Isolated Pulse Signal Transmission with Fault-Tolerant Dual Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal transmission devices are prone to failure in pulse signal transmission due to faults in isolating elements, which can lead to safety issues in applications like vehicle control systems.
Innovation Solution
The signal transmission device employs multiple isolating elements and a fault indication circuit to ensure reliable pulse signal transmission, even in the event of a fault in one isolating element, by using a combination of transformers and a fail-safe mechanism with OR gates and RS flip-flops to generate a single output signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single isolating element is used for signal transmission, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential faults in the isolating element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal transmission function into multiple independent isolating elements (first isolating element and second isolating element), each handling separate signal paths. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability by isolating faults to specific elements while other elements continue functioning, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a fault indication circuit that proactively detects and signals faults in isolating elements before they cause complete system failure. The OR gate and RS flip-flop combination provides beforehand cushioning by preparing fault detection mechanisms in advance, allowing the system to maintain reliability through early fault detection without adding excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple isolating elements are used to improve reliability, then the fault resistance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fault detection function into the existing signal transmission circuit by using the OR gate to combine outputs from multiple isolating elements and the RS flip-flop to integrate fault indication. This merging approach achieves fault resistance through multiple isolating elements while minimizing additional circuit complexity by reusing existing components for dual purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The fault indication circuit serves multiple functions: it monitors both the first and second isolating elements, generates fault signals through the OR gate, and maintains system state through the RS flip-flop. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve fault resistance with minimal additional complexity, as the same circuit structures serve both signal transmission and fault detection purposes.
3Reliability
If redundant signal paths are implemented, then the fail-safe function improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal transmission into distinct first and second paths with separate isolating elements, enabling fail-safe operation where one path can compensate for faults in the other. This segmentation achieves improved fail-safe function while maintaining ease of manufacture by using modular, independently manufacturable isolating elements that can be assembled through standard processes.
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
This configuration enhances the reliability of pulse signal transmission, maintaining vehicle safety by ensuring continuous control signal delivery and immediate fault detection, thereby preventing accidents.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter provided in a primary circuit system and configured to generate a transmission signal according to an input signal; at least one first isolating element configured to constitute a first signal transmission path for transmission of the transmission signal from the primary circuit system to the secondary circuit system
Data Source
AI summary
A signal transmission device includes a first and a second circuit, in which the first circuit includes: a transmitter configured to generate a transmission signal according to an input signal; a first receiver configured to feed a first reception signal to a first logic circuit to generate a first single output signal; and at least one first isolating element arranged between the transmitter and the first receiver and configured to constitute a first signal transmission path for transmission of the transmission signal from the transmitter and output the first reception signal to the first receiver. The second circuit includes: a second receiver configured to generate a second single output signal; and a second isolating element arranged between the first logic circuit and the second receiver and configured to constitute a second signal transmission path, different from the first signal transmission path, for transmission of the transmission signal from the transmitter.