Modular Processing Platform With Plug-In Interfaces for Multi-Use Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing devices require multiple devices for various uses or need significant adaptation for optimal suitability, leading to inefficiencies and high costs.

Innovation Solution

A modular processing device with a built-in unit featuring a mainboard and interchangeable functional modules, allowing adaptation to different applications via plug-in connections and interfaces, including USB, WLAN, Bluetooth, and Ethernet, with a detachable display and control unit for versatile operation across devices like weighing, dosing, and monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate processing devices are used for different applications, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication-specific optimizationVSAvoidnumber of devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal processing device with a mainboard that can perform multiple functions through interchangeable functional modules. The mainboard includes standardized interfaces (USB, WLAN, Bluetooth, Ethernet) and receiving interfaces for different functional modules, allowing a single device to replace multiple application-specific devices while maintaining optimized performance for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The processing device is segmented into a mainboard and separate interchangeable functional modules. Each functional module can be independently selected, connected to the mainboard via receiving interfaces, and removed when no longer needed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain only the necessary functions for each specific application, reducing overall complexity while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a single processing device is used for multiple applications, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but adaptability to specific applications decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of devicesVSAvoidapplication-specific suitability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The processing device employs dynamic reconfigurability through interchangeable functional modules. The system can adapt its functionality in real-time by connecting or disconnecting specific modules based on the current application requirements. The mainboard's receiving interfaces enable dynamic addition or removal of functional modules, allowing the single device to be optimally suited for different applications as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different functional modules provide specialized local quality for specific applications. Each module is designed with specific interfaces and capabilities tailored to particular functions (e.g., weighing, dosing, monitoring). When connected to the mainboard, these modules provide application-specific optimization without requiring the entire device to be designed for that specific function, thus maintaining both simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If processing devices are adapted to different uses, then optimal suitability is achieved, but adaptation cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimal suitabilityVSAvoidadaptation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mainboard is designed as a universal platform with standardized interfaces (USB, WLAN, Bluetooth, Ethernet) and universal receiving interfaces that can accept multiple types of functional modules. This universality eliminates the need for expensive custom adaptations for different applications, as the same mainboard can work with various functional modules through plug-and-play connectivity, significantly reducing adaptation costs while maintaining optimal suitability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4073601B1Processing apparatus for controlling, measuring and regulating
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 QLAR EUROPE GMBH
  • EP4073601B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4073601B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7
  • EP4073601B1 patent drawingFigure 8~10

AI summary

The invention relates to a processing apparatus for controlling, measuring and/or regulating, comprising an appliance for installation (1) for output and/or input, an intermediate housing (2), a unit (3) for display and/or operation, and a main board (4) connected to the unit (3) and having a central computer unit, said appliance for installation (1) being provided for use in a device or for a device such as a weighing device, metering device, conveying device, screening device, grinding device, mixing device, filter device, status monitoring device and/or material analysis device, the main board (4) being used as an electronic platform regardless of the use, and having, for each use, a particular combination of interfaces (21) to the device in question. The invention further relates to a processing apparatus (28) for controlling, measuring and/or regulating having such an appliance for installation (1).