Modular Field Device Elastic Connection Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The modular design of field devices in automation technology complicates assembly due to increased electronic components, making it difficult to securely and safely connect them both electrically and mechanically within the limited housing space.
Innovation Solution
A modular field device design featuring an elastic connection between electronic components, which allows for mechanical securement and electrical connection, reducing the force required during assembly and providing a safer assembly process by using elastic components like elastomeric materials or spring elements, and snap fit hooks, enabling a spring movement of at least 2 mm to accommodate component tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular design is applied to field devices with multiple electronic components, then component universality and cost reduction are improved, but assembly difficulty and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical securement and electrical connection functions into a single integrated plug contact component. The plug contact simultaneously provides mechanical anchoring for the first electronic component and electrical contact for the second electronic component, reducing the number of separate assembly operations and simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining modular design benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic connection acts as an intermediary element between the two electronic components, providing both mechanical coupling and electrical connectivity. This intermediary component facilitates the connection process by absorbing assembly tolerances and reducing the force required during assembly, thereby decreasing assembly complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic components are secured mechanically and electrically in limited housing space, then functional integration is improved, but force required during assembly increases causing damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the connection system by introducing an elastic element with defined prestress. This elastic connection allows for controlled deformation and spring movement (at least 2 mm) to accommodate assembly tolerances, thereby reducing the peak force during assembly and minimizing the risk of damaging the plug contact while maintaining secure functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic connection provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-stressed to absorb assembly variations. The elastic element is designed with appropriate prestress and spring constant to cushion the impact during assembly, preventing excessive force from reaching the plug contact and reducing damage risk before the assembly is complete
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The elastic connection simplifies assembly, reduces the risk of damaging electrical plug contacts, ensures a secure and stable connection, and enhances operational safety by allowing for defined prestress and preventing loose connections during operation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic connection, which is embodied to connect the first electronic component elastically with the second electronic component
Implementation Method 2
the elastic connection is advantageously so designed that it permits a spring movement between the first electronic component and the second electronic component of at least 2 mm
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a modular field device, which is simply and safely assemblable. For this, the field device comprises: a housing having an electrical plug contact arranged in a housing interior, a mechanical securement, which is embodied to secure a first electronic component in the housing interior, a second electronic component, which is arrangeable in the housing interior and which is electrically contactable with the plug contact, and an elastic connection, which is embodied to connect the first electronic component elastically with the second electronic component. A division of tasks between two electronic components enables a modular design of the field device with universally applicable electronic components. In addition, the elastic connection provides a simple, mechanical securement of the first electronic component in the housing with simultaneous, safe, electrical connection of the second electronic component with the plug contact.