Redundant Electronic Module Switching for Hostile Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices operating in hostile environments, such as nuclear dismantling robots, face challenges due to extreme temperatures and ionizing radiation, leading to functional disturbances and irreversible damage, with existing hardening methods increasing weight or not extending device lifetime effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device with a function module comprising a primary and secondary electronic device, where the secondary device is only powered when the primary device fails, using iterative parameter measurement and switching mechanisms to ensure only one device operates at a time, thereby maintaining functionality and extending device lifetime without additional weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardware hardening techniques are used to protect electronic devices from radiation, then the device's resistance to radiation improves, but the device's weight significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a redundant electronic device that is identical to the primary device but remains unpowered. This copy approach provides radiation resistance without physical shielding, as the redundant device can take over if the primary device fails due to radiation damage, eliminating the need for heavy protective shielding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational state parameter of the redundant device by keeping it unpowered, thereby reducing wear and extending lifespan. This parameter change allows the system to maintain reliability without adding physical protection that would increase weight.
2Reliability
If duplicate electronic components are programmed to detect failure and ensure continued operation, then the device's functional reliability improves, but the device's lifespan decreases due to simultaneous operation of all components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching between the primary and redundant devices. The redundant device is activated only when the primary device fails, creating a periodic operation pattern that extends the lifespan of individual components while maintaining functional reliability through hot redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects when the primary device fails and switches to the redundant device without external intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures continued operation while allowing the redundant device to remain dormant until needed, thereby extending component lifespan.
3Reliability
If multiple electronic devices operate simultaneously to ensure continuous function, then the device's operational reliability improves, but the wear on components increases leading to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching between active and standby states for redundant devices. This periodic action ensures operational reliability through redundancy while minimizing component wear by keeping backup devices dormant until needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the operational state of redundant devices changes based on the status of the primary device. This dynamic configuration allows the system to maintain reliability while extending component lifespan by activating redundancy only when necessary.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device which is intended for operating in a hostile environment affecting the operational integrity thereof, said device including a first electronic module comprising at least one first electronic apparatus capable of providing a function to said first module. Moreover, said first module comprises at least one second electronic apparatus capable of providing the device with the same function as the first electronic apparatus, said second electronic apparatus not being powered while the first electronic apparatus is powered. Said device also includes: means for iterative measurement of at least one operating parameter of the device, means for monitoring the integrity of the device by comparing a value calculated on the basis of said at least one parameter with at least one predetermined threshold value, electric switching means capable of switching the second electronic apparatus on and switching the first electronic apparatus off if the calculated value is higher than the predetermined threshold value.