Smart Interface System for Automated Programming Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current interfaces in automated systems lack the ability to build multi-module processing systems with flexible plug-and-play capabilities, bi-directional communication, and efficient space utilization, limiting their functionality and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A smart interface system that recognizes and communicates with intelligent modules using a composite connection for information transmission, enabling hot swapping, automatic recognition of module type, configuration, and location, and bi-directional communication, while eliminating the need for separate interfaces for electrical, mechanical, and software connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate interfaces are provided for each electrical connection, mechanical fit, or software protocol interconnection, then connection reliability is improved, but space consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidspace consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate interfaces (electrical connection, mechanical fit, software protocol) into a single integrated smart interface. This single interface simultaneously handles power delivery, data communication, and module identification, thereby reducing space consumption while maintaining connection reliability through unified management of all interface functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The smart interface is designed as a universal interface that performs multiple functions: electrical power delivery, bidirectional data communication, module type recognition, configuration detection, and location identification. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated interfaces for each function, reducing overall space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If fixed module locations are used in processing systems, then system stability is improved, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidmodule adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static fixed module locations to dynamic adaptable locations. The smart interface enables modules to be placed in any location on the feeder bank, and the system automatically adapts by detecting module type, configuration, and location through the composite connection, then configuring appropriate parameters dynamically to maintain system stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-configuration and self-recognition when modules are installed. The smart interface automatically detects module characteristics and configures system parameters without requiring manual setup or predetermined locations, allowing modules to adapt to any position while maintaining overall system stability through automated adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If manual module recognition and configuration is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but operator setup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule recognition accuracyVSAvoidoperator setup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The module recognition and configuration process is automated through the smart interface and intelligent module interaction. The module automatically transmits its type, configuration, and location information through the composite connection, and the system self-configures appropriate parameters, eliminating manual operator intervention while maintaining high recognition accuracy through automated detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Module identification information is pre-encoded in the intelligent module, allowing the smart interface to immediately recognize and configure the module upon connection without requiring manual input. This preliminary preparation of module data enables instant automated recognition and configuration, reducing setup time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If bi-directional communication is not implemented, then interface complexity is reduced, but system functionality is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface complexityVSAvoidsystem functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The smart interface implements bi-directional communication enabling feedback loops between the interface and intelligent modules. Modules can send status information, configuration data, and operational parameters to the interface, and the interface can send control commands and receive real-time feedback, thereby enhancing system functionality and adaptability while managing complexity through structured communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9063531B2Automated programming system employing smart interfaces

Publication Date: 2015.06.23 DATA I O CORP

AI summary

An automated programming system that includes providing a smart interface system for recognizing an intelligent module installed within the automated programming system. Configuring the intelligent module with a composite connection for transmitting information between the intelligent module and the smart interface system, and linking the intelligent module to the smart interface system for communicating information.