Supply Module Segmentation for Independent Voltage Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing module systems lack the ability to independently supply functional modules with a predetermined electrical voltage that can differ from the main supply voltage, and do not allow for separate influence of the voltage on specific areas of the module chain.
Innovation Solution
A supply module with a switching mechanism that allows selective switching between input and output connections, enabling the use of an additional supply voltage that can differ from the main supply voltage, and includes a transmission means for isolated forwarding of switching signals to prevent interference, using components like optocouplers for galvanic isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single supply voltage is used for all function modules in the module chain, then the system structure is simple and easy to manage, but it cannot provide independent voltage supply to specific function modules that require different voltage levels
Solution Approach 1:
The module chain is segmented into multiple supply zones along the line-up axis, with each supply module serving a specific segment. The switching means divides the conductor branches into switchable paths, allowing independent voltage supply to different function module segments. This segmentation enables different voltage levels to be supplied to different segments without complicating the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply module enables local quality by allowing specific function modules to receive customized voltage levels while other modules continue to receive the main supply voltage. The switching means provides local control over voltage distribution, so that only the required modules receive the additional supply voltage, maintaining simplicity for the rest of the system.
2Ease of operation
If additional supply voltage connections are integrated on the same side as the main coupling surfaces, then the module structure is compact, but it becomes difficult to access the additional input for voltage configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The additional input is positioned on a side surface of the supply module, perpendicular to the line-up axis and distinct from the first and second coupling surfaces. This spatial arrangement in another dimension allows easy access for voltage configuration while maintaining a compact footprint on the main coupling surfaces. The additional input can be reached without interfering with the main electrical connections.
3Reliability
If switching means are made accessible after module chain assembly for reconfiguration, then the system is flexible and adaptable, but safety-relevant configurations may be accidentally changed during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The switching means is configured to be inaccessible after module chain assembly, providing beforehand protection against accidental changes. This design ensures that once the module chain is assembled and the switching means is set to the desired configuration, it cannot be accidentally modified during operation or maintenance, thereby cushioning against configuration errors while maintaining reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the additional supply voltage has the same electrical characteristics as the main supply voltage, then the system is simple to design, but it cannot meet the requirements of function modules that need different voltage levels
Solution Approach 1:
The supply module is designed with universal compatibility to accept both the main supply voltage and an additional supply voltage with different electrical characteristics. The switching means enables the same output connection to be supplied from either the main supply voltage or the additional supply voltage, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate supply modules for different voltage levels.
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
Enables independent and separate voltage supply to specific function modules, ensuring safe and reliable operation by maintaining the safety-relevant configuration unchanged, and allowing adaptation to different functional module requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission means which is designed for electrically isolated forwarding of a switching signal that can be provided at the input connection to the output connection
Implementation Method 2
using components like optocouplers for galvanic isolation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a supply module for insertion into a module chain (2) of functional modules (5, 6), electrically connected to one another in a Z-linkage (4) along a concatenation axis (3), with a first coupling surface (8) having a plurality of electrical input terminals (10) and with a second coupling surface (9) having a plurality of electrical output terminals (12), wherein a specifiable assignment of the input terminals (10) to the output terminals (12) is provided and wherein at least one input terminal (10) is designed as a supply input (16, 17) for feeding in a supply voltage from an upstream functional module (5, 6) and at least one output terminal (12) is designed as a supply output (19) for transferring the supply voltage to a downstream functional module (5, 6), characterized in that an additional input (20) for feeding in an additional supply voltage from an electrical energy source is provided and an output terminal (12) is provided as an additional output (21) for transferring the additional supply voltage to at least one downstream functional module (5, 6) arranged along the concatenation axis (3).