Relay Terminal Block Signal Multiplexing for Wiring Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

As the number of apparatuses requiring monitoring increases, the number of signal wires and wire connections to relay terminal blocks also grows, leading to increased space requirements and higher workloads for workers in connecting and confirming these connections.

Innovation Solution

A relay module that includes input signal transmission wires, a selective signal transmission device, a select signal transmission wire, and an output signal transmission wire, which reduces the number of output transmission wires by selectively outputting signals, thereby minimizing space and workload.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of apparatuses for monitoring increases, then the monitoring capability increases, but the number of signal wires and wire connections increases, leading to increased space requirements and higher workloads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple signal transmission functions into a single transmission line by using a selective signal transmission device (multiplexer). Multiple input signal lines from different apparatuses are merged and transmitted through one shared output line, reducing the total number of wires needed while maintaining the ability to monitor all apparatuses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The selective signal transmission device serves multiple functions: it selects which apparatus signal to transmit, multiplexes multiple signals onto a single line, and enables one transmission line to serve multiple apparatuses. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated wires for each apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of apparatuses for monitoring increases, then the monitoring capability increases, but the number of signal wires and wire connections increases, leading to higher workloads for workers in connecting and confirming connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidwire connection work time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple signal transmission paths into a single multiplexed line, the patent reduces the number of wire connections workers must make and verify. Instead of connecting each apparatus to a separate line, workers only need to connect to the multiplexer inputs and a single output line.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The selective signal transmission device acts as an intermediary between multiple apparatuses and the transmission line. It handles the complex routing and selection of signals, freeing workers from the burden of making and verifying numerous individual wire connections between each apparatus and the transmission system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple signal wires are used for transmitting data from apparatuses, then the data transmission capability increases, but the number of wire connections increases, making it difficult to confirm the state of coupling between signal wires

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidcoupling state confirmation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple signal paths into a single multiplexed transmission line, reducing the number of connection points that need to be verified. The selective signal transmission device consolidates multiple inputs into one output, making it easier to trace and confirm signal flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback mechanisms that allow workers to confirm the state of signal transmission and coupling. By using a centralized selective signal transmission device, it becomes easier to identify which apparatus is transmitting on which line, enabling verification of proper connections without checking each individual wire connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250201500A1Relay module and relay terminal block using same

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 LAPLACE SYST

AI summary

An object is to provide a relay module and a relay terminal block enabling reduction of the workload of a worker and realization of space saving. The relay terminal block is provided with a plurality of relay modules and a select signal generation device, and each relay module is provided with a selective signal transmission device. A plurality of input signal transmission wires are connected to each relay module. One input signal transmission wire is selected according to a select signal output from the select signal generation device, and a signal input to the selected input signal transmission wire is output via an output signal transmission wire. Further, the relay terminal block is provided with an input/output module and also is capable of outputting signals input from the plurality of the input signal transmission wires as serial signals.