions. The terminal patterns are designed in advance to automatically route signals correctly when modular elements are assembled in sequence, eliminating the need for complex real-time detection or measurement of signal paths.
3Ease of operation
If a backplane is used to connect modular elements, then signal routing is simplified, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the backplane component from the modular device architecture. Instead of using a central backplane for signal distribution, each modular element is equipped with direct connection interfaces that establish bidirectional electrical links with adjacent elements, forming a distributed connection network without requiring a separate backplane structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional electrical links are implemented between modular elements, then communication flexibility improves, but the connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the upstream and downstream connection functions into a single standardized interface design. Each modular element has identical connection terminals that simultaneously serve as both upstream outputs and downstream inputs, allowing bidirectional communication to be achieved through a unified connection structure rather than separate dedicated paths.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a modular communication device having a master element with a control unit and bidirectional electrical control input-outputs, a series of modular elements having an upstream connection interface with a series of upstream input-output terminals disposed in locations forming a predetermined pattern, a downstream connection interface having a series of downstream input-output terminals disposed in locations forming the same predetermined pattern, a plurality of bidirectional electrical links connecting an upstream input-output terminal to a downstream input-output terminal in such a manner as to form a circular permutation between the ranks of the upstream and downstream input-output terminals electrically connected in pairs, and in which one of the electrical links is a local control link having an electronic communications module, the modular elements being connected to one another.