Relay Control Apparatus Abnormality Detection via Dual Signal Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current relay control apparatuses lack reliability in abnormality detection, as they do not monitor the output signal from the driver to the load and assume no failure in intelligent power switches.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that includes a control element, a monitoring circuit generating an output monitor signal, and a determination unit that assesses the relationship between the output monitor signal and diagnostic signal to determine abnormality, enhancing reliability by direct monitoring of the output signal and providing a double abnormality detection function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only diagnostic signal from control element is used for abnormality detection, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of abnormality detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by introducing a monitoring circuit that continuously monitors the output signal from the control element and feeds back an output monitor signal to the determination unit. This creates a closed-loop verification system where the actual output signal is compared against expected values, enabling reliable detection of control element failures without requiring complex redundant diagnostic pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring circuit acts as an intermediary component between the control element and the determination unit. It intercepts the output signal, generates an output monitor signal indicating the signal level, and provides this information to the determination unit for comparison with the diagnostic signal, thereby mediating the abnormality detection process.
2Reliability
If output signal monitoring is added to existing diagnostic system, then reliability of abnormality detection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring circuit serves as an intermediary that taps into the existing output signal pathway without disrupting the primary control function. It generates an output monitor signal that mirrors the output signal level information and delivers it to the determination unit, enabling monitoring with minimal intrusion into the existing system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination unit performs multiple functions: it processes both the diagnostic signal from the control element and the output monitor signal from the monitoring circuit, and determines abnormalities in either component based on the relationship between these signals. This multi-functionality consolidates detection capabilities without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each detection task.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control apparatus (10) controls a relay (20). The control apparatus (10) includes a control element (12), a monitoring circuit (14), and a determination unit (16). An input signal Vi is input to the control element (12). The control element (12) outputs an output signal Vo and a diagnostic signal Vd. The monitoring circuit (14) generates an output monitor signal Vm indicating the level of the output signal Vo. The determination unit (16) determines whether or not the control apparatus (10) has an abnormality, based on a relationship between the output monitor signal Vm and the diagnostic signal Vd. Here, the output signal Vo is a signal for driving the relay (20). One terminal of the monitoring circuit (14) is electrically connected to an output terminal of the control element (12) for the output signal Vo. The diagnostic signal Vd is a signal for monitoring the state of an output destination of the output signal Vo.