Multi-Plane Module Connection for Modular Automation Platforms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular automation solutions face complexity and error-proneness in assembling functional modules, which hinders efficient and cost-effective adaptation to industrial plant requirements.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with angled contact-receiving elements in multiple planes, providing secure and flexible connections for power and data flows to functional modules, allowing modular assembly and integration of automation platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional modular automation solutions are used, then flexibility and adaptability to industrial plant requirements are improved, but assembly complexity and error-proneness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into multiple contact-receiving elements arranged in different planes, each independently receiving contact elements from the functional module. This segmentation allows for modular assembly where each contact plane can be independently connected, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Contact-receiving elements are arranged in multiple spatial planes (first plane, second plane, third plane) rather than a single plane. This three-dimensional arrangement allows contacts to be established from different directions, simplifying the assembly process by enabling parallel connection operations and reducing the risk of assembly errors through spatial distribution.
2Reliability
If multiple contact-receiving elements in different planes are used, then connection reliability and security are improved, but device structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device uses identical contact-receiving elements repeated across multiple planes, each serving the same function of receiving contact elements and establishing electrical connections. This universal design approach maintains structural simplicity while achieving enhanced reliability through redundant connection paths in different spatial planes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If functional modules are individually configured and combined, then adaptability to specific requirements is improved, but assembly error-proneness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact elements on the functional module are designed to automatically engage with the corresponding contact-receiving elements when the module is inserted into the connecting device. This self-aligning and self-connecting mechanism reduces assembly errors by eliminating the need for precise manual alignment, while still allowing individual configuration of functional modules.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting device (10) for an automation platform, comprising a first contact-receiving element (12) which is arranged in a first plane (E1) and which is designed to provide a first contact with a first contact element (22) of a functional module (20) corresponding to the first contact-receiving element (12), and a second contact-receiving element (14) which is arranged in a second plane (E2) which differs from the first plane and is preferably angled to the first plane (E1) and which is designed to provide a second contact with a second contact element of the functional module (20) corresponding to the second contact-receiving element (14), wherein the first contact-receiving element (12) is designed to provide at least one of a main energy flow,an auxiliary energy flow and a data flow via the first contacting element (22) to the functional module (20), and wherein the second contacting receiving element (14) is designed to provide at least one further one of a main energy flow, an auxiliary energy flow and a data flow via the second contacting element to the functional module (20).