Intermediate Module for Multi-Power Source Control Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control systems are limited in their ability to disconnect and reconnect machines to multiple power sources, such as electrical and pneumatic/hydraulic sources, simultaneously, due to design constraints that prioritize reliability and predictability, making them non-reconfigurable for expanded functionalities.
Innovation Solution
The integration of multiple conventional control systems through a multiplexer module allows for the simultaneous disconnection and reconnection of machines to multiple power sources, using intermediate modules to process control signals and provide feedback, ensuring reliability and redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional control systems are designed with high redundancy to ensure reliability, then the system reliability is improved, but the system becomes non-reconfigurable and limited in functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into separate functional modules: a first control system for electrical power isolation, a second control system for pneumatic/hydraulic power isolation, and an intermediate module that coordinates between them. This segmentation allows each module to maintain its own redundancy for reliability while the overall system gains reconfigurability through modular coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate module is introduced as a mediator between the first and second control systems. This intermediate module receives control signals from one system and transmits them to the other, enabling coordinated operation across multiple power sources while preserving the reliability characteristics of each individual control system.
2Device complexity
If conventional control systems are designed for single power source isolation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to handle multiple power sources is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate module serves multiple functions: it coordinates between different control systems, transmits control signals bidirectionally, and enables the overall system to handle multiple types of power sources (electrical and pneumatic/hydraulic). This multi-functionality allows the system to manage diverse power sources without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate module acts as a bridge that simplifies the integration of multiple control systems by handling the coordination logic centrally, rather than requiring complex interconnections between each control system component.
3Reliability
If control systems use redundant circuitry for reliable operation, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for expanded functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate module merges the coordination functions of multiple control systems into a single unit. This allows operators to control multiple power sources through a unified interface while each underlying control system maintains its redundant circuitry for reliable operation, thus improving operational flexibility without sacrificing reliability.
4Device complexity
If conventional control systems are designed with fixed functionality, then the device complexity is minimized, but the adaptability for expanded functionality is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent functional modules (electrical control system, pneumatic control system, intermediate module), each with fixed and simple internal logic. This segmentation enables the overall system to be expanded by adding or configuring different modules for various power sources without redesigning the entire system, thus achieving functional expandability with minimal complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to combination control systems employing at least one intermediate module between different control modules and, in one embodiment, relates to a system for isolating a load from multiple power sources. The system includes a first power isolation system capable of receiving a first power from a first input port and determining whether the first power is communicated to a first output port, and a second power isolation system capable of receiving a second power from a second input port and determining whether the second power is communicated to a second output port. The system further includes an intermediate module connected with the first and second power isolation systems, where the intermediate module allows for at least one intermediate control signal to be provided to both of the power isolation systems.