Universal Contact Area for Modular Field Device Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing field devices require extensive space and incur high production costs and assembly complexity due to the variety of connections needed for different plug-in connectors, which limits their functionality, especially in smaller devices.

Innovation Solution

A modular connection module with a multipolar, universal contact area on an adapter board that can accommodate plug-in connectors with different connection diagrams, providing a single interface for multiple connectors and reducing the number of required parts through a central electrical output interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate connections are provided for different plug-in connectors, then the field device can accommodate various connection types, but the space requirement increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different plug-in connectorsVSAvoidspace requirement on field device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal contact area that can accommodate multiple plug-in connectors with different connection diagrams (4-pin, 5-pin, 8-pin, M8, M12) through a single standardized interface. This multi-functional contact area eliminates the need for separate dedicated connections for each connector type, thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple separate connection interfaces into a single universal contact area. By combining the functions of multiple dedicated connections into one shared interface, the patent reduces the overall space occupied on the field device while still supporting various plug-in connector types through adaptive contact assignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate connections are provided for different plug-in connectors, then various connection types can be supported, but the number of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for different connection diagramsVSAvoidnumber of connections required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The universal contact area serves multiple functions by accommodating different plug-in connector types (4-pin, 5-pin, 8-pin, M8, M12) through a single standardized interface. This eliminates the need to provide separate dedicated connections for each connector type, thereby reducing the total number of parts required while maintaining support for various connection diagrams.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact area is designed with dynamic adaptability, where the electrical contacts can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the type of plug-in connector inserted. This dynamic configuration allows a single static contact area to serve multiple functional purposes, reducing the number of permanent connections needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate connections are provided for different plug-in connectors, then different connection types can be accommodated, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariety of plug-in connector supportVSAvoidassembly effort and production complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The universal contact area provides a standardized interface that simplifies assembly by eliminating the need to install and configure multiple separate dedicated connections for different connector types. The standardized design reduces production complexity and assembly effort while maintaining the ability to support various plug-in connector types through software or configuration-based adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of manufacture

If connections are matched to specific needs, then production costs are reduced, but the functionality of the field device is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction costVSAvoidfunctionality of field device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The universal contact area enables a single standardized interface to support multiple plug-in connector types (4-pin, 5-pin, 8-pin, M8, M12), providing future-proof functionality without requiring custom connections for each application. This approach maintains production cost efficiency through standardized manufacturing while preserving device versatility through adaptive contact assignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10811806B2Modular connection module, plug-in connector assembly and field device

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 BUERKERT WERKE GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A modular connection module for a field device is described, comprising an adapter board with at least one multipolar, universal contact area for the connection of plug-in connectors as well as a central electrical output interface for the electrical connection of the modular connection module to the field device. The multipolar, universal contact area is formed to accommodate plug-in connectors with different connection diagrams, wherein the connection diagram is defined by the arrangement of the contacts of the plug-in connector. Further, a plug-in connector assembly and a field device are described.