Data Network Node Prioritizing Safety Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data network technologies, such as those described in WO 2021/004835 A1, do not effectively manage the transmission of both safety-relevant and non-safety relevant data content in elevator systems, particularly in scenarios where field devices and safe input/output units are distant from each other, leading to challenges in prioritizing and securely transmitting data.
Innovation Solution
A method and node configuration in a data network that utilizes Ethernet protocols to prioritize and securely transmit data content by interrupting the forwarding of third data content when second data is received, routing it into an intermediate buffer, and delaying its output to ensure safe and timely integration of safety-relevant data, while maintaining secure transmission of prioritized data content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data content is forwarded continuously from third data connection to first data connection, then transmission of non-safety data is maintained, but safety-relevant data transmission is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The forwarding behavior is made dynamic by detecting the type of incoming data (safety-relevant vs. non-safety) and adjusting the forwarding action accordingly. When safety data is detected on the second data connection, the system dynamically interrupts forwarding from the third data connection. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to prioritize safety data transmission while maintaining normal forwarding for non-safety data, resolving the contradiction between reliability and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that mediates between multiple data sources (second and third data connections) and the first data connection. It receives data from both connections, determines priority based on data type, and selectively forwards data to the first data connection. This intermediary function enables intelligent arbitration between competing data streams, ensuring safety data receives priority transmission while non-safety data is forwarded when appropriate, thus resolving the timing and reliability conflict.
2Device complexity
If multiple data connections are integrated into a single forwarding path, then data consolidation is achieved, but data prioritization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit applies different forwarding rules to different data sources based on their priority characteristics. Data from the second data connection (safety-relevant) is treated with higher priority and can interrupt data from the third data connection (non-safety). This local differentiation of forwarding behavior allows the system to maintain a relatively simple overall structure while achieving sophisticated data prioritization through localized quality variations in the forwarding logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for forwarding data content from a second data connection and a third data connection of a node of a data network to a first data connection of the node, wherein data content received at the second data connection has priority over data content received at the third data connection, includes interrupting forwarding of data content received via the third data connection as soon as reception of data content at the second data connection is detected. The data content received at the second data connection is fed into an intermediate buffer (memory) and the output of the data content received via the second data connection, via the first data connection, is delayed for a definable time period.