Controller Malfunction Detection via Current and Activation State Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems with multiple controllers struggle to accurately detect malfunctions in controllers or power supply paths, leading to potential system failures.
Innovation Solution
A communication system comprising a first controller and a second controller, where the second controller includes a current detection unit, a management frame obtaining unit, a state comparing unit, and a diagnostic process executing unit. This setup allows for the detection of inconsistencies between the device state based on consumed current and activation information, enabling timely diagnosis and notification of malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the system uses power relay to selectively switch power of multiple electronic controllers, then power management is improved, but malfunction detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary diagnostic actions by continuously monitoring current consumption before malfunctions manifest as system failures. The second controller proactively detects anomalies by comparing expected current values (based on activation information) with actual current measurements, enabling early intervention and preventing complete system failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the second controller receives activation information from communication frames, compares it with actual current consumption measurements, and uses this feedback to detect malfunctions. The diagnostic information is fed back to identify inconsistencies between expected and actual device states, improving detection accuracy while maintaining power management functionality.
2Measurement precision
If the system monitors current consumption to detect malfunctions, then malfunction detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second controller performs multiple functions: it controls power switches for power management, processes communication frames for network coordination, and simultaneously monitors current consumption for diagnostic purposes. By making the second controller a multi-functional component, the system improves malfunction detection accuracy without adding separate dedicated monitoring hardware, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing communication infrastructure and control resources to perform self-diagnosis. The second controller utilizes its own processing capabilities and the existing current measurement functions to monitor system health, rather than requiring external diagnostic equipment or additional complex monitoring subsystems.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system includes a first controller and a second controller connected to each other. The first controller receives electric power from a power source through a switch. The second controller includes a current detection unit, a management frame obtaining unit, a state comparing unit, and a diagnostic process executing unit. The current detection unit detects a consumed current value by the first controller. The management frame obtaining unit obtains a management frame including activation information of the first controller. The state comparing unit determines whether a first state based on the consumed current value and a second state based on the activation information of the first controller are inconsistent with each other. The diagnostic process executing unit performs, when the first state and the second state are inconsistent with each other, at least one of (i) storing diagnostic information and (ii) transmitting a notification of the diagnostic information.