Modular Functional Unit Configuration With Uniform Device Interfaces

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing functional units for connecting components have limited flexible configuration options for selecting and sequencing devices, requiring complex adaptation processes that can only be performed by the manufacturer, making it difficult for customers to modify the functional sequence of devices.

Innovation Solution

A method and functional unit design that allows for the selection of devices with uniformly designed interfaces, mechanical arrangement based on tasks, and establishment of signaling connections according to a predetermined functional sequence, enabling flexible configuration and simplifying the process through a human-machine interface for visual selection and arrangement of devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If devices with different interfaces are connected during manufacturing, then the functional unit can be produced with specific device sequences, but later adaptation of the functional sequence becomes complex and requires manufacturer intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of functional sequence configurationVSAvoidcomplexity of signaling connection adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by implementing a standardized interface design for all devices in the functional unit. This uniform interface allows any device to be connected to any other device without requiring complex adaptation, enabling customers to freely reconfigure the functional sequence. The standardized interface serves multiple functions: mechanical connection, electrical connection, and data exchange, eliminating the need for different connection types for different device pairs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If devices are configured with fixed signaling connections during manufacturing, then production is simplified, but customer adaptation and modification of device sequences is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of production processVSAvoidease of customer configuration and adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the functional sequence configurable and changeable rather than fixed. The standardized interface enables devices to be dynamically reconnected and reconfigured by customers based on their specific needs. The system transitions from a static, manufacturer-fixed configuration to a dynamic, user-adaptable configuration, allowing the functional unit to evolve with changing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If uniform interfaces are designed for all devices, then configuration flexibility and ease of connection are improved, but device design standardization requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of device selection and arrangementVSAvoidstandardization requirements for device interfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by implementing a standardized interface design for all devices in the functional unit. This uniform interface allows any device to be connected to any other device without requiring complex adaptation, enabling customers to freely reconfigure the functional sequence. The standardized interface serves multiple functions: mechanical connection, electrical connection, and data exchange, eliminating the need for different connection types for different device pairs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4296804A1Method for configuring a number of devices to a functional unit

Publication Date: 2023.12.27 STÖGER AUTOMATION GMBH

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A method for configuring a number of devices (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) into a functional unit (10), wherein the devices (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) are intended to perform subtasks for connecting components (20) at least partially in parallel and/or sequentially. In a first step, the devices (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) required for performing the subtasks of the functional unit (10) are selected, and in a further step, the devices (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) of the functional unit (10) are mechanically arranged depending on the task of the functional unit (10).