Hierarchical Sensor Circuit for Multi-Function Safety Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current safety switching devices are limited in monitoring multiple safety functions, requiring multiple devices for small to medium-sized systems, leading to increased costs and space requirements in control cabinets.

Innovation Solution

A hierarchical organization of sensor circuits and a main sensor circuit allows for the monitoring of multiple safety functions using a single safety switching device, where the main sensor circuit handles higher-level functions and subordinate sensor circuits manage individual functions, sharing control contacts to generate switching signals for output circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple safety switching devices are used to monitor multiple safety functions, then the number of safety functions monitored increases, but the cost and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of safety functions monitoredVSAvoidnumber of safety switching devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The safety switching device is designed to perform multiple safety monitoring functions through a single device. The device includes multiple sensor circuits (first sensor circuit, second sensor circuit, third sensor circuit) that can monitor different safety functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate safety switching devices while maintaining comprehensive safety coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple sensor circuits that would traditionally require separate safety switching devices are merged into a single integrated device. The first sensor circuit monitors a first safety function, the second sensor circuit monitors a second safety function, and the third sensor circuit monitors a third safety function, all within one unified safety switching device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple safety switching devices are used to monitor multiple safety functions, then the monitoring coverage increases, but the space required in control cabinets increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring coverageVSAvoidspace in control cabinet

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple safety monitoring functions are combined into a single safety switching device, reducing the total number of devices installed in the control cabinet. The integrated device occupies less space compared to multiple separate devices while providing equivalent or enhanced monitoring coverage through its multiple sensor circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple safety switching devices are used to monitor multiple safety functions, then the functional capability increases, but the installation and maintenance outlay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance outlay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The safety switching device is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can monitor multiple safety functions through its integrated sensor circuits. This reduces the total number of devices that need to be installed, wired, and maintained, thereby reducing the overall installation and maintenance outlay despite the increased functional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If a single safety switching device monitors multiple safety functions, then the cost and space are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of devicesVSAvoidnumber of safety functions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The single safety switching device is segmented into multiple independent sensor circuits (first sensor circuit, second sensor circuit, third sensor circuit), each capable of monitoring a specific safety function. This segmentation allows the device to handle multiple safety functions independently while maintaining a unified structure, effectively increasing adaptability without requiring multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2595010B1Input circuit for a safety switching device, safety circuit with a safety switching device and such an input circuit, and method for monitoring a number of safety functions

Publication Date: 2015.03.18 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG

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AI summary

The input circuit has multiple sensor circuits (2) for generating the switching signals, where each sensor circuit is designed for connection with multiple control contacts of the safety relay. A main sensor circuit (1) is provided with multiple channels for connection with two control contacts. The main sensor circuit is arranged in a superordinate plane and is connected with multiple sensor circuits such that a channel of the main sensor circuit has a common control contact with the sensor circuit. An independent claim is included for a method for monitoring multiple safety functions with a safety circuit.