Configurable Safety Switching Device Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety switching devices are inflexible and require multiple terminals for different safety functions, limiting their compactness and versatility in hazardous machine installations, and struggle to implement safe input and output functions efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A safety switching device with configurable device connectors that can function as both inputs and outputs, equipped with a test switch and redundant circuitry, allowing for flexible configuration and high safety category compliance by enabling the evaluation and monitoring of signaling devices and actuators, and ensuring fault tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple terminals are provided for different safety functions, then the device can support more safety functions, but the device size and terminal count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements configurable terminals that can dynamically change their function between input and output modes through a terminal configuration register. Each terminal is equipped with switching elements that can redirect signal paths, allowing the same physical terminal to serve different safety functions (input signaling, output control, or monitoring) based on operational requirements. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of terminals needed while maintaining comprehensive safety coverage.
2Reliability
If redundant lines are used for high safety category, then the safety reliability increases, but the number of inputs and outputs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple safety functions into shared terminal infrastructure. By implementing configurable terminals that can serve as inputs, outputs, or monitoring points depending on configuration, the system achieves redundant safety pathways without proportionally increasing terminal count. The switching elements allow dynamic reconfiguration of signal paths to create redundant monitoring and control channels using the same physical terminals.
3Area of stationary object
If configurable terminals are implemented, then the terminal count reduces and compactness improves, but the complexity of terminal management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates monitoring circuits that provide feedback on the operational state of each configurable terminal. The monitoring output signals reflect the current configuration and status of terminals, enabling the control system to verify proper terminal assignment and detect configuration errors. This feedback mechanism simplifies terminal management by providing automated status verification and reducing the burden on users to manually track terminal configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety switching device for the failsafe shutdown of an electrical load has at least one input circuit for receiving an input signal from a signaling device which signals a safety-related state, an evaluation and control unit for evaluating the input signal, and at least one output circuit for outputting an output signal. The safety switching device further has at least one switching element for interrupting a current supply path to the load in dependence on the input signal. The input circuit and the output circuit are joined at a device connector so that the device connector can selectively be used as an input for receiving the input signal or as an output for outputting the output signal. The input circuit has a test switch which is coupled to the evaluation and control unit which is designed for selectively suppressing the input signal using the test switch.