Interlock Detector Self-Diagnosis Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interlock detectors require external signals and connections to the interlock circuit for functional testing, limiting their ability to diagnose issues independently, especially when the interlock circuit is interrupted or disconnected.

Innovation Solution

An interlock detector design with additional second inputs for diagnosis signals, a differential amplifier, and a comparator circuit that allows for self-testing and integrity checks without external connections, enabling the generation and evaluation of diagnosis signals within a digital signal-processing system, and the use of switching means to control signal paths for precise testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the interlock detector is connected to the interlock circuit for functional testing, then the detector can be tested using external signals, but the detector cannot perform self-diagnosis when the interlock circuit is interrupted or disconnected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-diagnosis capabilityVSAvoidtesting independence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The interlock detector is equipped with a self-test signal generator that can generate test signals internally without requiring external connections to the interlock circuit. This allows the detector to perform self-diagnosis even when the interlock circuit is interrupted or disconnected, making the system self-sufficient for testing purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The detector is designed to perform multiple functions: normal interlock signal detection and self-diagnosis. By integrating both functions into a single device, the detector can operate independently for self-testing while maintaining its primary function of monitoring the interlock circuit when connected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the interlock detector requires external signals for testing, then the testing process can be simple, but the detector cannot diagnose issues when disconnected from the interlock circuit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic capability when disconnectedVSAvoiddetector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The self-test signal generator is integrated within the interlock detector itself, combining the testing functionality with the detection functionality. This merging allows the detector to generate and process test signals internally, enabling self-diagnosis without requiring separate external testing equipment or complex external connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the interlock detector uses a microprocessor for signal evaluation, then the detector can process interlock signals, but the microprocessor becomes a bottleneck for self-diagnosis functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-diagnosis efficiencyVSAvoidcomputational load

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The detector is divided into functional segments: the self-test signal generator handles signal generation, the differential amplifier handles signal conditioning, and the microprocessor handles high-level evaluation. This segmentation allows the self-diagnosis function to be performed by dedicated hardware components, reducing the computational burden on the microprocessor while maintaining diagnostic capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 the interlock detector to perform self-diagnosis and integrity checks without external signals, reducing computational load on the microprocessor and eliminating interference, thus ensuring reliable functionality even when the interlock circuit is open or disconnected.

Implementation Method 1

a differential amplifier, the first and second inputs of which are connected to the first input of the interlock detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDifferential amplification:

Implementation Method 2

a comparator circuit, the input of which is connected to the output of the differential amplifier and the output of which is connected to the output of the interlock detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage comparison:

Data Source

PatentUS9733303B2Interlock detector with self-diagnosis function for an interlock circuit, and method for the self-diagnosis of the interlock detector

Publication Date: 2017.08.15 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

AI summary

The interlock detector includes a first input, wherein a first output signal from an interlock generator is applied to the first input. The interlock detector further includes a second output which is configured to provide a microprocessor with a second output signal. The interlock detector further includes a differential amplifier that includes a second input, a third input, and a third output, wherein the second input and the third input are connected to the first input. The interlock detector further includes a comparator circuit that includes a fourth input and a fourth output, wherein the fourth input is connected to the third output, the fourth output is connected to the second output, and the fourth input is positioned between the comparator circuit and the differential amplifier.