Modular HMI Module With Universal Interfaces For External Tools

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing human-machine interface (HMI) systems lack a modular design that allows seamless integration and connection with various external application units, such as hand-held power tools, limiting their versatility and ease of assembly.

Innovation Solution

A modular HMI module with mechanical interfaces, optical indicating devices, communication units, sensor units, storage, and rechargeable batteries, enabling connection to multiple external application units through mechanical, wireless, or wired interfaces, and adaptable optical indications based on tool functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If HMI systems use a fixed non-modular design, then the system structure is simple, but the versatility and adaptability to different external application units is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveversatilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The HMI system is divided into separate modular components including a control unit, display unit, and interface modules that can be independently configured and connected to different external application units. This segmentation enables versatility while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized connection protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The HMI module incorporates universal mechanical interfaces and communication protocols that enable a single HMI unit to connect with and control multiple types of external application units. The interface design includes standardized mechanical connection elements and data transmission protocols that work across different tool types, achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate HMI systems for each application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If HMI modules are designed for seamless integration with various external units, then versatility is improved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration capabilityVSAvoidassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The HMI system is divided into separate modular components including a control unit, display unit, and interface modules that can be independently configured and connected to different external application units. This segmentation enables versatility while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized connection protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interface design employs homogeneous connection elements with standardized mechanical interfaces, electrical contacts, and data protocols. All HMI modules use the same interface type and connection methodology, allowing for consistent assembly procedures across different configurations and reducing assembly complexity despite the ability to integrate with various external units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

3Ease of manufacture

If mechanical interfaces are used for connection, then ease of assembly is improved, but the precision and reliability of connection may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveassemblyVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical interface design combines multiple connection functions into a single integrated mechanism. The mechanical connection element simultaneously provides structural support, electrical contact alignment, and data transmission connection. This merging ensures that a single assembly action achieves reliable mechanical and electrical coupling without requiring separate precision alignment steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface design employs homogeneous connection elements with standardized mechanical interfaces, electrical contacts, and data protocols. All HMI modules use the same interface type and connection methodology, allowing for consistent assembly procedures across different configurations and reducing assembly complexity despite the ability to integrate with various external units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

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

Facilitates a modular structure for HMI modules to be easily assembled with different external units, enhancing versatility and simplifying assembly while providing real-time feedback and data transmission, improving operational efficiency and user interaction.

Implementation Method 1

An illumination device is to be understood to mean, in particular, a device that visually indicates information by the emission of visible light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

the optical indicating device is realized by an illumination device, a display or a projection device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLED illumination: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS10691096B2System having at least one HMI module

Publication Date: 2020.06.23 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

In one embodiment, a system includes a HMI module. The HMI module includes a first external application unit that has first external application unit. The first external application unit has a first interface for the HMI module. The HMI module further includes a second external application unit that has a second interface for the HMI module. The HMI module can correspond with both the first interface and the second interface.