Digital Signal Output Device Abnormality Detection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital signal output devices fail to generate proper ON and OFF signals when an abnormality occurs in the switching switch, leading to hazardous movements in machines like machine tools and robots due to imperfect contact or misalignment caused by vibrations or shocks, as they cannot apply a voltage different from the common voltage via a resistor.
Innovation Solution
A digital signal output device with a voltage switching unit that selects a second voltage different from the common voltage and a voltage determination unit that detects changes in the output voltage, generating digital signals indicating a first state when the voltage has not changed and a second state when an abnormality occurs, ensuring safe operation by outputting a consistent signal regardless of the switch's state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a switching switch is used to selectively apply multiple voltages to the output terminal, then the device can adapt to different common voltages (0V or 24V), but the switching switch may experience abnormalities such as imperfect contact or misalignment due to vibrations or shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the operational state of the switching switch and automatically adjusts the voltage application based on detected abnormalities. When contact imperfection or misalignment is detected, the control unit responds by selecting appropriate voltages to maintain proper digital signal generation, thereby compensating for the switching switch reliability issues while preserving adaptability to different common voltages.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves as an intermediary between the switching switch and the voltage application mechanism. It mediates the potential reliability problems of the switching switch by introducing intelligent control logic that can detect abnormalities and adjust voltage application accordingly, ensuring that the adaptability to different common voltages is maintained without being compromised by switching switch failures.
2Reliability
If the switching switch has imperfect contact or misalignment, then the device cannot properly apply voltage different from common voltage via resistor, but adding complexity to detect and handle abnormalities increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs self-service by autonomously monitoring the switching switch state and automatically adjusting voltage application without requiring external intervention or complex additional detection systems. The control unit uses its existing processing capabilities to detect abnormalities in the switching switch and independently decides how to apply voltages to maintain proper digital signal generation, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the primary control element for normal operation and as the abnormality detection and handling mechanism. By integrating multiple functions into a single control unit, the patent avoids increasing device complexity while ensuring reliable digital signal generation even when the switching switch exhibits imperfect contact or misalignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital signal output device includes: an operation switch including contacts, a first terminal to which a first voltage is applied and a second terminal from which the first voltage is outputted when the contacts are closed; a voltage switching unit configured to select a second voltage from among a plurality of constant voltages; a voltage determination unit configured to determine on a designated cycle whether or not a voltage outputted from the voltage switching unit has changed from the second voltage; and a digital signal generation unit configured to, when the voltage determination unit determines that the voltage has not changed from the second voltage, generate on every cycle a digital signal indicating a first state when the first voltage is outputted from the second terminal and a digital signal indicating the second state when the first voltage is not outputted therefrom.