Pressure Mat Signal Sequencing for Fault-Aware State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring short-circuit forming indicating elements, such as pressure sensitive mats, face limitations in detecting the actuation state and identifying cable faults due to limited detection accuracy and the need for precise timing of blanking intervals, especially when multiple indicating elements are used in series.
Innovation Solution
The method involves applying different signal sequences to the current paths of each indicating element, ensuring a unique, decodable binary representation of their state at each instant, using phase-shifted signals with alternating durations of impulses and blanking intervals to differentiate between actuation and faults, allowing for individual identification of each element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blanking intervals are used to detect actuation state and cable faults, then fault identification is enabled, but detection accuracy is limited and precise timing knowledge is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using repeated blanking intervals at fixed positions within signal sequences. Each signal sequence contains multiple blanking intervals at predetermined positions, allowing periodic sampling of the indicating element state. This periodic structure enables reliable fault detection while maintaining manageable timing requirements through regular, predictable signal patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining the position and duration of blanking intervals within each signal sequence before transmission. The evaluation device is预先 configured with knowledge of where blanking intervals should occur in each sequence, eliminating the need for real-time timing calculation and improving detection accuracy through predetermined reference points.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple indicating elements are connected in series, then system coverage is increased, but individual element identification becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by assigning unique signal sequence patterns to each indicating element in the series connection. Each element receives a distinct sequence with specific characteristics (duration, blanking interval positions, repetition rate), enabling the evaluation device to identify which specific element is actuated by matching the detected signal pattern to the known unique patterns of individual elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by giving each indicating element locally distinct signal characteristics within the series. Instead of using a uniform signal for all elements, each element is assigned a customized signal sequence with specific local properties (different blanking interval positions, different pulse durations), allowing individual identification while maintaining series connection architecture.
3Ease of operation
If symmetrical rectangular signals with 180° phase offset are used, then actuation evaluation is simplified, but only individual element monitoring is possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a signal evaluation method that can handle both simple actuation detection and individual element identification using the same system architecture. The evaluation device universally processes any of the assigned signal sequences and can identify both actuation events and specific element identities, making the system versatile for monitoring multiple elements with different signal patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by using variable signal characteristics that can be dynamically assigned to different elements. The signal sequences have dynamic properties such as variable blanking interval positions, different pulse widths, and adjustable repetition rates, allowing the system to adapt to multiple elements while maintaining simplified evaluation through consistent processing rules.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for monitoring a plurality of short-circuit forming indicating elements, wherein each indicating element has at least two current paths which are short-circuited upon actuation of the indicating element, where the current paths of the indicating elements are supplied with different signal sequences such that a simple, decodable, unique, binary representation of the state of the connected pressure sensitive mats exists at each time instant within a predetermined time frame.