Safety I/O Terminal Dynamic Test Terminal Specification Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional safety devices, such as safety network controllers and I/O terminals, face challenges in accommodating a variety of input and output devices with different terminal structures due to limited terminal space, making it difficult to optimize terminal specifications and maintain compliance with safety standards.
Innovation Solution
A safety I/O terminal with shared test terminals configured for multiple specifications (test out, muting lamp, power supply, standard output, and nonuse) and a microcomputer that switches processes based on stored setting information, allowing flexible adaptation to various input and output devices by rewriting terminal specifications via a setting tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a safety device has fixed terminal specifications, then it can maintain compliance with safety standards, but it cannot accommodate diverse input and output devices with different terminal structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic terminal specifications where the test terminal's function can be changed at runtime based on connection detection. The microcomputer dynamically reconfigures the test terminal to serve different purposes (testing, muting lamp indication, power supply) depending on what device is connected, rather than being fixed to a single function. This resolves the contradiction by making the terminal adaptable to diverse devices while maintaining compliance through automated specification switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single test terminal serve multiple functions by detecting the connected device type and automatically switching its specification. The same physical terminal can function as a test output, muting lamp indicator, or power supply terminal depending on what is connected to it. This multi-functionality approach allows the safety device to accommodate diverse input and output devices without requiring multiple dedicated terminals for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated terminals are provided for each function, then each device can be properly supported, but the terminal space becomes insufficient and optimization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the test terminal to serve multiple purposes based on the connected device. Instead of providing separate dedicated terminals for testing, muting lamp indication, and power supply functions, a single test terminal dynamically switches between these functions. This significantly reduces the terminal space required while maintaining full support for various safety devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic reconfiguration of the test terminal's function based on real-time detection of connected devices. The microcomputer monitors what is connected to the test terminal and automatically switches its specification to match the requirements of the connected device. This dynamic approach allows one terminal to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated terminals, optimizing terminal space utilization.
3Area of stationary object
If the test terminal is shared for multiple specifications, then terminal usage is optimized, but it requires automated switching mechanisms based on connection detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the safety device to automatically detect what is connected to the test terminal and autonomously switch its specification without external intervention. The microcomputer monitors the test terminal's connection status and automatically reconfigures it to the appropriate function (testing, muting lamp, or power supply). This automation eliminates the need for manual configuration while optimizing terminal space efficiency through shared multi-functional usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the microcomputer continuously monitors the state of the test terminal and the connected devices, then automatically adjusts the terminal's specification based on this feedback information. The system detects what is connected and feeds this information back to the control logic, which then switches the terminal's function accordingly. This automated feedback-driven switching enables efficient terminal sharing while maintaining proper functionality for diverse devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety device of the invention includes at least one of an input unit having one or more input terminals and an output unit having one or more output terminals, a testing unit having one or more test terminals, a rewritable nonvolatile memory configured to store setting information of a terminal specification which can be set from outside via the tool, and wherein the terminal specification of the one or more test terminals included in the testing unit is determined in accordance with the setting information of the terminal specification.