Component Interface Module Rotary Switching for Easier Logic Setup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing component interface module (CIM) in nuclear power plants requires complex jumper operations for non-skilled users, leading to difficulties in operation and maintenance, and lacks clear indication of controlled components and diagnostic results.
Innovation Solution
A component interface module with enhanced user convenience, utilizing a rotary switch to set priority logic and component logic for each group, eliminating the need for jumper settings and providing a display for controlled components and error states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If jumper settings are used to configure priority logic and component logic in the CIM, then the system can be configured for different component types and priority modes, but the operation and maintenance becomes difficult for non-skilled users and requires disassembly to change control targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical jumper configuration system with an electronic rotary switch system. The rotary switch (e.g., SW1 for priority logic, SW2 for component logic) electronically selects different configuration modes without requiring physical disassembly or jumper manipulation. This substitution maintains the adaptability of different configuration modes while dramatically improving ease of operation for non-skilled users.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the CIM requires disassembly to change control target components, then the internal jumper settings can be modified, but the maintenance time and operational complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical disassembly-required jumper configuration with an electronic rotary switch system that allows configuration changes in seconds without any disassembly. The rotary switch electronically connects different configuration circuits internally, maintaining the ability to switch between different control target components while eliminating the time-consuming disassembly and reassembly process.
3Ease of operation
If the CIM lacks clear indication of controlled components and diagnostic results, then the system structure remains simple, but the operability and troubleshooting become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through display units that show the currently controlled component and diagnostic results. The display unit receives information from the processor about which component is currently being controlled and presents this feedback to the operator. Additionally, diagnostic results are displayed to help operators quickly identify and troubleshoot issues, improving detectability without significantly complicating the overall system structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A component interface module with enhanced user convenience, according to the present invention, is a component interface module for managing the interface between a control system, which generates component command signals, and components, which generates component feedback signals, wherein the components are classified into first to third component groups, the component interface module is formed from first to third component interface modules, each of the first to third component interface modules includes: an input port; a processor including a priority logic, a component logic and a diagnostic logic; and an output device, the priority logic is set using a four-contact rotary switch for selecting any one of four settings in order to set the priority for the component command signals, and the component logic is set using a control rotary switch of each of the first to third component interface modules.