Modular Control Apparatus Segmentation for Legacy Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control apparatuses are inefficient, costly, and lack compatibility with obsolete systems, failing to perform a wide range of high-performance control functions efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction control apparatus with a main card and expandable slots, featuring processing units, communication interfaces, and accessory cards capable of digital/analogue conversions, high-speed data transmission, and firmware updates, ensuring compatibility with existing systems through standardized mechanical dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current control apparatuses are used, then basic control functions are provided, but efficiency is low, cost is high, and compatibility with obsolete systems is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus is divided into a main card and multiple accessory cards that can be independently inserted into expansion slots. Each card performs specific functions (processing, communication, conversion), allowing the system to be configured modularly based on needs, improving efficiency while controlling cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The main card includes multiple expansion slots that can accommodate various types of accessory cards (processing cards, communication cards, conversion cards). This universal interface allows a single apparatus to perform multiple control functions, enhancing productivity without requiring multiple separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If current control apparatuses are used, then basic control functions are provided, but compatibility with obsolete systems is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus provides standardized mechanical dimensions and interfaces (expansion slots, input/output connectors) that enable compatibility with both modern and obsolete systems. The main card can work with various accessory cards to adapt to different system requirements, enhancing versatility without significantly increasing complexity.
3Productivity
If high-performance control functions are added, then functionality is enhanced, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
High-performance functions are implemented through separate accessory cards (e.g., FPGA processing cards, high-speed communication cards) that can be inserted into the main card's expansion slots. This allows the system to achieve high performance only where needed, rather than requiring all components to be high-performance, thus controlling overall cost.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions are integrated, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus uses a modular architecture where the main card provides basic functionality and expansion slots, while specific accessory cards add specialized functions (processing, communication, conversion). This segmentation allows versatility to be achieved by combining simple modules rather than integrating all functions into a single complex unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized expansion slot interface allows the same main card to work with various accessory cards, providing multiple functions through a universal platform. This approach achieves versatility without proportionally increasing complexity, as the core architecture remains simple while functionality is extended through interchangeable modules.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a multifunction control apparatus, including:a main card, provided with a first processing unit, and a plurality of expansion slots;A plurality of accessory cards, which can each be inserted in an expansion slot, at least one of said accessory cards being a management card of the slave type with respect to the main card, said management card comprising:a second processing unit;at least one communication interface.