PCB Bridge Section for Safe State Transition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical control devices lack simplicity and cost-effectiveness in implementing safety-related functions, particularly in switching between normal and safe operating states without compromising safety standards.
Innovation Solution
An electrical control unit with a safety signal source and monitoring device on a multi-layer circuit board, where a bridge section can be irreversibly separated to transition between normal and safe operating states, utilizing a safety module to generate safety signals and prevent torque generation, and a control unit system incorporating a security module for external signal integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional safety components and complex circuit arrangements are used to implement safety functions, then safety reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the safety signal source and monitoring device into a single integrated circuit board with the main control unit. The conductor track on the inner layer creates a looped signal path that is interrupted by the bridge section, eliminating the need for separate safety modules while maintaining safety functionality through the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board serves multiple functions: it provides the main control circuitry, generates safety signals, monitors safety conditions, and enables safety state transitions through the bridge section mechanism. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated safety components
2Reliability
If additional safety components and complex circuit arrangements are used to implement safety functions, then safety reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the safety signal source and monitoring device into a single integrated circuit board with the main control unit. The conductor track on the inner layer creates a looped signal path that is interrupted by the bridge section, eliminating the need for separate safety modules while maintaining safety functionality through the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge section is designed as a disposable, irreversible component that can be easily removed or broken to transition to a safe state. This simple mechanical feature replaces complex safety mechanisms and provides a cost-effective means of ensuring safety without requiring expensive additional components
3Reliability
If a bridge section is severed to transition to safe operating state, then safety is ensured, but device adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic configurability through the bridge section mechanism. During initial setup or maintenance, the bridge section can be removed to enable safe operating state or reconfigured for different operational modes. The conductor track's looped design allows the safety signal path to be dynamically activated or deactivated based on the bridge section's presence
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An electrical control unit (1) can be operated in a safe operating state and in a normal operating state. The control unit comprises: a safety signal source (2) configured to generate an electrical safety signal, a monitoring device (3) with a monitoring input (3a) configured to monitor whether the safety signal is present at the monitoring input (3a) and, if the safety signal is not present at the monitoring input (3a), to set the safe operating state, and a printed circuit board (4) comprising: at least one inner layer, a bridge section (5) wherein the bridge section (5) is separated from the printed circuit board (4) at predetermined breaking points (6) when force is applied, and a conductor track (7) running on the inner layer.which is looped between the safety signal source (2) and the monitoring input (3a) of the monitoring device (3) and which is routed over the bridge section (5) in such a way that a signal connection between the safety signal source (2) and the monitoring input (3a) of the monitoring device (3) is interrupted when the bridge section (5) is disconnected from the circuit board (4).