Electronic Control Device Independent Circuit Redundancy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic control devices with redundant systems lack sufficient redundancy in their control means, making them vulnerable to failures that can disrupt overall device operation.

Innovation Solution

The electronic control device is configured with multiple system circuits, including drive unit and controller systems, each equipped with relay means to independently interrupt or continue power supply, ensuring that operation can be maintained using a normal system circuit in case of an abnormality, and incorporating redundant control mechanisms to prevent failures from affecting other systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple independent system circuits are provided with redundancy, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveredundancyVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is divided into multiple independent system circuits (first system circuit and second system circuit), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the device to maintain functionality even when one circuit fails, thereby improving reliability without requiring a completely redundant duplicate system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Both the first and second system circuits are designed with identical functional capabilities, allowing either circuit to perform the full range of control functions. This multi-functionality ensures that when one circuit fails, the other can immediately take over without requiring any functional limitations, thus maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If relay means are disposed in each system circuit to independently interrupt power supply, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveredundancyVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Relay means are independently disposed in each system circuit (first relay in first system circuit, second relay in second system circuit), creating segmented isolation of power supply control. This allows individual circuits to be independently switched off without affecting other circuits, improving reliability through fault isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The relay means act as intermediary components between the power supply and each system circuit, providing controlled isolation. When a fault is detected in one circuit, the corresponding relay opens to prevent the fault from propagating to other circuits, thereby protecting the overall system while maintaining relatively simple implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If control means are provided in each system circuit, then operational continuity is improved, but control redundancy is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidcontrol redundancy
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control means are segmented into first control means in the first system circuit and second control means in the second system circuit, with each capable of independently controlling its respective drive unit. This segmentation ensures that control functionality is maintained even when one circuit fails, as the other control means can continue operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a single control means to multiple control means with identical functional parameters, creating parameter redundancy. Both control means are designed with the same control capabilities, ensuring that when one fails, the other can immediately assume full control responsibilities without parameter mismatches or functional limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3460993B1Electronic control device having multiple system circuits
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3460993B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3460993B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3460993B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An electronic control device having multiple system circuits is such that power supply interrupting means is provided independently in all the system circuits, an abnormal system circuit is interrupted using the interrupting means in accordance with an abnormality being detected, and control is continued using a normal system circuit, whereby redundancy is improved. A multiple of system circuits formed of a drive unit system circuit and a controller system circuit are divided from a branch point of a power line, and furthermore, a relay function of being capable of controlling so as to interrupt a power supply to each system circuit is disposed in each system circuit, whereby each system circuit can independently be shut off or continue to be operated.