Pressure-Sensitive Protection Device Sequencing Self-Test
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems for monitoring technical installations require complex and costly sequencing elements for self-testing, increasing the complexity and cost of signal processing, and often necessitate additional monitoring circuits, which can lead to errors and safety hazards in human-machine interactions.
Innovation Solution
A signal transmitter with a matrix-like arrangement of electrodes, where each sequencing element is connected to all electrodes, allowing for a self-test without additional components, using a resistor for checking the sequencing elements' functionality and enabling continuous monitoring integrated into the measurement process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If comprehensive self-testing of sequentialization elements is implemented, then reliability of signal processing is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sequentialization elements perform self-testing automatically without requiring external test equipment or additional monitoring circuits. The evaluation unit utilizes the existing sensor cells and sequentialization elements to conduct self-diagnosis, allowing the system to monitor its own functionality and detect errors in the sequentialization process
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation unit serves multiple functions: it evaluates sensor cell signals for collision detection and simultaneously performs self-testing of the sequentialization elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate testing circuits and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability
2Reliability
If sequentialization elements are made more robust for self-testing, then error detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own operational signals to test the sequentialization elements. The evaluation unit monitors whether sensor cells that should be electrically connected through the sequentialization process actually show the expected electrical characteristics, enabling error detection without additional test components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reuses existing components (sensor cells, sequentialization elements, evaluation unit) for dual purposes: normal collision detection and self-testing of sequentialization. This eliminates the need for separate testing components, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining error detection capability
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 solution simplifies and cost-reduces the monitoring of sequencing elements, reduces error sources, and allows for efficient self-testing and error detection, enhancing safety in human-machine interactions by integrating monitoring into the normal measurement process without additional circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure-sensitive material within the first and second sensor cells which changes its specific electrical resistance at the location of the load under local stress
Data Source
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AI summary
Pressure-sensitive protective device (10) for monitoring a technical system with a sensor (66) comprising at least a first sensor cell (74) and a second sensor cell (74), with a first, second, and third electrode (92, 94, 96) for contacting the first and second sensor cells (74). Furthermore, the pressure-sensitive protective device comprises a pressure-sensitive material within the first and second sensor cells (74), which is designed to change an electrical property of the first and second sensor cells (74) at the location of the load when subjected to local stress.An evaluation unit (46) is configured to provide an output signal depending on the actuation of the first and second sensor cells (74), wherein the first electrode (92) is connected to the first sensor cell (74), the second electrode (94) is connected to the second sensor cell (74), and the third electrode (96) is connected to both the first and second sensor cells (74). The unit is characterized by a first and a second sequencing element (130, 132) and a connection (150) for supplying a defined first potential. The first, second, and third electrodes (92, 94, 96) are connected to the evaluation unit (46) via the first sequencing element (130), and the first, second, and third electrodes (92, 94, 96) are also connected to the defined first potential (150) via the second sequencing element (132).