Stacked Data Acquisition Modules with Face Conductive Tracks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data acquisition devices for vehicles and industrial equipment are bulky, requiring extensive installation and modification, which can impact performance and limit reconfiguration capabilities, especially in severe environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

A compact data acquisition device with stacked electronic modules featuring conductive tracks on opposing faces for signal transmission, connection blocks for electrical connections, and a pressing mechanism to secure modules, allowing for flexible reconfiguration and operation in harsh environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a traditional acquisition device with frame and electronic modules is used, then data acquisition functionality is provided, but the device becomes bulky and requires extensive installation with cables and fixing screws

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple electronic modules that can be independently stacked and connected. Each module contains its own electronic components and can be separately manufactured and assembled, reducing the overall complexity of installation while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple electronic modules are combined into a single stacked assembly that functions as one integrated acquisition device. The modules are electrically connected through conductive tracks on opposing faces, eliminating the need for external cable connections and reducing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If a bulky acquisition device is installed close to sensors, then data acquisition is enabled, but the structure requires cable passages and drilling of holes for fixing screws

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidstructural modification
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device transitions from a planar configuration requiring surface mounting with screws to a three-dimensional stacked module configuration. This vertical stacking allows the device to be attached as a single unit without requiring multiple drilling operations or cable passages through the structure.

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

3Reliability

If the vehicle or equipment is instrumented with a fixed acquisition device, then measurements are obtained, but modification of sensor and wiring configuration becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The acquisition device transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Modules can be added, removed, or rearranged in the stack to adapt to different measurement requirements, while maintaining reliable electrical connections through the conductive track interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple electronic modules are pre-assembled into a stacked configuration before installation. This preliminary assembly allows for flexible configuration adjustments to be made during setup without requiring complex field modifications or rewiring operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If electronic modules are stacked with conductive tracks on opposing faces, then electrical connections are established without cables, but connection reliability must be maintained under severe environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring complexityVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection system replaces traditional mechanical cable connections with integrated conductive tracks formed on the opposing faces of adjacent modules. This substitution eliminates cable routing complexity while providing robust electrical connections that are more resistant to environmental factors such as vibration and moisture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables a reduced-size, flexible, and easily reconfigurable data acquisition system that can operate under severe environmental conditions without the need for extensive installation or modification, maintaining electrical connections and protecting modules from vibrations and shocks.

Implementation Method 1

a pressing member capable of applying a compression force to the electronic modules, parallel to the stacking direction, the compression force tending to deform each connection block by increasing a dimension of the connection block in a radial, perpendicular direction to the stacking direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

the compression force tending to deform each connection block by increasing a dimension of the connection block

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 3

the first set of conductive tracks comprising at least one conductive track dedicated to the transmission of a data signal, and the second set of conductive tracks comprising at least one conductive track dedicated to the transmission of the data signal and electrically connected to the conductive track dedicated to the transmission of the data signal of the first set of conductive tracks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3782006B1Data capture system for instrumenting a structure
Publication Date: 2022.06.22 ZODIAC DATA SYSTEMS
  • EP3782006B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3782006B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3782006B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention concerns a data acquisition device (10) comprising a casing (11) defining a cavity (20), and a plurality of electronic modules (12) suitable for being stacked in the cavity (20), each electronic module (12) having a first face and a second face opposite the first face, and comprising a first set of conductive tracks extending over the first face, and a second set of conductive tracks sending over the second face, the first set of conductive tracts comprising at least one conductive track for transmitting a data signal, and the second set of conductive tracks comprising at least one conductive track for transmitting the data signal, making it possible to propagate the data signal from one module to another through the entirety of the stack, whatever the order of stacking of the electronic modules (12) in the cavity (20).