Automation Device for Redundant Bus Subscriber Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current automation technologies for redundant control of bus subscribers in shipbuilding and control systems require complex network address emulation and high-cost network distributors, such as Ethernet switches, which increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An automation device with a processor that transmits bus data between two communicatively separated communication interfaces, allowing for direct communication with two controllers via different communication networks, eliminating the need for network address emulation and high-cost distributors, and enabling redundant control of multiple bus subscribers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network address emulation and Ethernet switches are used for redundant control, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the Ethernet switch component from the redundant control system. Instead of using a network distributor (Ethernet switch) to connect multiple controllers to the automation device, the solution directly connects the automation device to multiple controllers through separate communication interfaces, eliminating the need for address emulation and reducing system complexity while maintaining communication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication paths by providing separate communication interfaces (first communication interface and second communication interface) for different controllers. Each interface operates independently with its own communication network, allowing redundant control without requiring complex address management or network distributors
2Reliability
If network distributors such as Ethernet switches are used, then redundant control capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive Ethernet switch component from the system architecture. By implementing direct connections between the automation device and multiple controllers through separate communication interfaces, the solution eliminates the need for costly network distributors while preserving redundant control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The automation device is designed with multiple communication interfaces that can independently communicate with different controllers. This multi-functionality allows the single automation device to work with multiple controllers directly, replacing the need for additional network infrastructure and reducing overall system cost
Data Source
AI summary
An automation device for the redundant control of a bus subscriber, including: a bus interface for communication with the bus subscriber; a first communication interface for communication with a first controller via a first communication network; a second communication interface for communication with the second controller via a second communication network; and a processor. The processor transmits bus data received from the bus interface to the first communication interface and to the second communication interface. The first communication interface transmits the received bus data to the first controller, the second communication interface transmits the received bus data to the second controller, and the first communication interface and the second communication interface are communicatively separated. The processor also transmits first communication data received via the first communication interface and second communication data received via the second communication interface to the bus subscriber via the bus interface.