Multi Unit Controller Vertical Stacking Reduces Wiring Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-unit controllers require lengthy and complex electrical line connections due to horizontal base unit arrangement, leading to increased installation time, cost, and difficulty in replacing control units without disconnecting and reconnecting multiple electric lines.
Innovation Solution
The multi-unit controller features vertically arranged base units with upper and lower connectors, terminal bases for perpendicular electrical connections, and a rail for noise discharge, reducing the number of line bendings and eliminating the need to disconnect electric lines during control unit replacements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If base units are juxtaposed horizontally, then the controller structure is conventional and simple, but the electric line needs to be bent multiple times significantly increasing connection time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the arrangement dimension from horizontal to vertical, stacking base units vertically instead of placing them side-by-side horizontally. This dimensional change allows electric lines to connect directly from the lower portion to control units without requiring multiple bends, thereby significantly reducing connection time and routing complexity.
2Reliability
If bases are juxtaposed transversely, then control units can be electrically connected through bases, but a duct is needed to hold electric lines increasing cost and reducing clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the duct component from the system by reconfiguring the base unit arrangement vertically. The electric lines can now extend directly from the lower portion to control units without requiring a duct to hold them, thereby reducing cost and increasing clearance while maintaining electrical connection reliability.
3Productivity
If control unit is connected directly to electric line, then connection is direct, but all electric lines need to be removed when control unit is replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection structure into three distinct parts: the electric line, the terminal base, and the control unit. The terminal base acts as an intermediate connector that remains fixed while control units can be replaced. This segmentation allows control units to be swapped without removing electric lines, significantly improving replacement speed while maintaining connection integrity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electric lines are connected to each control unit, then comprehensive control is achieved, but the working time for bending electric lines increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vertical stacking of base units, which transforms the spatial routing of multiple electric lines from a complex horizontal bending pattern to a simplified vertical alignment. This allows multiple lines to connect directly without repeated bending operations, reducing connection time while preserving comprehensive control functionality.
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 configuration significantly reduces connection time, simplifies the structure, and allows for seamless control unit replacements without reconfiguring external electric lines, thereby lowering costs and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the rail and each of the base units are electrically connected to each other to discharge to the controller chassis electric noise applied to the control unit
Data Source
AI summary
A multi unit controller has a plurality of base units each of which includes a control unit connector, a base unit connector through which the base units juxtaposed to each other are connected to each other, and a plurality of control units connected to the base units respectively through the respective control unit connector, wherein the base units juxtaposed vertically.