Configurable Safety Input Modules for Faster Sensor Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety control systems are inflexible and costly, requiring multiple input modules for different types of safety transmitters, leading to complex wiring, increased error-prone connections, and delayed response times due to input filters.
Innovation Solution
A configurable safety control system with a setting unit that stores signal parameters for input modules, allowing precise adaptation to connected safety transmitters, including active and passive devices, and enabling the evaluation of dynamic clock signals and test pulses, thereby reducing evaluation time and increasing flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input modules are used for different types of safety transmitters, then compatibility with various safety devices is improved, but device complexity and wiring complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal input module that can handle multiple types of safety transmitters (active and passive) through a single standardized interface. The module automatically detects the transmitter type and configures itself accordingly, eliminating the need for multiple specialized input modules and reducing wiring complexity while maintaining compatibility with various safety devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The input module employs dynamic configuration capabilities where signal parameters such as rise time, fall time, and test pulse characteristics can be adjusted based on the detected safety transmitter type. This dynamic adaptation allows the same hardware module to optimize its evaluation criteria for different transmitter types, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If input filters are added to evaluate safety signals, then measurement precision is improved, but response time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting filter characteristics based on the detected safety transmitter type. For active safety transmitters, the module uses optimized rise time and fall time parameters that balance filtering precision with response speed. The system can adaptively modify these parameters to maintain measurement precision while minimizing response time delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The input module performs preliminary detection of the safety transmitter type before full signal evaluation begins. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-configure appropriate filter parameters and evaluation criteria, ensuring that the main signal processing can proceed with optimized settings that balance precision and speed rather than using conservative default values.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of signal parameters is required, then adaptability to different safety transmitters is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The input module implements self-service by automatically detecting the type of connected safety transmitter and configuring appropriate signal parameters without requiring manual intervention. The module autonomously identifies whether an active or passive transmitter is connected and adjusts rise time, fall time, and test pulse evaluation parameters accordingly, maintaining adaptability while greatly simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the input module continuously monitors incoming signals and adjusts its configuration based on detected signal characteristics. This feedback-driven automatic configuration allows the system to adapt to different safety transmitter types while maintaining ease of operation, as the module learns and configures itself based on the actual signals received rather than requiring manual parameter setting.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a safety control system (10) for turning on and securely turning off at least one actuator, having at least one input module (20) for evaluating an input signal (58) of a safety transmitter and for generating an output signal, and having at least one output module (30) for safely actuating the actuator subject to the output signal of the input module (20). Subject to the type of safety transmitter, the input signal (58) has different signal parameters (72). Furthermore, the safety control system has an adjustment unit (70) having a memory, in which the signal parameters (72) for the input module (20) can be stored, and the input module (20) evaluates the input signal (58) subject to the signal parameters (72).