Electronic Selector Latent Failure Detection Using Switch Counters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting latent failures in redundant systems with duplicate components are inefficient, as they rely on parallel system comparisons that fail to accurately detect stuck-open or chattering conditions in underlying switches, leading to potential system failures.
Innovation Solution
A method involving counters to track the selection and status changes of interface and underlying switches, with adaptive timers to detect stuck-open and chattering conditions, and reporting mechanisms to confirm or unconfirm latent failure modes to a control module, ensuring timely replacement and maintaining system reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional parallel system comparison methods are used to detect latent failures, then system reliability is maintained through redundancy, but measurement precision and detection accuracy deteriorate due to inability to detect stuck-open or chattering conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into multiple independent counter mechanisms (first counter, second counter, third counter, fourth counter) that track different aspects of switch behavior separately. Each counter monitors specific conditions (switch status changes, selection events, open/closed transitions) independently, allowing precise detection of stuck-open or chattering conditions without compromising the redundant system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If multiple counters and adaptive timers are implemented to accurately detect switch conditions, then measurement precision improves for detecting stuck-open or chattering, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal detection framework where multiple counters serve multiple functions. The same counter infrastructure detects both stuck-open conditions and chattering conditions, while also monitoring switch status changes and selection events. The adaptive timer mechanism provides universal timing control across all detection scenarios, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each detection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where counter values are continuously monitored and compared against threshold criteria. The detection logic uses feedback from counter states to determine whether stuck-open or chattering conditions exist, and the adaptive timer adjusts its behavior based on feedback from switch status changes. This feedback-driven approach enables accurate detection without requiring overly complex hardwired logic.
3Measurement precision
If adaptive timers and multiple counters are used to detect latent failures, then detection precision improves, but loss of time increases due to multiple status verifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by continuously maintaining counter values that track switch status changes and selection events in real-time. Rather than performing detection calculations only when needed, the counters continuously accumulate data about switch behavior, so when a detection decision is required, the information is already prepared and available immediately, reducing detection latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by having counters that continuously monitor and record switch status changes without interruption. The adaptive timer operates continuously to verify switch conditions, ensuring that detection capability is always active and ready. This continuous monitoring approach eliminates detection delays while maintaining precision through constant data collection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting a latent failure mode in an electronic selector having an interface switch and at least two underlying switches includes tracking and counting each of the underlying switch's close/open status change counts in the context of tracking and counting the interface switch selection status change counts. The method continues by calculating the ratio of each underlying switch's close or open status change counts against the interface switch selection status change counts. By comparing these ratios from each underlying switch in respect to the interface switch selection status change counts, a set of new algorithms are formulated to detect an interface switch latent failure mode due to either one of the at least two underlying switches stuck to open or one of the at least two underlying switches chattering between close and open states at a relatively high frequency compared to the interface switch selection event.