Elevator Bus Node Microprocessor Signal Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator installation monitoring devices, particularly bus nodes with microprocessors, are expensive to produce due to complex and energy-intensive signal transmission methods.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring device with a direct, uninterrupted signal line connecting the first and second microprocessors within the bus node, allowing for efficient signal transmission without additional elements, enabling the use of low-performance signal amplifiers and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional signal transmission methods with additional elements (switches, safety elements) are used to connect microprocessors, then the system can monitor safety states, but the production cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the safety element from the signal transmission path between microprocessors, using it only for its original monitoring function while a separate test signal path directly connects the microprocessors. This separation eliminates the need for complex signal routing through safety elements during testing, reducing production complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the signal transmission system into two independent paths: one for safety monitoring (through safety elements) and one for testing (direct connection). This segmentation allows each path to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing cost.
2Reliability
If conventional signal transmission through multiple elements is used, then safety monitoring is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test signal path is extracted from the safety monitoring path, creating a dedicated low-energy route for testing that bypasses energy-consuming safety elements and amplifiers. This maintains safety monitoring reliability while significantly reducing test signal energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple, low-performance amplifier for the test signal path that can be easily replaced or reset, rather than using the high-performance, energy-intensive amplifier required for safety-critical signals. This reduces energy consumption for non-critical testing operations.
3Reliability
If safety elements are included in the signal path between microprocessors, then safety state monitoring is possible, but test simplicity and production cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring function from the testing function, allowing safety elements to remain in the safety monitoring path while creating a separate direct path for testing. This maintains safety monitoring reliability while simplifying production and reducing costs for the test path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a separate test signal as an intermediary that can independently verify microprocessor functionality without affecting or requiring the safety elements. This mediator allows testing to proceed independently, reducing production complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A test method is applied to an elevator system having a control unit and at least one bus node. The bus node has a first microprocessor and a second microprocessor and the control unit and the bus node communicate by a bus. Furthermore, the first microprocessor and the second microprocessor are connected without interruption by a signal line. The test method includes the steps: a specification signal is transmitted by the control unit to the first microprocessor, the first microprocessor transmits the signal to the second microprocessor, and the second microprocessor provides the signal for the control unit. Finally, the control unit verifies whether the provided signal corresponds to a signal expected by the control unit. The elevator system includes a monitoring device for carrying out the test method.