IO Link Safety Protocol Transmission for Machinery

Solution Overview

Problem

Current field bus systems are complex and costly to implement for transmitting safety signals in machinery and plant engineering, often requiring extensive cabling and labor, especially when trying to integrate safety devices like door safety switches and light curtains, which complicates the installation process and increases material costs.

Innovation Solution

The use of an IO link connection to transmit safety protocols, allowing safety signals to be sent through existing communication structures without additional cabling, utilizing commercially available safety protocols like PROFIsafe, CIPsafety, and OpenSafety, and enabling energy supply to safety devices via the IO link, reducing material and installation costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If field bus systems are used to transmit safety signals, then safety signals can be transmitted, but the cabling and installation costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety signal transmissionVSAvoidcabling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges safety signal transmission with the existing IO link communication infrastructure. Safety signals are transmitted through the same physical medium (IO link cable) that carries process data, eliminating the need for separate safety cabling. This is achieved by encoding safety protocols within the IO link data frames, allowing multiple functions to share a single communication channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The IO link system is designed to perform multiple functions: it transmits both process control data and safety signals through the same communication interface and cable infrastructure. The master device handles both standard IO link protocols and safety protocols (such as PROFIsafe, CIPsafety, or OpenSafety) over the same physical connection, making the system universal and eliminating the need for dedicated safety wiring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate cabling is used for safety signals, then signal integrity is maintained, but installation time and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines safety signal transmission with the existing IO link communication infrastructure. Safety signals are transmitted through the same physical medium (IO link cable) that carries process data, eliminating the need for separate safety cabling. This is achieved by encoding safety protocols within the IO link data frames, allowing multiple functions to share a single communication channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing IO link cable and communication infrastructure serve dual purposes: transmitting both process control data and safety signals. The system uses its own existing resources (the IO link communication path) to carry safety information, eliminating the need for additional dedicated safety wiring and reducing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional safety device integration is used, then safety functions are provided, but material costs and technical expenditure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety functionVSAvoidmaterial costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges safety signal transmission with the existing IO link communication infrastructure. Safety signals are transmitted through the same physical medium (IO link cable) that carries process data, eliminating the need for separate safety cabling. This is achieved by encoding safety protocols within the IO link data frames, allowing multiple functions to share a single communication channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The IO link system is designed to perform multiple functions: it transmits both process control data and safety signals through the same communication interface and cable infrastructure. The master device handles both standard IO link protocols and safety protocols (such as PROFIsafe, CIPsafety, or OpenSafety) over the same physical connection, making the system universal and eliminating the need for dedicated safety wiring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10127163B2Control device for controlling a safety device, and use of an IO link for transmission of a safety protocol to a safety device

Publication Date: 2018.11.13 BALLUFF

AI summary

A control device for controlling a safety device which can be connected to a master assembly by means of an IO link is characterized in that a safety protocol can be transmitted via an IO link connection.