Modular Connection Assembly for Decentralized Automation Platforms

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of functional modules in conventional automation platforms is time-consuming and error-prone, necessitating an improvement in the connection of these modules with a common connection device to enhance efficiency and reduce errors.

Innovation Solution

A connection device with main and secondary connections, guide surfaces, and a base body housing that supports modular assembly, providing electrical connections for functional modules, including power and data flows, and allowing flexible arrangement and easy maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional connection methods are used for assembling functional modules, then the automation platform can be built with modular components, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodular assembly capabilityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device is segmented into a housing with a connection area, guide surfaces, and multiple connection types (main and secondary connections). This segmentation allows functional modules to be divided into standardized units that can be independently assembled and connected, reducing assembly time while maintaining modular versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device acts as an intermediary between functional modules, providing a standardized interface with guide surfaces that facilitate precise alignment and connection. This intermediary structure enables rapid assembly by mediating the connection process between modules, reducing both time and errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional connection methods are used for assembling functional modules, then the automation platform can be built with modular components, but the assembly process becomes error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodular assembly capabilityVSAvoidassembly accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Guide surfaces are provided in the connection area to preliminarily position and align functional modules before final connection. This preliminary action ensures correct alignment and positioning, reducing assembly errors while maintaining modular versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device with its structured connection area and guide surfaces serves as an intermediary that enforces correct assembly procedures. This intermediary structure guides the assembly process to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple functional modules are connected to a common connection device, then system flexibility and scalability are improved, but the complexity of the connection arrangement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidconnection arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device is designed with universal main connections and secondary connections that can accommodate different functional modules. This multi-functionality allows a single connection device to handle multiple module types, improving system flexibility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device segments connections into main connections for primary functionality and secondary connections for additional functionality. This segmentation organizes the complexity into manageable parts, allowing scalable assembly of multiple modules without overwhelming complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Area of stationary object

If functional modules are densely arranged in the connection area, then space utilization is improved, but maintenance accessibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection area utilizationVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device segments modules into independently connectable units with standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows individual modules to be accessed and maintained without requiring disassembly of the entire system, improving maintenance accessibility while maintaining dense arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250324531A1Connection device for providing a decentralized automation platform

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 MURR ELEKTRONIK GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a connection device for a decentralized automation platform, comprising: a set of main and secondary connections for electrically connecting multiple functional modules in a connection area; one or more main connection surfaces with main connections; at least one guide surface positioned at a defined angle to the main connection surface to mechanically guide and support module assembly; a base body with a housing and a connection arrangement electrically linked to the main and/or secondary connections to interconnect the functional modules; and electrical lines within the housing to supply main energy, auxiliary energy, and data flow to operate the automation platform for controlling industrial plant devices.