Safety Server Unit Decouples Safety-Critical Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current safety engineering systems face challenges in decoupling safety-critical and non-safety-critical processes, leading to complex project engineering and performance losses due to mutual functional dependencies and the need for standardized components from the same manufacturer, as well as limitations in communicating securely across varying network structures.
Innovation Solution
A data processing and transmission system with a network architecture that separates safety-related and non-safety-related components, utilizing a safety server unit to manage and transmit safety-relevant data independently of standard controllers and network structures, allowing for flexible operation across different network configurations, including Ethernet-based systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If safety-critical and non-safety-critical processes are combined on a common controller or in decentralized control technology, then device complexity is reduced, but mutual functional dependencies are created that can be safety-critical and cause performance losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into separate safety-related control units and standard control units that operate independently. Each unit has its own processor and memory, eliminating mutual functional dependencies while maintaining system functionality. This segmentation allows safety-critical processes to be isolated from non-safety-critical processes, preventing performance losses and safety issues caused by combined operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If safety technology is integrated into controllers and networks, then adaptability improves, but project engineering and programming complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a safety network element that acts as an intermediary between safety-related control units and the standard data transmission network. This intermediary handles safety-relevant data transmission independently, allowing safety technology to be integrated into existing networks without increasing project engineering and programming complexity. The safety network element mediates communication, maintaining adaptability while simplifying integration efforts.
3Reliability
If standard components from the same manufacturer are required, then reliability improves, but adaptability and flexibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs safety-related control units with standardized interfaces and protocols that enable compatibility with data transmission networks from different manufacturers. The control units can communicate with various network types (Ethernet, fieldbus, wireless) through universal communication protocols, allowing system operators to choose components from different manufacturers while maintaining reliability through standardized safety-critical communication interfaces.
4Ease of operation
If safety-relevant data is transmitted through existing network structures, then ease of operation improves, but performance losses occur due to network traffic and access rules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a separate communication dimension for safety-relevant data by introducing a safety network element that handles safety data transmission independently within the existing network infrastructure. This creates a logical separation where safety-critical communications operate in a dedicated channel, avoiding performance losses from standard network traffic while maintaining ease of operation through integration with existing network structures.
Data Source
AI summary
For the operation of at least one non-safety-critical application process and at least one safety-critical application process, the invention proposes a data processing and transmission system with a data transmission network, at least one non-safety-related network element linked to the non-safety-critical application process and connected to the network, and with at least one safety-related network element linked to the safety-critical application process, as well as with at least one master unit connected to the network, and a server unit connected to the network separately from the master unit, wherein the safety-related server unit controls the at least one safety-critical application process, specifically by processing safety-relevant data necessary for controlling the safety-critical application process and by organizing the transmission of the safety-relevant data over the network by means of at least one of the network elements and/or the master unit.