Hazard Alarm Redundant Interface Module Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hazard alarm systems face increased costs and complexity due to the need for redundant interface modules to ensure high operational reliability, which is not efficiently addressed by current technologies.
Innovation Solution
A redundant interface module connected to the internal system bus that can take over the functions of a failed active interface module by loading its work program via the system bus, using a relay matrix with changeover switches to maintain uninterrupted operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant interface modules are provided for each active interface module to ensure high operational reliability, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase very considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single redundant interface module that can assume the function of any active interface module through dynamic configuration. The control module redirects fieldbus lines from failed active modules to the redundant module, and loads the work program of the failed module into the redundant module via the system bus. This allows one redundant module to serve multiple active modules, reducing the need for dedicated redundant pairs and thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If redundant interface modules are provided for each active interface module to ensure high operational reliability, then system reliability is improved, but cost increases very considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single redundant interface module that can assume the function of any active interface module through dynamic configuration. The control module redirects fieldbus lines from failed active modules to the redundant module, and loads the work program of the failed module into the redundant module via the system bus. This allows one redundant module to serve multiple active modules, reducing the need for dedicated redundant pairs and thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If the master control module is designed redundantly with two control modules, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple redundant interface modules into a single shared redundant module. Instead of having separate redundant pairs for each active interface module, the system merges the redundancy function into one universal module that can be dynamically assigned to replace any failed active module. This consolidation reduces the overall number of redundant components and simplifies the control architecture while maintaining the reliability benefits of redundancy.
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
This solution ensures almost uninterrupted operation of the alarm system by allowing a redundant interface module to replace a failed active one, reducing the need for multiple redundant modules and minimizing system size and cost while maintaining high reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical connections of an interface module to its fieldbus line can be routed via changeover switches which connect the fieldbus line to its interface module during normal operation and to the redundant interface module if it fails. These switches can basically be designed as switched semiconductors, e.g. MOSFETs.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The alarm system has a control module (1) and interface modules (2-5) which are used as sensor or actuator. The control module and interface modules are connected to common internal system buses (B1,B2). The control module switches the field bus lines (7-1-7-3) of failed interface units (5-1-5-3) of interface module (5) to redundant interface unit (5-4) when the interface units are failed. The operating program of the failed interface unit is loaded in redundant interface unit over the internal system buses. An independent claim is included for method for operating hazardous state alarm system.