Modular Electric Installation System Standardized Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular electrical installation systems are not cost-effective, flexible, or modular, as they require multiple communication modules for different types of control units and lack standardization in communication interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A modular electrical installation system with a communication module featuring a standardized IO-Link interface and M12 connections, allowing for plug-and-work functionality and compatibility with various control units through a uniform communication interface, enabling easy adaptation and connection via plug connections or cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication modules are provided for different types of control units, then compatibility with various control units is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication module design where a single module type can interface with multiple control unit types through a standardized communication interface. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized communication modules, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability across different control unit types.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication module is separated from the control unit into an independent, standardized component. This segmentation allows the communication module to be universally applied across different control units without requiring integration into each specific control unit design, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If communication interfaces are customized for each control unit type, then optimal communication performance is achieved, but ease of manufacture and standardization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A standardized communication interface is defined that enables a single communication module design to work with multiple control unit types. This standardization improves ease of manufacture and reduces costs while maintaining reliable communication through proven interface designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface uses standardized electrical parameters and protocols (such as IO-Link, Profinet, or Profibus) that can be consistently implemented across different control units. This allows reliable communication performance to be achieved through parameter standardization rather than custom interface designs.
3Device complexity
If a single communication module type is used for all control units, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but adaptability to different control unit types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a communication module with universal compatibility features, allowing a single module type to interface with multiple control unit types through standardized connections and communication protocols, thus achieving both reduced complexity and maintained adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized communication interface acts as an intermediary layer between the communication module and different control unit types. This intermediary standardization enables compatibility without requiring custom modules for each control unit type.
4Reliability
If multiple specialized communication modules are manufactured, then specific communication requirements are met, but loss of time for selection and installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
By providing a single universal communication module that can interface with multiple control unit types, the selection process is simplified from choosing among multiple specialized modules to selecting one standard module, significantly reducing selection and installation time while still meeting various communication requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a modular-type electric installation system comprising a control unit (10) for an electric modular arrangement (12). Said control unit (10) and the modular arrangement (12) form a modular unit. A separate communication module (15) is provided for communicating with an external control unit, said communication module being connected or can be connected to the control unit (10) by means of at least one uniform, standardised communication interface (23, 25).