Field Bus Cable Breaker Using Solid-State Switch Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for testing redundant communication networks, such as manually disconnecting cables or simulating a broken cable using software, are inefficient and cannot accurately simulate a physical cable break, including power interruptions, making it difficult to assess network recovery and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A cable breaking apparatus with solid-state switches that can be controlled to simulate a physical break between communication cables, allowing for the testing of network recovery and reliability by isolating or reconnecting the cables based on a control signal, including power supply and status indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cable disconnection is used to simulate a physical break, then the network failure can be tested, but it is difficult to coordinate with other observations and test procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical cable disconnection with an electronically controlled switch system. The switch, actuated by a solenoid or similar electromagnetic actuator, opens or closes electrical contacts to simulate cable breaks without requiring physical manual intervention. This allows automated control and coordination with other test procedures through electronic signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the switch assembly with electrical contacts) between the cable connections. This intermediary can be electronically controlled to open or close the circuit, simulating cable breaks while allowing automated coordination with test procedures. The intermediary translates electronic control signals into physical connection states.
2Extent of automation
If software is used to simulate a broken cable by halting Ethernet packet traffic, then the test can be automated, but it cannot simulate a physical cable break including power signal interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based simulation with a physical electromagnetic switch system that can actually open electrical contacts. This hardware-based approach maintains automation through electronic control while simultaneously providing true physical cable break simulation, including interruption of power signals like POE, that software cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of simulation from virtual (software packet halting) to physical (actual electrical contact opening). The switch assembly physically alters the electrical state by opening contacts, thereby changing the system from software-based virtual simulation to hardware-based physical simulation that can interrupt all signals including power.
3Measurement precision
If a cable breaking apparatus with multiple switches and control systems is used, then precise simulation of cable break is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated switch assembly. The assembly includes electrical contacts, actuators, and control circuitry all housed together in one unit that can be inserted into the cable path. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate components for each function while maintaining precise simulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch assembly is designed as a universal device that can simulate cable breaks in various network configurations. It handles multiple signal types (data and power) through a single mechanism, and can be deployed in different locations within the network infrastructure, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise simulation of a cable break, facilitating the evaluation of network recovery time and reliability by replicating a physical failure without manual intervention or network traffic disruption, thereby improving the testing of redundant communication networks.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of switches is configured to simultaneously open and close based on the control signal
Implementation Method 2
The illuminated status indicator(s) may be configured to provide a visual indication of an operational status of the apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial field bus communication cable breaking apparatus includes a housing, a first electrical connector coupled to the housing and configured to be connected to a first field bus communication cable, a first plurality of contacts disposed in the first electrical connector, a second electrical connector coupled to the housing and configured to be connected to a second field bus communication cable, a second plurality of contacts disposed in the second electrical connector, a control input configured to receive a control signal, and a plurality of switches. Each of the plurality of switches has a first end coupled to a respective one of the first plurality of contacts and a second end coupled to a respective one of the second plurality of contacts. Each of the plurality of switches is configured to simultaneously open and close based on the control signal.