Pneumatic Valve Module Coupling Across Mixed Interface Types
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic control systems face challenges in coupling additional valve modules and coupling modules due to incompatible communication and supply interfaces, limiting the expansion of module groups without additional measures on bus nodes, coupling modules, or valve modules.
Innovation Solution
A connection module is introduced with a second type communication interface and supply interface on one surface and a first type interface on the other, acting as an adapter to enable coupling of further valve and coupling modules, allowing for the forwarding of bus protocols and electrical energy, facilitating the connection of multiple module groups without additional measures on existing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard coupling module with first type interfaces is used to couple to a bus node, then the coupling module can be electrically supplied and controlled, but it cannot couple additional valve modules with second type interfaces without interface incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The connection module serves as an intermediary adapter between the bus node (with first type interfaces) and valve modules (with second type interfaces). It includes a first coupling surface with first type interfaces for connecting to the bus node, and a second coupling surface with second type interfaces for connecting to valve modules. This intermediary component enables interface type conversion without modifying the existing bus node or valve module designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pneumatic control system uses fixed interface types on bus nodes and coupling modules, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot be expanded with additional valve modules having different interface types
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: bus nodes with first type interfaces, connection modules with dual interface types (first and second type), and valve modules with second type interfaces. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured with standardized interfaces while the overall system gains expandability through the modular connection module that bridges different interface types.
3Quantity of substance
If additional valve modules are coupled to the pneumatic control without a connection module, then the system remains simple, but electrical supply and control signals cannot be transmitted to the additional modules
Solution Approach 1:
The connection module is designed with multi-functionality: it provides mechanical coupling between modules, electrical connection for power supply and control signals, and interface type conversion. The first coupling surface connects to the bus node while the second coupling surface connects to valve modules, and internally it transmits electrical energy and communication signals between these interfaces, enabling a single component to handle multiple functions that would otherwise require separate systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic control including a bus node, which is equipped with a first type communication interface and with a first type supply interface, further including a coupling module, which is equipped with the first type communication interface and with the first type supply interface and with a second type communication interface and a second type supply interface, and further including a valve module which is equipped on both coupling surfaces with the second type communication interface and with the second type supply interface, wherein a connection module is connected with the valve module, which connection module is equipped at a first coupling surface with the second type communication interface and with the second type supply interface, and which connection module is equipped at a second coupling surface with the first type communication interface and the first type supply interface.