Redundant Conversion Modules for Stage Lighting Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems for stages and concert halls lack redundancy in conversion modules, leading to system failures and interruptions when these modules fail, as they are the terminal stations for redundant data networks and cannot be compensated by redundancy devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating redundant conversion devices connected to separate data networks and a switch-over module that monitors their operational availability, allowing automatic switching to a backup conversion device in case of failure, ensuring continuous operation of lighting devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single conversion module is used in the lighting system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and availability of the system deteriorates because an outage of the conversion module cannot be compensated by redundancy devices
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion module is segmented into a first conversion device connected to the first data network and a second conversion device connected to the second data network. This segmentation allows each conversion device to operate independently, so that if one fails, the other can take over, thereby improving system reliability without significantly increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by providing redundant conversion devices that are prepared in advance to compensate for potential failures. The monitoring device continuously checks the operational status of both conversion devices, and the switch-over device is ready to switch to the backup conversion device if the primary one fails, ensuring continuous operation and improving reliability.
2Reliability
If redundant conversion devices are implemented, then the reliability and availability of the lighting system is improved, but the device complexity and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary devices (monitoring device and switch-over device) that manage the redundancy system. These intermediaries coordinate between the redundant conversion devices and the lighting devices, automating the failover process and reducing the complexity of managing redundant components. The monitoring device detects failures and triggers the switch-over device, which automatically switches to the backup conversion device, simplifying the overall system management.
3Productivity
If manual switching between conversion devices is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time and productivity increases during failures
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device continuously monitors the operational status of both conversion devices and provides feedback to the switch-over device. This feedback mechanism enables automatic detection of failures and triggers the switch-over process without human intervention. The switch-over device receives real-time status information and automatically switches to the operational conversion device, ensuring continuous operation and maximizing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by enabling automatic failover without requiring manual intervention. The monitoring device and switch-over device work together to automatically detect failures and switch between conversion devices, allowing the lighting system to service itself during failures. This eliminates downtime associated with manual switching and maintains continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system includes at least one lighting control console for controlling lighting devices, at least two redundant data networks, at least one conversion module, and at least one lighting device actuated by the DMX control data of the conversion module. The conversion module includes at least two redundant conversion devices. At least one switch-over device is interconnected between the two conversion devices on the one side and at least one lighting device actuated by the conversion devices on the other side. The two conversion devices on the one side and the switch-over device on the other side are connected to one another via at least one monitoring data line over which monitoring signals are transmitted. The switch-over device can be switched depending on the monitoring signals.