Dual Wireless Links for Interference-Resilient Sensor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems for safety-critical applications, such as cranes, are prone to interference and disruptions, leading to delayed signal transmission and potential safety-critical situations due to the susceptibility of radio signals to environmental influences and the complexity of maintaining reliable connections.
Innovation Solution
Implementing two separate wireless transmission paths with different transmission parameters between the control unit and sensors/actuators, ensuring that data transmission can seamlessly switch to an alternative path if one is disrupted, thereby minimizing delays and ensuring uninterrupted operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If wireless transmission is used between control unit and sensor/actuator, then installation complexity is reduced, but transmission reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication system is segmented into multiple independent transmission paths (at least two different wireless transmission paths) between the control unit and sensor/actuator. Each path operates independently, so when one path experiences interference or disruption, the other path remains functional, maintaining transmission reliability while preserving the installation simplicity of wireless communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system preemptively establishes multiple redundant transmission paths before interference occurs. When disruption is detected on one path, the system has already prepared alternative paths with different transmission parameters (frequency, time, spatial direction) to immediately switch to, cushioning against the impact of interference on overall system reliability.
2Reliability
If redundant transmission paths are implemented, then transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple transmission paths differ by transmission parameters such as frequency bands, time slots, or spatial directions rather than requiring completely separate physical infrastructure. This parameter-based differentiation allows the system to achieve redundancy while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as the paths can share common hardware resources like antennas and processors.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless transmission system is designed with multi-functionality where a single transceiver unit can operate across multiple frequency bands, time slots, or spatial directions. This universal design allows the same hardware to implement multiple transmission paths, reducing the complexity increase that would otherwise result from adding separate dedicated hardware for each redundant path.
3Device complexity
If single transmission path is used, then device complexity is minimized, but transmission time increases when disruption occurs due to retransmission delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing multiple transmission paths and pre-configuring alternative routes before disruptions occur. When interference is detected on the active path, the system can immediately switch to a pre-prepared alternative path without the time delay associated with establishing new connections or retransmitting data, thus reducing transmission time losses while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a device having a modular design, comprising a control unit (1) having at least one sensor (2) or actuator connected to the control unit (1), designed for transmitting data between the control unit (1) and the sensor (2) or the actuator, wherein according to the invention, the control unit (1) is connected to the sensor (2) or the actuator by two separate wireless transmission lines (3, 4), wherein the transmission of data between the control unit (1) and the sensor (2) or the actuator is carried out via the two transmission lines (3, 4) using different transmission parameters/techniques.