Stackable Control Hub Layout for Multi-Protocol Port Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manufacturing and industrial facilities face challenges in efficiently managing and integrating diverse actuators and sensors due to different communication protocols, requiring manual data input and lacking automated systems for centralized control and monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A distributed communication and control hub (DCCH) system that includes a stackable, dynamically reconfigurable hub with independent reconfigurable connection ports, in-line signal processing devices, and self-calibrating thermistors, enabling automatic protocol conversion and reduced human intervention, and providing a wide viewing angle for connection inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate control systems are used for different manufacturing processes, then each process can be controlled independently, but the overall system complexity increases and manual data input is required
Solution Approach 1:
The control hub is designed with multiple connection ports that can be dynamically reconfigured to support different communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet IP). Each port can independently adapt to various protocols through software configuration, allowing a single hub to replace multiple protocol-specific control systems and eliminate manual data input between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The control hub acts as an intermediary device that mediates communication between various manufacturing devices using different protocols. It translates and routes data packets between ports with different protocol configurations, enabling seamless integration without requiring manual intervention or multiple separate control systems.
2Area of stationary object
If connection ports are stacked closely together, then space is saved, but the viewing angle for inspecting connections is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection ports are arranged in a three-dimensional stacked configuration on the front face of the hub. This vertical stacking allows multiple ports to be compactly positioned while maintaining adequate lateral spacing, enabling inspectors to view connection status indicators and port information from multiple angles simultaneously without requiring excessive horizontal space.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a stackable distributed communication and control hub (DCCH) configured to provide a wide viewing angle for instantly inspecting multiple connections when multiple DCCHs are stacked. In an illustrative example, a DCCH may include multiple connection ports distributed on one or more edge surfaces. An offset bracket, for example, may couple two DCCHs, each at a coupling surface of the corresponding DCCH. Upon coupling, the DCCHs are held at substantially parallel planes. For example, a first DCCH is offset from a second DCCH in two directions. In a first direction, respective planes are offset along a vertical axis by a predetermined first offset. In a second direction, the DCCHs are offset by a predetermined second offset, orthogonal to the first direction. Various embodiments may advantageously allow visual status of the connection ports visible in at least one viewing angle along the vertical axis.