Wireless Control Adapter for Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection systems in control technology require complex and inflexible cabling for signal transmission between input/output units and field components, leading to potential misinterpretation of signals, increased setup effort, and vulnerability to cable breaks and voltage drops, especially over long distances.
Innovation Solution
A connection adapter system enabling wireless transmission of digital and analog signals using a signal interface unit, communication unit, and antenna unit, allowing for direct contact with input/output units and field components, with configuration options for signal type, direction, and routing, and providing galvanic separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless transmission is implemented using additional devices, then signal transmission capability is improved, but setup effort and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wireless transmission functionality directly into the connection adapter system that is already present in the input/output unit and field component. The communication unit and antenna unit are integrated into the existing adapter structure, eliminating the need for separate additional wireless transmission devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection adapter is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both wired signal transmission through its signal interface unit and wireless signal transmission through its communication unit and antenna unit. This multi-functionality allows the same device to adapt to different transmission requirements without requiring separate dedicated devices.
2Reliability
If wired connection is used for signal transmission, then signal transmission is reliable, but flexibility and adaptability to changing conditions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic adaptability by allowing switching between wired and wireless transmission modes. The connection adapter can maintain reliable wired connections when stable infrastructure is available, while seamlessly transitioning to wireless mode when flexibility or reconfiguration is needed, such as when replacing modules or adapting to changing field conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication unit acts as an intermediary that bridges the wired connection infrastructure with the need for flexibility. It provides an alternative transmission path that maintains signal reliability while enabling adaptive reconfiguration without physical cable changes.
3Ease of repair
If front connectors are made replaceable for module exchange, then ease of repair is improved, but risk of misconnection and errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The read/write units in both the input/output module and the connection adapter enable automatic identification and verification of connections. When a module or adapter is exchanged, the system can automatically detect the connection, verify compatibility, and configure signal routing accordingly, providing feedback that prevents misconnections and ensures accurate pairing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification and configuration through the read/write units before actual signal transmission begins. This preliminary action ensures that connections are properly established and compatible before operational use, preventing misconnections during module exchanges.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a control technology connection adapter system. The adapter system is designed to transmit digital and/or analog signals between at least one input and/or output unit (120) of a control device (110) and at least one field component (150, 155, 156). The invention is characterized in that at least one connection adapter (200a, 200b, 200c) is included in order to wirelessly transmit digital and/or analog signals, said connection adapter having a signal interface unit (201a, 201b, 201c), a communication unit (202a, 202b, 202c), and an antenna unit (203a, 203b, 203c). The connection adapter can be contacted with the input and/or output unit or with the field component so as to conduct signals by means of the signal interface unit, and the connection adapter is designed to forward signals arriving via the signal interface unit by means of the antenna unit and/or signals arriving via the antenna unit by means of the signal interface unit using the communication unit.