{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853831","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853831","title":"Communication module","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2014-02-05T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04L","H04L"],"num_claims":7,"abstract":"A control module for use within a control network, the control module comprising: interface circuitry for enabling communication with an external device; communication means configured to communicate with the external device over the control network by communication with the interface circuitry; coupling means configured to mechanically couple the control module to an adjacent control module and provide a data connection between the communication means and the adjacent module; and an electrical isolation in the data connection between the communication means and the coupling means."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Communication Module patent introduces a novel control module designed for seamless integration within control networks, addressing the critical needs of modularity and efficient data transfer. The core innovation lies in its ability to facilitate communication with external devices through interface circuitry while ensuring robust data connection between adjacent modules via mechanical coupling. A key element is the electrical isolation in the data connection, enhancing network reliability and safety. This technology solves the problem of limited scalability and inefficient communication in traditional control systems. The invention provides a modular design that allows for easy addition of new modules and efficient data transfer between devices. The business value lies in its ability to improve the performance and scalability of control networks, reducing downtime and improving overall system reliability. The market opportunity is significant, spanning various industries including automation, robotics, and industrial control systems. By enabling modular design, efficient communication, and electrical isolation, this patent offers a versatile and reliable solution for companies seeking to enhance their control network infrastructure. The Communication Module is expected to reshape the landscape of control network technology, offering a path towards more efficient, reliable, and scalable systems.","layman_explanation":"The Communication Module patent addresses the challenge of building and managing complex control systems. Traditional control systems often lack the flexibility and scalability needed to accommodate growing networks and evolving requirements. This invention provides a modular solution that simplifies the design, implementation, and maintenance of control systems.\n\n**1. What Problem Does This Solve?**\nTraditional control systems can be difficult to scale and manage, especially as the number of devices and complexity of operations increase. Existing solutions often lack the modularity and communication capabilities required to efficiently manage growing networks. This leads to inefficiencies, increased downtime, and higher costs.\n\n**2. How Does It Work?**\nThe Communication Module works by providing a modular control module that can be easily connected and configured to create a control network. Each module includes interface circuitry for communicating with external devices, communication means for transferring data over the network, coupling mechanisms for connecting to adjacent modules, and electrical isolation to prevent interference. Think of it like building a network of computers using LEGO blocks. Each block is a module, and they all connect together to form a network.\n\n**3. Why Does This Matter?**\nThis technology matters because it makes it easier and more cost-effective to build and manage complex control systems. It allows companies to scale their control networks as needed, without having to redesign the entire system. It also improves the reliability and safety of control systems by providing electrical isolation between modules. The market impact is significant, as it can transform industries such as automation, robotics, and industrial control systems.\n\n**4. What's Next?**\nFuture applications of this technology include building more intelligent and autonomous control systems. As the market adopts this modular approach, we can expect to see more innovation in control network design and implementation. The investment implications are favorable, as this technology has the potential to generate significant ROI for companies that adopt it.","technical_analysis":"The Communication Module patent details a control module designed for use within a control network, emphasizing modularity and robust communication. The technical architecture comprises several key components: interface circuitry for external device communication, a communication means for network interaction, coupling mechanisms for adjacent module connection, and electrical isolation within the data connection. The interface circuitry likely incorporates standard communication protocols such as Ethernet, CAN bus, or serial communication, enabling compatibility with a wide range of external devices. The communication means would involve a network protocol optimized for control systems, potentially utilizing a real-time operating system (RTOS) to ensure deterministic data transfer. The coupling mechanisms would provide both mechanical and electrical connections, allowing for easy module addition and removal. The electrical isolation is crucial for preventing ground loops and reducing the risk of electrical interference, likely implemented using optocouplers or isolation transformers. From an implementation standpoint, the patent suggests a hardware-software co-design approach. The hardware would handle the physical communication and coupling, while the software would manage the network protocols and data processing. The algorithm specifics would depend on the chosen communication protocol and the control system requirements. Integration patterns would involve defining a standard interface for module communication, allowing for seamless integration of new modules into the network. Performance characteristics would be influenced by the communication protocol, the hardware design, and the software implementation. Code-level implications would involve developing drivers and libraries for the interface circuitry and communication means, as well as implementing the necessary network protocols. Overall, the Communication Module offers a flexible and robust solution for building modular control systems, with significant implications for various industries.","business_analysis":"The Communication Module patent presents a significant business opportunity in the control network technology market. The market opportunity size is substantial, encompassing industries such as automation, robotics, industrial control systems, and building management systems. The competitive advantages of this technology lie in its modular design, efficient communication capabilities, and electrical isolation features. These advantages translate into improved scalability, reliability, and safety for control networks. The revenue potential is significant, as companies can leverage this technology to build more efficient and cost-effective control systems. Potential business models include licensing the patent, manufacturing and selling the control modules, and providing consulting services for control network design and implementation. The strategic positioning of the Communication Module is strong, as it addresses the growing demand for modular and scalable control systems. ROI projections are favorable, as the technology can reduce downtime, improve operational efficiency, and enable new applications for control networks. The Communication Module has the potential to disrupt the control network technology market by offering a more flexible, reliable, and cost-effective solution for building and managing complex control systems. This innovation can drive significant value for companies seeking to improve their control network infrastructure and gain a competitive edge in their respective industries.","faqs":[{"answer":"Communication Module is a patented technology that introduces a novel control module designed for seamless integration within control networks. It is designed to address the critical needs of modularity and efficient data transfer in modern control systems. This innovative system features interface circuitry for enabling communication with external devices, communication means configured to communicate over the control network, coupling means for mechanically coupling adjacent modules, and electrical isolation in the data connection. The technology represents a significant advancement in the field of control network technology, offering a versatile and reliable solution for a wide range of applications. The primary goal of the Communication Module is to provide a more flexible, scalable, and efficient way to build and manage complex control systems. This is achieved through its modular design, robust communication capabilities, and enhanced electrical isolation. The Communication Module is expected to reshape the landscape of control network technology, offering a path towards more efficient, reliable, and scalable systems.\n\nKeywords: control networks, modular design, communication module, electrical isolation, automation","question":"What is Communication Module?"},{"answer":"Communication Module works by providing a modular control module that can be easily connected and configured to create a control network. Each module includes interface circuitry for communicating with external devices, communication means for transferring data over the network, coupling mechanisms for connecting to adjacent modules, and electrical isolation to prevent interference. The interface circuitry enables the module to communicate with external devices using standard communication protocols. The communication means facilitates data transfer over the control network, ensuring seamless communication between modules. The coupling mechanisms provide mechanical and electrical connections between adjacent modules, allowing for easy addition and removal of modules. The electrical isolation feature protects the system from electrical interference and ground loops, enhancing its reliability and safety. The Communication Module operates by creating a distributed control system where each module is responsible for a specific task or function. The modules communicate with each other to coordinate their actions and achieve a common goal. This modular approach allows for easy customization and adaptation to changing requirements. The Communication Module is designed to be highly flexible and scalable, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.\n\nKeywords: modular control, control network, communication system, electrical isolation, system architecture","question":"How does Communication Module work?"},{"answer":"Communication Module solves the problem of limited scalability and inefficient communication in traditional control systems. Traditional control systems often lack the modularity and flexibility needed to accommodate growing networks and evolving requirements. These systems can be difficult to manage, leading to inefficiencies, increased downtime, and higher costs. The Communication Module addresses these challenges by providing a modular control module that can be easily connected and configured to create a control network. This modular design allows for easy addition and removal of modules, enabling flexible customization and adaptation to changing requirements. The technology also features efficient communication capabilities and electrical isolation, enhancing the reliability and safety of the system. The Communication Module provides a more efficient and cost-effective way to build and manage complex control systems. It allows companies to scale their control networks as needed, without having to redesign the entire system. It also improves the reliability and safety of control systems by","question":"What problem does Communication Module solve?"}],"topics":["communication module","control systems","modular design","electrical isolation","automation","communication","module","patent"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Communication Module - Modular Control System Patent US-9853831","description":"Discover the Communication Module, a revolutionary control system patent for modular and efficient control networks. Explore its design, benefits, and applications.","keywords":["communication module","control systems","modular design","electrical isolation","automation","robotics","industrial control","patent","patent US-9853831"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853831","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853831","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Communication module\" (US-9853831). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853831","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853831","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853831","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T05:48:34.204Z"}