Modular Connector Hub Control for Expandable Sensor Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for sensor networks face issues with complexity, reduced processing speed, and lack of expandability due to the need for dedicated boards and fixed terminal types, making it difficult to manage multiple sensors and controllable devices efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A connector hub system with detachable hubs and flexible terminal types, allowing for dynamic adjustment of sensor probes and controllable devices, and a control method that enables data storage and processing even in the event of partial failures, using a monitoring device to oversee all hubs in series.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated boards are used for each sensor probe, then the sensor can be specifically controlled, but the system complexity increases and processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hub is designed with universal terminals that can connect to various types of sensor probes without requiring dedicated boards for each sensor type. The hub controller can identify and communicate with different sensor types through a standardized interface, allowing one hub to serve multiple sensor functions. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated boards while maintaining reliable control.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensor probe connections and control functions are merged into a single hub unit. Instead of having separate dedicated boards for each sensor, the hub consolidates these functions by providing multiple terminals that can connect to various sensors simultaneously, reducing the overall number of control boards and simplifying the system architecture.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple dedicated boards are connected in parallel to the controller, then more sensor probes can be connected, but the processing load on the controller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distributed hub units, each capable of independently processing sensor data from multiple probes. Instead of all sensors communicating directly with the main controller, the hubs act as intermediate processing nodes that can pre-process and filter data locally, reducing the processing burden on the central controller while allowing connection of numerous sensor probes.
3Quantity of substance
If the system is expanded to more than two lines, then more sensor probes can be connected, but the drive program must be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The hub controller is designed with universal communication protocols and identification mechanisms that allow it to automatically recognize different sensor types and configurations. This universality enables the system to expand to multiple lines without requiring changes to the drive program, as the hub can adapt to various sensor types through standardized interfaces and automatic detection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated boards are connected in series, then expandability is achieved, but the transmission line is vulnerable to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The series connection of dedicated boards is segmented into separate hub units, each with its own controller and data memory. This segmentation creates independent functional blocks that can operate autonomously. If one hub or transmission segment fails, the other segments can continue to function, preventing complete system failure while maintaining expandability through modular hub connections.
Solution Approach 2:
Each hub is equipped with local data memory that can store sensor data independently. This provides a buffer or cushion against transmission line failures - if data transmission is interrupted due to a line failure, the data can be temporarily stored in the hub's local memory until the transmission is restored, preventing data loss and maintaining system reliability.
5Measurement precision
If fixed terminal types are used in the hub, then the terminal type can be determined, but the adaptability to different sensor types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal configuration in the hub is made dynamic rather than fixed. The hub controller can automatically detect the sensor type connected to each terminal and dynamically adjust the terminal configuration accordingly. This allows the same physical terminal to adapt to different sensor types (analog, digital, various protocols) without requiring physical reconfiguration or fixed assignments, maintaining both determination capability and flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention solves the problems of program complexity and reduced processing speed. The present invention is a connector hub system provided with: a sensing device for detecting physical and chemical quantities, a change amount, and/or a condition, of a monitored target; a hub connected to the sensing device and having terminals to input detected data from the sensing device; a controller mounted in the hub and containing a processor and a storage; and a data memory in the storage for storing the detected data collected from the sensing device. The connector hub system comprises includes a monitoring device communicatively connected to the data memory in the hub for monitoring the detected data from the sensing device, and the monitoring device is connected in series to the plurality of hubs and monitors a nearest hub closest to the monitoring device for observing all of the detected data input to the plurality of hubs.