Modular Flow Computer Expansion Unit with Shared Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow computers lack flexible expansion capabilities for monitoring, configuration, regulation, and archiving of gas and liquid media transfer process parameters, requiring separate expansion modules with individual power and communication connections, making non-invasive installation on existing facilities impossible.
Innovation Solution
A modular device with five boards and a five-piece enclosure that allows for flexible expansion of I/O modules without separate power supply connections, featuring a hybrid management unit, communication ports, and a battery power system, enabling easy mounting and replacement of modules without disassembly or reworking of electrical and communication systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate expansion modules are connected to flow computers, then the functionality can be extended, but each module requires separate power supply and communication connections, making non-invasive installation impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple expansion modules into a single integrated enclosure that houses multiple I/O modules sharing common power supply and communication connections. This merging approach allows functionality extension without requiring separate connections for each module, enabling non-invasive installation on existing facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate various types of I/O modules (analog inputs, digital inputs, RS485 inputs, relay outputs, etc.) through standardized mounting spaces and interfaces. This multi-functionality allows a single device to extend multiple capabilities while using shared infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate expansion modules are mounted outside the device, then functionality can be added, but the installation requires invasive modifications to existing facilities
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple modules into a single enclosure with shared power and communication connections, the system can be installed as one unit rather than multiple separate devices, reducing the need for invasive modifications to existing facilities.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple separate modules are connected, then more I/O capabilities are available, but power supply and communication connections must be made separately for each module
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure integrates multiple I/O modules that share common power supply connections and communication interfaces. This allows the system to provide extensive I/O capabilities (multiple analog inputs, digital inputs, RS485 inputs, relay outputs) while requiring only a single power connection and communication interface.
4Adaptability or versatility
If expansion modules are mounted externally, then functionality can be extended, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple expansion modules into a single integrated enclosure with a unified structure. This consolidation provides extended functionality while maintaining a compact, organized device structure with standardized mounting spaces, rather than having multiple separate external modules.
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
Enables flexible adaptation of flow calculator/computer systems with additional signal inputs/outputs and battery backup, allowing users to expand existing devices without the need for separate power and communication connections, facilitating easy installation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A 230V/36V switch-mode power supply module for 230V/36V conversion is mounted inside the enclosure.
Implementation Method 2
a single-module SOM-type computer with a dedicated heatsink to passively dissipate heat from the single-module SOM-type computer
Data Source
AI summary
A modular device enabling flexible expansion of the monitoring, configuration, regulation, measurement and archiving functions of gas and liquid media transfer process parameters for flow calculators/computers—MSPR-4.0-PO. The device comprises five boards with electronic components (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), while the first board (1), a hybrid management unit, features a seven-inch resistive touch screen LCD panel (6), a single-module SOM-type computer (7) with a dedicated heatsink (8) to passively dissipate heat from the single-module SOM-type computer (7), four RS232/422/485 communication ports (9), four Ethernet ports (10), two USB ports (11), an internal power supply port (12), an internal power and communication port (13), a port for an external memory card (14), connectors for a battery (15) for maintaining memory time and device time.