Machine Component Safety Control via Secure Bus Sensor Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current safety technologies in security applications are limited by the need for complex programming and multiple signal units in sensors, leading to increased complexity and costs, restricting the flexibility in defining security strategies and requiring additional evaluation units.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where the machine component is connected to an automation component via a secure bus connection, allowing the automation component to receive uncompressed measurement data from safety sensors and determine dangerous situations, enabling flexible security strategies without reprogramming the sensor, and allowing the sensor to function without an evaluation unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If sensors use their own evaluation unit to transmit measurement results as single bits, then the sensor structure is simplified, but the flexibility in defining security strategies is reduced and complex programming is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor structureVSAvoidflexibility in defining security strategies
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The evaluation function is extracted from the sensor and relocated to the automation component. The sensor only transmits raw measurement data (uncompressed measurement data) via the secure bus connection, while the automation component performs the evaluation to determine dangerous situations. This extraction eliminates the need for complex programming in the sensor while maintaining flexibility in security strategy definition at the automation level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The secure bus connection acts as an intermediary that transports uncompressed measurement data from the sensor to the automation component. This intermediary enables the sensor to function without an evaluation unit while still providing the automation component with the necessary data to implement flexible security strategies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple signal units and evaluation units are added to sensors to handle complex security strategies, then the adaptability of security definitions is improved, but the device complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of security definitionsVSAvoidsensor complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The evaluation unit function is extracted from the sensor and placed in the automation component. This allows the sensor to remain simple while the automation component handles complex security strategy evaluations using process data from the machine component control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The automation component serves multiple functions: it receives uncompressed measurement data from safety sensors via the secure bus connection, evaluates dangerous situations using both measurement data and process data, and controls machine components to execute protective actions. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity in one location rather than distributing it across multiple sensor units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If sensors transmit uncompressed measurement data via secure bus connection, then the flexibility and adaptability of security strategies are enhanced, but the data transmission requirements and processing load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of security strategiesVSAvoiddata transmission volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The secure bus connection serves as an intermediary that efficiently transports uncompressed measurement data from the sensor to the automation component. This standardized communication interface handles the data transmission requirements while enabling flexible security strategy implementation at the automation level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transmits uncompressed measurement data (excessive action in terms of data volume) to enable maximum flexibility in security strategy definition. The automation component then processes this data along with process data to determine dangerous situations, ensuring that the additional data transmission volume translates into actionable security improvements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3150898B2Method for automated control of a machine component
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 B&R IND AUTOMATION GMBH
  • EP3150898B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3150898B2 patent drawingFigure 2~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for the automated control of at least one machine component (1) in a system (2). The machine component (1) is connected to an automation component (7) via a secure bus connection (6) and is controlled by the latter. The system (2) has a safety zone (4) monitored by at least one safety sensor (3), wherein a deviation of the measurement pattern (M) measured by the safety sensor (3) from a defined area (D) indicates a hazardous situation for protected objects (5), in particular persons and/or material assets. The machine component (1) performs a protective action when a hazardous situation occurs. The measurement patterns (M) measured by the safety sensor (3) are transmitted to the automation component (7) via the secure bus connection (6).The automation component (7) defines the definition area (D) using parameter data of the automated control, determines the existence of a hazardous situation and controls the machine component (1) to perform the protective action.