Robot Redundant Network Channels for Fault-Tolerant Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic systems face communication faults due to breaks in network channels, such as damage to network cables or failures of network devices, leading to instability and potential unsafe operating conditions, especially in robots interacting with humans.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a redundant network communication system with two or more network channels between a main robotic controller and robotic components, where data signals are duplicated and sent over primary and secondary channels, allowing local controllers to compare signal integrity and switch to the secondary channel if degradation is detected, ensuring continued operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single network channel is used for communication between the main robotic controller and robotic components, then the device complexity is low, but the network reliability is poor due to single points of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The network communication system is segmented into multiple independent channels (first network channel and second network channel), allowing communication to be divided across separate paths. This segmentation eliminates single points of failure by providing alternative routes for data transmission, thereby improving network reliability without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing backup network channels and implementing fault detection mechanisms before actual communication failures occur. The comparative analysis of data signals is continuously monitored, and switching between channels is prepared in advance, ensuring that reliability is maintained proactively rather than reactively.
2Stability of the object's composition
If redundant network channels are implemented to improve reliability, then the network stability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to additional network devices and lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple network channels into a unified communication system managed by a single controller. The first and second network channels are combined under the coordination of the main robotic controller, which performs comparative analysis and automatic switching. This merging approach maintains network stability through redundancy while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The main robotic controller serves multiple functions: it acts as the primary communication manager, performs comparative analysis of data signals from different channels, detects communication faults, and executes switching decisions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each task, thereby maintaining network stability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If data signals are continuously monitored and compared for fault detection, then the network reliability is improved, but the loss of time for signal processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements rapid fault detection by continuously monitoring and comparing data signals in real-time without unnecessary delays. When a communication fault is detected through comparative analysis, the switching between network channels is executed immediately, skipping prolonged diagnostic procedures. This approach maintains high reliability by quickly identifying and responding to faults while minimizing time loss through efficient, direct switching actions.
Data Source
AI summary
A technology is described for redundant network communication in a robot. An example of the technology can include a main robotic controller, a local controller in network communication with the main robotic controller, and instructions that, when executed by the processor, transfer first and second data signals between the main robotic controller and the local controller via first and second network channels. The first data signal is sent over the first network channel, and the second data signal is sent over the second network channel. The instructions compare the first data signal with the second data signal to determine signal integrity of the data signals; determine degradation of the first data signal if the signal integrity is less than the signal integrity of the second data signal; and select the second data signal for processing if degradation of the first data signal is determined.