Switchable Connector for Multi-Interface Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum devices face inefficiencies due to the need for multiple interfaces, leading to increased size, cost, and logistical complexity, as well as potential conflicts between control signals from different active interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A device with a switchable connector system that allows the same contacts to be assigned multiple times, featuring a switch between the connector and signal processing units for automatic detection and remote-controlled switching, reducing the number of physical connectors and enabling use of a single connector for various interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interfaces are provided in parallel on a device, then the device can support multiple communication standards, but the device size and cost increase due to additional connectors and circuit parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple interface types (CAN, RS485, USB) into a single physical connector. The connector has contacts that can be electrically connected to different signal processing units through a switch, allowing one connector to serve multiple interface functions rather than requiring separate connectors for each interface type.
Solution Approach 2:
The single connector is designed with universal functionality to support multiple communication standards. The same physical connector and contacts can be configured to provide CAN bus, RS485, or USB interfaces depending on the switching configuration, making the connector multi-functional rather than dedicated to a single interface type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interfaces are provided in parallel on a device, then the device can support multiple communication standards, but manufacturing cost increases due to additional connectors and circuit parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple interface types (CAN, RS485, USB) into a single physical connector. The connector has contacts that can be electrically connected to different signal processing units through a switch, allowing one connector to serve multiple interface functions rather than requiring separate connectors for each interface type.
Solution Approach 2:
The single connector is designed with universal functionality to support multiple communication standards. The same physical connector and contacts can be configured to provide CAN bus, RS485, or USB interfaces depending on the switching configuration, making the connector multi-functional rather than dedicated to a single interface type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interfaces are provided in parallel on a device, then the device can support multiple communication standards, but space on the housing increases for correct connection and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple interface types (CAN, RS485, USB) into a single physical connector. The connector has contacts that can be electrically connected to different signal processing units through a switch, allowing one connector to serve multiple interface functions rather than requiring separate connectors for each interface type.
Solution Approach 2:
The single connector is designed with universal functionality to support multiple communication standards. The same physical connector and contacts can be configured to provide CAN bus, RS485, or USB interfaces depending on the switching configuration, making the connector multi-functional rather than dedicated to a single interface type.
4Ease of operation
If discrete connectors are used for each interface type, then each interface can be independently connected, but logistical effort in manufacture and sale increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple interface types (CAN, RS485, USB) into a single physical connector. The connector has contacts that can be electrically connected to different signal processing units through a switch, allowing one connector to serve multiple interface functions rather than requiring separate connectors for each interface type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a dynamic switching mechanism that can change the electrical connection configuration based on the detected interface type. The switch can dynamically reconfigure which signal processing unit is connected to which contacts, allowing the same physical connector to adapt its function rather than requiring static, dedicated connectors for each interface type.
5Reliability
If control signals from several active interfaces contradict each other, then interface prioritization is needed, but this increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic switching mechanism that can change the electrical connection configuration based on the detected interface type. The switch can dynamically reconfigure which signal processing unit is connected to which contacts, allowing the same physical connector to adapt its function rather than requiring static, dedicated connectors for each interface type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs an allocation unit that detects which interface type is connected and provides feedback to the switching unit. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically configure the appropriate interface without requiring complex prioritization logic, as only one interface type is active at a time in each connector.
Data Source
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AI summary
The controller (10) has a plug-in connector (21) with two groups of contacts, where a connection is provided between the plug-in connector and two signal processing units. A switch is arranged in the connection. A switching unit is provided for switching the switch from one of the signal processing units to the other signal processing unit. An interpreter e.g. microcontroller, and a unit for conversion of an electrical voltage level are provided in the former signal processing unit or the latter signal processing unit.