Valve Island Safety Module Assembly With Size-Adapter Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety modules for valve islands are designed specifically for a single valve terminal size, necessitating separate development for each size, which is inefficient and inflexible.

Innovation Solution

A safety module structure with an adapter module that allows identical safety modules to be used across different valve terminal sizes by attaching to a support section via the adapter, eliminating the need for separate designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If safety modules are designed specifically for each valve terminal size, then the safety module can be optimized for that specific size, but the device complexity increases and adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimization for specific sizeVSAvoidcompatibility across different valve terminal sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The safety module system is segmented into two independent parts: a universal safety module unit and a size-specific adapter module. The adapter module is detached from the core safety module, allowing the safety module to remain standardized while the adapter handles size-specific variations. This segmentation enables the same safety module to work with different valve terminal sizes by simply changing the adapter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The safety module is designed with universal functionality that can be adapted to different valve terminal sizes through interchangeable adapter modules. The core safety module maintains standardized interfaces and mounting mechanisms, while the adapter modules provide size-specific adaptation. This allows one safety module design to serve multiple valve terminal sizes, enhancing versatility without compromising optimization for each specific size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate safety modules are developed for each valve terminal size, then each module can be perfectly suited to its specific application, but the device complexity and development effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication-specific optimizationVSAvoidnumber of different safety module designs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the safety module into a standardized core unit and interchangeable adapter modules. Each adapter is designed for a specific valve terminal size, maintaining application-specific optimization, while the core safety module remains unchanged. This reduces device complexity by eliminating the need to develop entirely different safety modules for each size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter module serves as an intermediary between the standardized safety module and the valve terminal of specific size. It mediates the connection, allowing the safety module to interface with different valve terminal sizes without requiring redesign. This intermediary approach maintains reliability for each specific application while reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If identical safety modules are used for different valve terminal sizes without adapters, then the device complexity decreases, but the adaptability and proper fitting to different sizes is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of safety module variantsVSAvoidcompatibility with different valve terminal sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter module acts as an intermediary component that enables identical safety modules to be properly fitted to different valve terminal sizes. The adapter handles the size-specific adaptation requirements, allowing the core safety module to remain standardized without compromising compatibility or proper fitting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The safety module is designed with universal mounting interfaces and connection mechanisms that work across different valve terminal sizes when combined with appropriate adapters. This universal design, coupled with size-specific adapters, maintains low device complexity while achieving high adaptability to different valve terminal configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4636260A1Safety module assembly, valve island and method

Publication Date: 2025.10.22 FESTO AG & CO KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a safety module structure (2) for a valve island (28), comprising a safety module (7) with a switching device (9) for switching off an electrical supply to a plurality of valve modules (4) arranged on a support section (3) of the valve island (28), further comprising an adapter module (8) arranged on the safety module (7), via which adapter module the safety module (7) can be attached to the support section (3).