Switch Adapter for Data Bus Protocol Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch devices integrated with processing means are limited to specific communication protocols, making them inflexible and requiring separate devices for different applications, leading to increased management and production costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact adapter that connects switch devices to a data bus, featuring a microprocessor board for signal conversion and universal anchor means for secure mounting, allowing compatibility with various switch devices without altering their structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If processing means are integrated in the switch device case, then the device can communicate with control units via data buses, but the device becomes limited to specific communication protocols and requires separate devices for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: a simple switch device and a separate adapter containing the processing means. This segmentation allows the adapter to handle different communication protocols while the switch device remains unchanged, enabling protocol compatibility without requiring multiple switch device variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the switch device and the data bus. It contains the processing means that transduce electric signals from the switch device into digital signals for transmission via the field bus, enabling communication without requiring the switch device itself to be protocol-specific.
2Adaptability or versatility
If processing means are integrated in the switch device, then data communication is enabled, but production and management costs increase due to inability to convert devices for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed as a universal component that can be attached to different switch devices to enable data bus communication. This multi-functionality allows a single adapter design to serve multiple applications and switch device types, reducing the need to manufacture multiple specialized devices and lowering production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system configuration is made dynamic and reconfigurable through the attachable adapter. Rather than having fixed, application-specific switch devices, the system can be adapted to different applications by attaching appropriate adapters, enabling cost-effective conversion without remanufacturing the entire device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a compact adapter is used to connect switch devices to data buses, then versatility is improved, but the adapter must be easily connectable to various switch devices without altering their structure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into the existing switch device and the separate adapter component. The adapter contains all necessary processing means and connection interfaces, allowing it to connect to various switch devices without requiring modifications to the switch devices themselves, thus maintaining device compatibility while enabling easy connection.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
An adapter for connecting a switch device (2) to a data bus (5), wherein the switch device (2) comprises a box-like body (6) which houses switching means (7) for switching an electric circuit, wherein the adapter comprises a case (9) having a first opening (10) and a second opening (11) and an electronic control unit (12) housed in said case (9) and having first connection means (13) adapted to be connected to the switching means (7) through the first opening (10) and second connection means (14) adapted to be connected to the data bus (5) through the second opening (11) to convert the electric signals generated by the switching means (7) into data signals and vice versa.