Modular Valve Control Connections Without Cable Harness Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for valve systems face challenges in simplifying the interconnection of individual control sections, requiring significant effort for expansion and potentially compromising IP protection due to cable harness seals during testing.
Innovation Solution
A modular control device with T-piece-like connecting parts that form a longitudinal link, allowing for easy expansion and replacement of defective parts, featuring a sealing device and locking mechanism for secure connections, eliminating the need for cumbersome wiring harnesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If custom-made cable harnesses or daisy chain connections are used to connect control sections, then the control sections can be interconnected, but the effort and complexity for connecting and expanding control sections increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cable harness is divided into separate T-shaped connection parts that can be independently attached to each control section. Each control section receives only the connection parts it needs, eliminating the complexity of assembling entire cable harnesses and enabling simple daisy-chain connections between sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from planar cable harness connections to three-dimensional T-shaped connectors that can be attached at multiple orientations. This allows connections to be made from different directions and simplifies the interconnection geometry, reducing assembly complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cable harnesses with Y-junctions are used to connect control sections, then multiple sections can be interconnected, but the seals at Y-junctions represent potential weak points during IP protection class testing
Solution Approach 1:
The cable harness is segmented into separate T-shaped connection parts that can be independently attached to each control section. Each control section receives only the connection parts it needs, eliminating the complexity of assembling entire cable harnesses and enabling simple daisy-chain connections between sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from planar cable harness connections to three-dimensional T-shaped connectors that can be attached at multiple orientations. This allows connections to be made from different directions and simplifies the interconnection geometry, reducing assembly complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual control sections are connected using series connection parts, then the control sections can be interconnected in a chain, but the effort for connecting varying numbers of control sections or expanding the control block increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cable harness is divided into separate T-shaped connection parts that can be independently attached to each control section. Each control section receives only the connection parts it needs, eliminating the complexity of assembling entire cable harnesses and enabling simple daisy-chain connections between sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-shaped connection parts are pre-assembled and attached to each control section before installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site cable harness assembly and enables quick connection by simply plugging in the pre-configured T-connectors.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control device having a plurality of modular control sections (12a - 12d), which form a control block when arranged beside one another and have units of an electromagnetically actuatable actuator system and/or of a sensor system for controlling or monitoring a valve apparatus, which are connected to a central energy supply and/or monitoring device, which have individual connection parts (20a - 20d) assigned to the particular control section (12a - 12d), and which are connected in series and to one another, is characterized in that at least some of the connection parts (20a - 20d) used are wirelessly in direct engagement with one another by way of the plug parts (22a - 22c) and socket parts (24a - 24c) thereof which face one another and are adjacent to one another.