Modular Control Apparatus Blocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for modular technical installations face safety and injury risks due to the potential for electronic module parts to be removed while voltages or signals are present, leading to errors or injuries, especially during startup or when high voltages are involved.
Innovation Solution
A control device design that includes a blocking section preventing the securing element from moving into a position that would allow detachment of the first module part from the second module part until the third module part is dismantled, ensuring the first module part is locked until the third module part is removed, thereby enhancing safety and preventing injuries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electronic module part can be freely removed from the bus module part, then the ease of operation and maintenance is improved, but the safety and risk of injury worsen due to potential removal while voltages or signals are present
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking section is designed to automatically prevent removal of the electronic module part before the third module part is dismantled. This preliminary blocking action ensures that module removal can only occur after the system is properly prepared (third module part removed), eliminating the risk of accidental removal while voltages are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking section acts as an intermediary mechanism between the third module part and the securing element. It translates the state of the third module part into a blocking or unblocking state for the securing element, thereby mediating the safety condition that prevents harmful removal actions.
2Reliability
If a blocking section is added to prevent premature module removal, then the safety and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking section is merged with the existing securing element and third module part structure. The blocking functionality is integrated into the mechanical assembly rather than being a separate independent mechanism, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking section serves multiple functions: it prevents premature removal of the electronic module part, provides visual indication of the blocked state, and works in conjunction with the securing element to ensure safe module detachment. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural elements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control apparatus (1) for controlling a technical installation (10) in an automated manner has at least one module (100) which comprises at least a first module part (102), a second module part (104) and a third module part (106). The first module part (102) and the second module part (104) can be mechanically and electrically combined in a first combined arrangement. The first module part (102) and the third module part (106) can be mechanically and electrically combined in a second combined arrangement. The first module part (102) comprises a securing element (114) having a securing engagement section (114b) which can be moved to a first and a second position. The securing engagement section (114b) is in secure engagement with the second module part (104) in the first combined arrangement in the first position, so that the first module part (102) and the second module part (104) are secured to one another. In the second position, the securing engagement section (114b) is arranged in the first combined arrangement in such a way that the first module part (102) and the second module part (104) can be detached from one another. The securing element (114) comprises a securing operating section (114a) by means of which the securing element (114) can be moved between the first and second position in the first combined arrangement when a force is exerted on the securing operating section (114a). According to one aspect of the invention, the securing operating section (114a) is arranged in a first spatial region (R1) in the first position and is arranged in a second spatial region (R2) in the second position, and wherein the third module part (106) has a blocking section (113) which is arranged at least partially in the second spatial region (R2) in the second combined arrangement.