Modular Plug System With Star-Point Data Bus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular connector systems lack flexibility in the geometric arrangement of their modules, particularly the master and slave modules, which restricts their configuration and complicates troubleshooting and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A modular connector system with a data bus that allows for parallel electrical connections between the master and slave modules via a star-point configuration, enabling flexible geometric arrangement and automatic identification and software loading of modules, along with a method for measuring and transmitting data from slave modules to the master.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular connector systems use a traditional daisy-chain data bus configuration, then the system structure is simple, but the geometric arrangement of modules is restricted and troubleshooting becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The data bus is segmented into multiple independent conductor tracks (first data conductor track and second data conductor track) that can operate independently. This segmentation allows different modules to be connected through different paths, enabling flexible geometric arrangements while maintaining simple connection structures for each individual track.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional daisy-chain configuration to a two-dimensional star-point configuration with multiple conductor tracks. This dimensional change allows modules to be arranged in various geometric patterns (linear, radial, clustered) while maintaining direct communication paths between the master module and each slave module.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular connector systems allow free geometric arrangement of modules, then configuration flexibility improves, but identification and addressing of modules becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Each slave module is pre-configured with a unique identifier that is automatically detected by the master module during system initialization. This preliminary assignment of identification data eliminates the need for complex real-time addressing calculations, enabling free geometric arrangement while maintaining simple identification procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic self-identification where each slave module independently provides its identification data to the master module through the data bus. The master module automatically detects and stores these identifiers, enabling flexible module arrangement without requiring manual configuration or complex addressing logic.
3Ease of repair
If a star-point data bus configuration is implemented, then troubleshooting and maintenance become easier, but the number of conductors required increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each data conductor track serves multiple functions: it carries identification data during initialization, transmission data during operation, and enables independent troubleshooting paths. The first and second data conductor tracks can be used in combination or independently, providing universal communication capability that reduces the total number of conductors needed compared to a fully redundant star configuration.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
In order to be able to arrange a master module (M), slave modules (S) and conventional plug modules (K) in a freely configurable manner in a modular plug system, according to the invention, a modular frame (22) is provided with a circuit board (1) which includes at least one continuous conductor path and preferably more than one connection pad.