Plug Connector Control Module Using Software Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular connector systems lack flexibility in accommodating new function modules due to monolithic software and limited computing power, restricting configurations and making it difficult to control diverse functional modules without pre-configuration.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control module that uses operating system kernels to manage function modules through software containers, allowing for the independent representation and control of various function modules without pre-configuration, and enabling automatic container transfer from external sources for seamless integration and resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If monolithic software is used in the control module, then the control module can be simplified in structure, but the flexibility to accommodate new function module types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monolithic software into multiple independent software containers, each capable of controlling different function modules. This allows the control module to handle diverse function modules without requiring fundamental software updates, as each container can be independently configured and updated.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module is designed with universal software containers that can adapt to control various types of function modules through automatic type identification and configuration. This multi-functionality approach allows a single control module structure to serve multiple purposes without requiring dedicated software for each function module type.
2Ease of manufacture
If the control module is pre-configured for specific function module types, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the ability to control diverse functional modules is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of universal software containers during manufacturing, rather than customizing software for each function module type. The containers are pre-configured with generic control logic that can adapt to different function modules through automatic type identification and parameter configuration, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module uses parameter-based configuration where software containers can be dynamically adjusted through parameter changes rather than structural modifications. This allows the same control module hardware to be manufactured once and then adapted to control various function modules by changing software parameters and configurations.
3Device complexity
If multiple function modules are controlled by a single control module, then the connector structure is simplified, but the computing power and resource management become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control module into multiple independent software containers, each handling specific function modules. This segmentation distributes the computational workload across multiple isolated processes, preventing resource exhaustion and allowing efficient resource management while maintaining a simplified connector structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple software container instances that can be copied and deployed within the control module. Each container represents a lightweight, isolated execution environment that consumes minimal resources, allowing multiple instances to run simultaneously and collectively provide sufficient computing power for controlling multiple function modules.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a plug connector component (1) having a housing (2), at least one control module (4) arranged therein and an operating system for operating the control module (4). At least one functional module (15, 20) that can be controlled by the control module (4) can be introduced into the housing (2). In addition, the control module (4) is configured to receive at least one container (19, 24) with at least one process configured for using an operating system core of the operating system and to implement same, and to at least partially control the functional module (15, 20) by means of the process. A plug connector (14) has at least one plug connector component (1) of this type and at least one functional module (15, 20) arranged in the housing (2), while a plug connector system (25) has at least one plug connector (14) of this type and at least one counter plug connector (26) that can be connected to same, having at least one counter plug connector control module (28) which is connected to the control module (4) after the connection of the plug connector (14) and the counter plug connector (26). In order to assemble and operate a plug connector (14) of this type, at least one functional module (15, 20) that can be controlled by the control module (4) is introduced into the housing (2), at least one container (19, 24) is transferred to the control module (4) and implemented with at least one process that is configured for using an operating control core of the operating system, and the process is executed at least for partially controlling the functional module (15, 20).