Interrupter Circuit Diagnostics for Series Switch State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interrupter circuits fail to independently monitor the switching states of multiple series-connected switching elements, which is crucial for ensuring functional safety in electrical and electronic circuits, particularly in safety-critical applications like laser systems and machinery, where redundancy is essential but not all failures can be detected without additional diagnostic measures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a diagnostic circuit that uses a monitor signal coupled into the circuit between series-connected switching elements, allowing for independent monitoring of each element's state through probe points and filters, enabling the detection of switching states and generating status signals for consistency checks and error signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If switching elements are connected in series to realize redundancy, then the safety function continues to function even if one switching element fails, but the failure of one switching element remains undetected without further measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a diagnostic circuit as an intermediary system that includes a signal source generating a diagnostic signal, coupling means to inject this signal into the circuit, and evaluation means to detect and assess the signal after it passes through the switching elements. This intermediary diagnostic system enables failure detection in series-connected switching elements without compromising the redundancy-based safety function.
2Measurement precision
If voltage drop measurement is used to monitor switching state, then the switching state can be inferred, but this approach fails when several switching elements are connected in series as the voltage drop of one element depends on the state of other elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring approach by introducing separate diagnostic signal paths for each switching element. The diagnostic circuit injects signals at specific points between switching elements and evaluates them at corresponding points, creating independent monitoring channels that allow precise determination of each element's state without interference from other series-connected elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic circuit acts as an intermediary system with dedicated signal injection and evaluation points between switching elements. This intermediary measurement system isolates the monitoring function from the main power circuit, enabling independent assessment of each switching element's state through controlled signal propagation paths.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an interrupter circuit 1 comprising a diagnostic circuit 5 for monitoring the switching state of a plurality of switching elements 3, 4 connected in series. The interrupter circuit 1 is used in particular in the context of safety devices for switching off electrical equipment, in particular electrical drives and lasers.