Series Module Z-Link Voltage Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular control systems lack the ability to efficiently supply multiple series modules with individual voltage levels, which limits their design and increases production and storage costs due to the need for varied module configurations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of Z-concatenated connecting lines between series modules, allowing for groups of modules to be addressed and supplied with electrical energy independently, while the bus communication line runs parallel through all modules, enabling the use of standardized row modules and providing independent voltage levels through ground and supply line pairs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional straight-through connecting lines are used between series modules, then the module design is simple, but multiple individual voltage levels cannot be supplied to different groups of modules

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAbility to supply multiple individual voltage levelsVSAvoidConnecting line arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting lines are segmented into different groups (first group, second group, etc.) where each group can be independently controlled to supply different voltage levels to different groups of series modules. This segmentation allows the system to provide multiple individual voltage levels while maintaining a standardized module design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting lines are arranged in a Z-connection pattern instead of a simple straight-through connection, adding a dimensional aspect to the connection topology. This Z-arrangement allows different connecting lines to be grouped and controlled independently, enabling multiple voltage levels without requiring different module hardware configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If varied module configurations are used to supply different voltage levels, then individual voltage control is achieved, but production and storage costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndividual voltage level controlVSAvoidProduction and storage cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single standardized series module design is created that can function in multiple voltage level configurations. The module itself remains universal and unchanged, while the Z-arranged connecting lines provide the versatility to supply different voltage levels to different module groups, eliminating the need for multiple specialized module variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating physically different module variants for different voltage levels, the solution uses identical module copies with different connecting line group assignments. The Z-connection arrangement allows the same module design to be copied and deployed in various voltage configurations through software or connection routing rather than hardware variation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If all series modules are supplied with the same voltage level, then the system is simple to control, but safety and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSafety and flexibilityVSAvoidControl system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system segments the series modules into different groups that can be independently controlled. Each group of modules connected through Z-arranged connecting lines can be supplied with different voltage levels and controlled independently, enhancing safety by allowing selective shutdown or voltage adjustment of specific module groups without affecting the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, uniform voltage supply to a dynamic configuration where voltage levels and control parameters can be changed for different module groups as needed. The Z-connection arrangement enables this dynamic reconfiguration through software control or connection routing, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements and safety conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3491472B1Series module for a control arrangement having a modular design
Publication Date: 2021.09.22 FESTO AG & CO KG
  • EP3491472B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3491472B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a series module for a control arrangement (1) with a modular design, comprising a first series interface (38) and a first bus interface (36), and a second series interface (39) and a second bus interface (37), wherein a bus communications line (11) is arranged between the two bus interfaces (36, 37), and a plurality of connection lines (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34) are formed between the two series interfaces (38, 39). According to the invention, the connection lines (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34) between the two series interfaces (38, 39) are at least partially arranged as Z links.