Selectable Digital Output Module for P-M and P-P Safety Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing I/O modules in industrial automation systems lack the ability to individually configure digital output channels to operate as either P-M or P-P style outputs, limiting flexibility and safety integrity in safety-critical applications.
Innovation Solution
A module with selectable digital outputs that allows each output channel to be configured as either P-M or P-P style, providing independent selection and configuration at a granular level, enhancing safety integrity and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard I/O modules are used with fixed output configurations, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability and safety integrity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configurability of output channels, allowing each channel to be individually switched between P-M and P-P styles through software configuration rather than fixed hardware design. This enables the module to adapt to different application requirements while maintaining a standardized physical structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal output module structure that can perform multiple output types (P-M and P-P styles) within the same hardware platform. By integrating both output styles in a single module with selectable configuration, the invention eliminates the need for multiple specialized modules, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If individually configurable output channels are implemented, then adaptability and safety integrity are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the output configuration into independent, individually configurable channels rather than requiring complex inter-channel coordination. Each output channel can be independently configured as P-M or P-P style, which simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing modular production and testing of individual channels while still achieving high safety integrity through granular control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements safety configuration through parameter changes (software settings) rather than physical hardware modifications. By allowing users to configure output types through programmable parameters, the system achieves high safety integrity and adaptability without requiring complex manufacturing processes, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of manufacture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed output types are used in I/O modules, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different safety requirements is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration options during system setup, allowing users to define output channel types (P-M or P-P) in advance based on specific application requirements. This preliminary action approach enables the system to be optimized for specific safety requirements while maintaining the ability to reconfigure if needed, balancing adaptability with operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A module includes one or more output channels, wherein each output channel is configured to transmit digital output signals, wherein each output channel comprises switching devices and a load is connectable between the switching devices, and wherein each output channel is individually configurable to operate according to a first output type or a second output type.