Valve Manifold Circuit Board Serial Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid control systems for automated manufacturing and industrial applications lack a single line communication system between driver and slave devices, making it difficult to transfer data and control parameters efficiently across valve manifold blocks.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluid control system with a single serial communication line that connects multiple valve manifold blocks, allowing data transfer and parameterization through a single wire, using a master driver to communicate with smart slave devices by modulating current for data transmission and utilizing a detection circuit to differentiate between single and double solenoid valve units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate communication lines are used for each valve unit, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication functions (data transmission, addressing, error detection) into a single serial communication line that connects the driver to multiple slave devices. This merging approach reduces wiring complexity while maintaining communication reliability through intelligent protocol design and error detection circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The single communication line serves multiple functions: it provides addressing for individual valve units, transmits control data, and enables error detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated lines for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Device complexity
If a single communication line is used to reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but communication precision and error detection capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates error detection circuits that monitor the communication line for errors and provide feedback to the driver. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect and correct communication errors, maintaining high communication precision even though multiple devices share a single communication line.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical wiring with intelligent electronic protocols and error detection circuits. Instead of using multiple physical lines for redundancy, the system uses electronic error detection and correction mechanisms to ensure communication precision over a single line.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate circuit boards are used for each valve block, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the valve manifold into modular blocks, each with its own circuit board containing error detection circuits. This segmentation allows each board to be manufactured and tested independently, improving manufacturing precision while the modular design actually reduces overall complexity by making the system more manageable and interchangeable.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve manifold block for a fluid valve manifold has a valve manifold block with a printed circuit board received in a passage in the valve manifold block. A set of conductive valve lines on the circuit board extend between and are connected to a respective set of first electrical connectors and a respective set of second mating electrical connectors. The circuit board also having at least one conductive valve line extending to a third connector on the circuit board operably leading to one voltage side of the valve unit. A conductive common line is operably connected to an opposite voltage side of the valve unit. A serial communication line connects to a respective serial communication line in another valve manifold block for communicating information relating to the valve unit.