Secure HMI Grip Interface With Redundant Data Bus Wiring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current control handles in human-machine interfaces require substantial wiring due to numerous on-board functions, leading to cable routing problems and stiffness issues, and lack redundancy in communication, which increases failure risk and maintenance complexity.

Innovation Solution

A human-machine interface with a gripping element that integrates signal generation means, data concentrators, and a controller, utilizing data buses and redundant communication paths to reduce wiring and enhance reliability, featuring dual data concentrators and discrete connections for critical functions, along with error detection mechanisms in message structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired connections are used for each button and sensor, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but wiring complexity and cable routing problems increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple signal generation means (buttons, sensors) are electrically connected in parallel to a single data concentrator, merging multiple individual wired connections into a single data bus connection. This reduces wiring complexity while maintaining signal transmission reliability through the consolidated digital communication channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical wired connections for each button and sensor with a digital data bus system. The mechanical/electrical wiring is substituted by electronic data transmission protocols, eliminating the need for extensive cable routing while preserving communication reliability through digital error checking and redundancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If redundant communication paths are implemented, then failure risk is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefailure risk reductionVSAvoidcommunication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system is segmented into multiple independent data concentrators (at least two per signal generation means), each providing a separate communication path to the controller. This segmentation creates redundancy without requiring a completely complex system architecture, as each concentrator is a modular unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Redundant data concentrators are implemented as a preventive measure against communication failures. The system is designed with backup communication paths before failures occur, allowing the controller to switch to alternative concentrators if one fails, thereby cushioning against potential failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If multiple data concentrators are used, then communication redundancy is improved, but maintenance complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication redundancyVSAvoidmaintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The data concentrators are designed with self-diagnostics capabilities, automatically detecting and reporting their own status and errors to the controller. This self-service approach simplifies maintenance, as the system can identify faulty concentrators without extensive manual testing, reducing maintenance complexity despite having multiple units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for easy replacement of faulty data concentrators with identical units. Standardized interfaces and modular design enable quick disposal of failed components and recovery through replacement, simplifying maintenance procedures despite the presence of multiple concentrators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Reliability

If wired connections are used for all functions, then signal integrity is improved, but handle mobility and cable routing are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidhandle mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces extensive physical wiring with wireless or minimized wired digital communication. By substituting mechanical cable connections with electronic data bus communication, the handle gains mobility while maintaining signal integrity through digital error checking and correction protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20260010506A1Human-machine interface with a secure connection

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE (FR)

AI summary

The invention relates to a human-machine interface, in particular for a vehicle or for a device, comprising at least one gripping element equipped with at least one signal-generating means, and a controller and a base for fastening and mobilizing the gripping element and allowing the passage of data connections, the gripping element incorporating at least two data concentrators each connected, at input, in parallel to at least one signal-generating means and connected, at output, to the controller via the base by way of at least one data bus.