Engine Control System Safety Key Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current engine maintenance systems often result in prolonged downtime due to cumbersome safety measures, which can lead to unnecessary engine shutdowns during maintenance operations, compromising both safety and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An engine control system with multiple human-machine interface units and a local central control unit, utilizing a safety key-based locking and unlocking mechanism to securely manage access to engine control functions, ensuring safety during maintenance while minimizing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical or electro-mechanical switch is provided to ensure safety during maintenance operations, then safety of maintenance personnel is improved, but downtime of the engine is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical switch with an electronic control system that uses a microprocessor-based controller. The system uses a key fob with RFID or similar identification technology to authenticate maintenance personnel, and electronically controls the engine starter motor through a control unit. This electronic substitution eliminates the need for physical mechanical switches while maintaining safety through electronic interlocks and authentication mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a key fob as an intermediary authentication device between the maintenance personnel and the engine control system. The key fob contains identification information that is read by a sensor in the control system, serving as a mediator to verify authorized access before enabling any control functions. This intermediary layer ensures that only authenticated personnel can access engine controls during maintenance.
2Reliability
If a mechanical switch is used to prevent accidental engine startup during maintenance, then safety is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch operation with electronic key fob authentication and electronic control. Instead of physically manipulating a switch, maintenance personnel simply present their authenticated key fob to the system, which electronically grants access to the control functions. This eliminates the need for mechanical switch handling while maintaining safety through electronic interlocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service authentication where the key fob automatically presents its identification information to the control system's sensor upon close proximity or insertion. The microprocessor-based controller automatically reads the key fob information, verifies authentication status, and enables appropriate control functions without requiring manual switch operation or additional user input.
3Reliability
If multiple HMI units with lock means are used to control engine functions, then safety control is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control architecture where a single microprocessor-based controller serves multiple HMI units and performs multiple safety functions. The controller integrates key fob authentication, engine control function enablement, safety interlock management, and communication with multiple HMI units into one unified system. This multi-functional approach maintains safety across multiple interfaces while reducing overall system complexity compared to separate dedicated control circuits for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an example embodiment, an engine control system (100) for controlling user access to one or more engine control functions of an engine (102) is provided. The engine control system (100) comprises one or more human-machine interface, HMI, units (110) for providing user access to respective one or more engine control functions, wherein at least one HMI unit (110) comprises a respective lock means (116) for receiving a safety key that carries a key identification, ID, and wherein the engine control system (100) is arranged to, when the lock means (116) in a first HMI unit is in receipt of the safety key that carries a first key ID, selectively provide via the first HMI unit a locking function for locking at least one engine control function associated with the first key ID or an unlocking function for releasing said at least one engine control function from locking by the first key ID.