Industrial Control Short-Circuit Detection Using Signal Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting short-circuits in industrial control apparatuses are inefficient, taking a long time to detect and often require multiple terminals, leading to increased detection time and reduced availability of unoccupied terminals.
Innovation Solution
An industrial control apparatus with a microcomputer, voltage supplying units, amplification command circuit, and voltage amplifier that compares input signals from different circuits to quickly detect short-circuits using an amplification command signal, allowing for accurate and rapid identification of short-circuit events without needing multiple terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If test signals are periodically fed to circuits in turn, then short-circuit detection can be performed, but the detection time becomes long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple circuit detections into a single simultaneous operation by electrically connecting multiple circuits in parallel between one terminal of the microcomputer and ground. This allows all connected circuits to be detected at the same time rather than requiring sequential testing, thereby significantly reducing detection time while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary short-circuit detection by continuously monitoring the parallel-connected circuits through the microcomputer terminal before actual operation occurs. The system is configured to detect short-circuits proactively rather than waiting for periodic test signals, enabling immediate detection and response.
2Reliability
If multiple circuits are connected to microcomputer terminals for test signal input/output, then short-circuit detection is enabled, but the number of unoccupied terminals decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple circuit detections into a single terminal configuration by connecting multiple circuits in parallel between one microcomputer terminal and ground. This consolidation allows the system to detect short-circuits in multiple circuits simultaneously using only one terminal, thereby minimizing the reduction in unoccupied terminals while maintaining comprehensive detection capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution minimizes the time taken to detect short-circuits and reduces the number of unoccupied terminals required, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of short-circuit detection while preventing erroneous detections.
Implementation Method 1
the voltage amplifier is incorporated in the first circuit and electrically connected to the amplification command circuit and, upon reception of the amplification command signal, amplifies a pre-amplified signal with the amplification factor indicated by the amplification command signal for output to the microcomputer
Implementation Method 2
The amplification command circuit is electrically connected to the first circuit and the second circuit and compares an input signal from the first circuit with an input signal from the second circuit to output an amplification command signal indicating an amplification factor corresponding to the comparison result
Implementation Method 3
the microcomputer includes an operation detecting unit that detects (or determines, checks) connection or non-connection of the first input device and occurrence of a short-circuit event (simply a short-circuit) between the first circuit and the second circuit, based on a voltage of a signal inputted from the voltage amplifier
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an industrial control apparatus that minimizes the increase in time taken for detecting a short-circuit in the apparatus and the decrease in the number of unoccupied terminals of a microcomputer due to detection of a short-circuit event. The industrial control apparatus includes first and second voltage supplying units, first and second circuits, an amplification command circuit, and a voltage amplifier incorporated into the first circuit. The amplification command circuit compares the input signal from the first circuit with that of the second signal, and if the comparison results in agreement, outputs to the voltage amplifier an amplification command signal indicating an amplification factor that allows a pre-amplified signal inputted to the voltage amplifier after being amplified to have a voltage out of the range of detecting connection or non-connection of the first input device to the first circuit.