Modular Fieldbus Carrier With Sliding Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fieldbus systems require a large number of components and complex wiring for power and signal distribution, making them difficult to assemble and scale, especially when dealing with different module widths and application-specific configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular fieldbus system featuring a carrier module with sliding connectors for fieldbus modules, allowing for a self-assembling bus that can be extended and adapted in length, with connectors for main power, auxiliary power, and data, and a locking mechanism for secure attachment, enabling flexible and scalable configuration without manual wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional busbar systems and flying connections are used for power distribution in fieldbus systems, then power can be distributed, but the system requires excessive lengths of busbars and lines, increasing complexity and making assembly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power distribution and signal distribution into a single integrated fieldbus module assembly. The housing contains both the power distribution unit with busbars and the signal distribution unit with connection terminals, eliminating the need for separate flying connections and reducing overall wiring complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fieldbus module housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for both power distribution and signal distribution, acts as an enclosure for electrical components, and enables modular assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
2Ease of operation
If individual fieldbus modules are placed next to each other in individual housings and wired separately, then functions can be distributed, but the system becomes difficult to assemble and scale
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular fieldbus modules that can be independently configured and then assembled together. Each module contains segmented functional units (power distribution, signal distribution) that can be independently wired within the housing, allowing for flexible configuration and easy assembly of larger systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where connection terminals are mounted on the housing and electrically connected to busbars inside the same housing. This nesting of electrical connections within the mechanical enclosure eliminates external wiring between components, simplifying assembly and scaling.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual wiring of control signals and data bus, auxiliary power and main power is performed, then connections can be established, but excessive lengths of busbars and lines are used and assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is pre-configured with connection terminals mounted and electrically connected to the internal busbars before final assembly. This preliminary establishment of electrical connections eliminates the need for lengthy external wiring during system assembly, as power and signal connections are already in place within each module housing.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a carrier module (100) for fieldbus modules that can be snapped onto a carrier profile and is movable on the carrier profile, with a first plug connector (101L) for electrically and mechanically connecting a left-side fieldbus module to the carrier module (100) and with a second plug connector (101R) for electrically and mechanically connecting a right-side fieldbus module to the carrier module (100).