Universal Module Interface for Flexible Safety Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety systems, such as locking safety systems, have limited configurability due to tightly predefined interfaces, restricting their adaptability to different application or usage conditions.

Innovation Solution

A module interface with a device-side plug-type connector that allows connection with various plug-type connectors of different contact element numbers, enabling flexible and variable usage possibilities without hardware changes to the electronic module or module interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If tightly predefined interfaces with fixed numbers of contact elements are used, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but adaptability to different application conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconfigurability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device-side plug-type connector is designed with a universal contact element arrangement that can accommodate multiple different plug-type connectors with varying numbers of contact elements. The socket contacts are positioned to receive both 5-pin and 8-pin plugs, allowing a single device interface to serve multiple configuration purposes without requiring different hardware designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different plug-type connectors with different numbers of contact elements are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusage flexibilityVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The contact elements are segmented into distinct groups (first socket contacts and second socket contacts) that can independently accommodate different plug configurations. This segmentation allows the interface to handle multiple connector types through organized, modular contact arrangements rather than requiring a completely redesigned complex interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of designing different device interfaces for different plug types, the invention inverts the approach by designing a single device interface that can receive multiple plug types. The plug connectors are varied in design (different numbers of contact elements), while the device-side connector remains constant, simplifying the device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Manufacturing precision

If hardware changes are made to the electronic module for different configurations, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface standardizationVSAvoidadaptation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device-side plug-type connector is pre-designed with a universal contact element arrangement that anticipates and accommodates multiple different plug configurations. This preliminary design action eliminates the need for hardware modifications during operation, as the interface is already prepared to receive various plug types out of the box.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9912085B2Module interface

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 EUCHNER GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to a module interface with a device-side connector provided on an electronic module with a number of contact elements. They are designed to form a plug-type connection with several corresponding plug-type connectors with different numbers of contact elements.