Solenoid Valve Module Communication for Fewer Control Lines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solenoid valve control devices require a large number of communication lines when controlling a large number of solenoid valve modules, leading to increased device size, installation space, and connection complexity, with limited solenoid valve blocks due to the need for block select lines.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid valve control device with a transmission line, receiving line, and switching line, where each solenoid valve module includes a first and second communication circuit, allowing diagnostic information to be automatically transmitted from the terminal solenoid valve module to the communication module without additional feedback lines, and enabling automatic signal path switching when modules are added or changed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of solenoid valve modules are controlled by one communication module, then the control capability is improved, but the number of communication lines increases enormously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control signal transmission and diagnostic information feedback into a single communication line. The communication module transmits control signals to solenoid valve modules and receives diagnostic information from them through the same line, eliminating the need for separate feedback lines and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The communication line serves multiple functions: it transmits control signals from the communication module to solenoid valve modules and simultaneously feeds back diagnostic information from the modules to the module. This multi-functional use of a single line reduces the total number of communication lines required
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of communication lines increases, then the control capability is improved, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining control signal transmission and diagnostic feedback into one communication line, the physical space required for routing multiple separate lines is reduced, thereby decreasing installation space while maintaining full control capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of communication lines increases, then the control capability is improved, but the number of connection processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the number of connection processes by merging control and feedback functions into a single communication line per module, eliminating the need to connect separate feedback lines and simplifying the overall installation process
4Measurement precision
If block select lines corresponding to the number of solenoid valve blocks are required, then the control precision is improved, but the number of solenoid valve blocks that can be connected is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module performs multiple functions through a universal communication protocol: it transmits control signals to identify and activate specific solenoid valve modules and simultaneously collects diagnostic information from all modules. This eliminates the need for separate block select lines and allows connection of a larger number of modules
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A second communication circuit (24) of each of solenoid valve modules other than a terminal solenoid valve module (16n) receives a signal from a switching line (42) located in the next-stage solenoid valve module, and the second communication circuit of the terminal solenoid valve module that receives no signal from the switching line transmits a solenoid valve control signal and signals related to diagnostic information of the plurality of solenoid valve modules (161 to 16n) to a communication module (12) via a receiving line (40).