Universal IO Interface Switch Block for Sensor Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems require redesign for each intended use, leading to high costs and inefficiencies due to the need for multiple dedicated terminals and inadequate proportioning of sensor connections, resulting in wasted connections and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A universal IO port system that allows sensors to connect using various communication methods through a single controller cabinet, featuring a switch block and conversion component to adapt to different sensor types, reducing the need for dedicated terminals and enabling efficient use of available connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple dedicated terminals are used for different sensor types, then each sensor type has a dedicated connection, but the system wastes connections and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal IO terminal that can connect to multiple sensor types (analog sensors, digital sensors, HART sensors) through a single interface. The terminal includes a switch block with multiple switches that can be toggled to different configurations based on the sensor type connected, allowing one terminal to perform multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated terminals for each sensor type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control systems are designed specifically for each intended use, then the system is optimized for that use, but redesign costs increase for each implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switching within the IO terminal using a switch block that can reconfigure its internal connections based on the type of sensor detected or selected. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same hardware terminal to adapt to different sensor types (analog, digital, HART) without requiring physical redesign or additional terminals, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining optimization for each sensor type.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple sensor types are connected with fixed proportioning, then the connection ratio is stable, but the ratio may be inadequate for actual sensor type distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows the IO terminal to change its operational parameters (switch configurations, communication protocols, signal processing methods) based on the actual sensor type connected. Instead of fixing the connection ratio for different sensor types, the system dynamically adjusts its parameters to match the specific sensor type, whether analog, digital, or HART, thereby achieving proper proportioning without compromising stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided that includes a controller that is configured to enable communication between one or more sensors and a processor. The controller includes a plurality of input-output (IO) ports each configured to couple to the one or more sensors. Moreover, each of the IO ports is configured to couple to a plurality of sensor types such that each IO port is configured to couple more than one sensor type. The controller also includes an interface configured to receive a selection of a selected mode from a plurality of modes each corresponding to a sensor type. Furthermore, the controller includes a switch block having a plurality of switches each configured to toggle a connection in the switch block according to the selected mode.