Module Sequence Detection Using Adjustable Magnetic Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for arranging strung-together communication-capable modules, such as in remote I/O systems, lack an efficient way to determine the sequence of modules, which hinders troubleshooting and maintenance, especially in systems with wireless communication where physical positioning of faulty modules is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the transmission of a magnetic signal with increasing intensity from a first module, allowing adjacent modules to identify themselves through a communication channel, enabling the determination of the sequence of modules independently of the communication type, whether wired or wireless, and applicable to both bus systems and networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If magnetic signal intensity is increased to extend detection range, then more modules can be detected, but modules not immediately adjacent may also detect the signal causing incorrect sequence determination
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic signal intensity is dynamically adjusted during the detection process. The signal is initially transmitted at a base intensity to detect immediately adjacent modules. When a module is detected, the signal intensity is increased to extend the detection range for subsequent modules in the sequence. This dynamic adjustment ensures that at any given moment, only the appropriate neighboring modules detect the signal, maintaining sequence determination accuracy while enabling detection of extended ranges as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection process employs periodic signal transmission with alternating intensity levels. The determining unit transmits magnetic signals in periodic cycles, using different intensity levels for different detection phases. This periodic action with varying intensity allows systematic detection of modules in sequence while preventing incorrect detections, as each periodic cycle is designed to detect specific neighboring modules at appropriate intensity levels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modules communicate independently via wireless communication, then system flexibility is improved, but determining the physical sequence of modules becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A determining unit is introduced as an intermediary component that coordinates the magnetic field-based detection process. This intermediary receives detection results from modules and reconstructs the physical sequence information. The determining unit acts as a mediator between the wireless communicating modules and the sequence determination requirement, enabling sequence tracking without requiring direct wired connections between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional wired mechanical connections used for sequence determination with wireless magnetic field-based detection. Instead of using physical cable connections to establish communication and determine sequence, the system uses magnetic fields for detection and wireless communication for data exchange. This substitution maintains communication flexibility while enabling sequence determination through non-contact means.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method effectively determines the sequence of modules, facilitating troubleshooting and maintenance by ensuring that only the nearest neighboring module detects the signal, allowing for accurate identification and listing of all modules in the arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
a coil for emitting and/or receiving a magnetic signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method of ascertaining a sequence in which at least three strung-together communication-capable modules are arranged is provided. The method includes the steps of: outputting a magnetic signal from a first of module with a predefined intensity; increasing the intensity of the signal until the signal is detected by a module which is immediately adjacent to the transmitting module but not detected by a module which is not immediately adjacent to the transmitting module; outputting identification data through the module which has detected the magnetic signal via a communication channel to a determining unit; and determining a sequence of the modules by the identification data. An arrangement of at least three communication-capable modules able to be strung together, which each have a coil for outputting and/or receiving a magnetic signal, and have a determining unit is constructed to perform this method.