Remote I/O Module Housing Integration for Hazardous Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote I/O systems for potentially explosive areas require significant installation space due to large housings that enclose the modules, which also pose challenges in gas sealing and material usage.
Innovation Solution
Designing the remote I/O system with a housing that integrates the base body and cover without gaps, using a single material for both, and incorporating feed-through openings for cables, which allows for a compact and sealed structure that eliminates the need for additional protective housings and simplifies installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large housing is used to enclose the remote I/O module for explosion protection, then safety against flammable gases and dust is improved, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective housing function with the base body of the remote I/O module by forming them as a single integral component. The base body itself is designed to provide the protective enclosure, eliminating the need for a separate large housing while maintaining explosion protection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a membrane seal that conformally seals around the cable connections on the base body. This thin film approach provides effective gas and dust sealing without requiring a large voluminous housing, thus reducing installation space while maintaining protective integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate protective housing is used to enclose the remote I/O module, then protection against flammable gases and dust is improved, but material usage and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective housing function is merged into the base body structure itself. The base body is formed as a single integral component that inherently provides the protective enclosure, eliminating the need for separate housing parts and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the remote I/O module, acts as the protective housing enclosure, and integrates cable connection points. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
3Reliability
If a large housing is used to enclose the remote I/O module, then explosion protection is improved, but cable routing and connection become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The base body is pre-formed with integrated cable connection points and openings positioned at optimal locations for cable routing. This preliminary design of the base body structure facilitates easier cable installation and routing compared to post-assembly configurations in separate housings.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane seal is designed to flexibly accommodate cable connections while maintaining the explosion-proof seal. The membrane conformally seals around the cables at the connection points, allowing for easier cable routing without compromising protective integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a remote I/O system for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere. The remote I/O system comprises a remote I/O module (2) with a base body (3). At least one connection (4) for an electrical cable (5) is arranged on the base body (3). The remote I/O system (1) comprises a housing (6) with a box (7) and a cover (8). The connection (4) is completely enclosed by the housing (6) so that the connection is entirely enclosed within the housing (6). The cover (8) of the housing (6) rests directly on the base body (3) of the remote I/O module (2).