Heating Device Control Unit Data Integrity via Segmented Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing heating device control systems face challenges in simplifying the replacement of control units while ensuring data security, as they often rely on pluggable storage media that can lead to data corruption or loss due to memory aging when the control unit is replaced, especially if the new unit does not have the same connections, leading to potential data mismatch and loss.
Innovation Solution
The heating device employs two non-volatile control units with separate memories, where one unit controls safety-critical parameters, and both are communicatively connected via a data bus. Upon activation, the control units read and check data sets, correct any errors, and ensure identical data sets are stored, eliminating the need for pluggable storage media and reducing the risk of data loss during replacements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pluggable storage media are used for data transfer between control units, then data can be transferred between different control units, but the memory is subject to aging and data corruption or loss when the control unit is replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the data storage function into two separate non-volatile memories: one integrated in the control unit and one external memory. This segmentation allows the external memory to serve as a reliable backup that is not subject to the same aging and replacement cycles as the control unit's internal memory, thereby resolving the contradiction between data transfer adaptability and data integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and maintains identical copies of the data set in both the control unit's internal memory and the external non-volatile memory. By continuously synchronizing these copies, the system ensures that even if the control unit is replaced, the data can be recovered from the external memory copy, eliminating data loss while maintaining transfer capability.
2Ease of repair
If the control unit is replaced with a new one, then the control unit can be updated or repaired, but the pluggable memory becomes older and may cause data corruption
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the data storage into the control unit's internal memory and an external non-volatile memory, the system allows the control unit to be replaced without affecting the external memory's age or reliability. The external memory remains as a fresh, reliable backup regardless of how many times the control unit is replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary data backup to the external non-volatile memory before control unit replacement occurs. This advance action ensures that valid data is already stored externally, preventing any data corruption or loss that might occur during the replacement process.
3Device complexity
If data is stored in a single memory in the control unit, then the system is simpler, but data loss occurs when the control unit is replaced or memory fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments data storage across two separate memory locations: internal control unit memory and external non-volatile memory. This segmentation provides redundancy, ensuring that data security is maintained even if one memory fails or the control unit is replaced, while keeping the overall system structure relatively simple through clear division of functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the storage parameter from single-location to dual-location storage, creating identical data sets in both the control unit's internal memory and the external non-volatile memory. This parameter change doubles the data security without significantly increasing operational complexity, as the system maintains both copies simultaneously.
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 simplifies the replacement process of control units, ensures high data security by maintaining identical data sets across units, and reduces the risk of data corruption or loss, as the second control unit can provide correct data to the first unit upon activation, ensuring continuous operation and accurate control.
Implementation Method 1
reading a first data set from the first memory and a second data set from the second memory and checking the data sets individually on the basis of check values
Implementation Method 2
The heating device has a burner for combusting a supplied fuel
Implementation Method 3
The heating device is configured to heat a heat transfer medium (e.g., water). The heat transfer medium can, for example, circulate in a heating circuit and be used to heat a building or part of a building
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a heating device (10) and a method for operating the heating device (10). The heating device (10) has a first control unit (12) with a non-volatile first memory (15) for controlling a heating element (11). For controlling a component or assembly of the heating device (10), for example, a blower (35), the heating device (10) has a second control unit (37) with a non-volatile second memory (38). When the control of the heating device (10) is activated during commissioning, at least one control unit, and in particular the first control unit (12), can perform the following steps: A first data record (DS1) is read from the first memory (15), and a second data record (DS2) is read from the second memory (37). The data records (DS1, DS2) are checked for correctness, for example, by a verification method and/or by comparison.If no correct data record (DS1, DS2) is detected, new data records (DS1, DS2) are created. If at least one of the read data records (DS1, DS2) is correct, the incorrect data record is replaced by the correct data record and the relevant memory (15, 38) is saved.