Self-Test Verification Using Integrated Fault Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-checking systems for electronic components in vehicles, such as airplanes, are limited by unforeseen conditions and lack a reliable method for verifying their own functionality, making it difficult to detect malfunctions and ensure operational safety.

Innovation Solution

A system with a self-checking function that includes an error simulation unit to selectively impair technical functions, a self-testing unit to monitor operating parameters, and a verification control unit to compare generated warning signals with expected signals, allowing for reliable verification of the self-testing unit's functionality and detection of potential malfunctions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If verification of self-test function is performed under laboratory conditions, then testing capability is improved, but the system lacks the ability to verify self-test functionality during actual operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidoperational verification capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fault simulation unit and self-test unit are designed with multi-functionality to operate in both laboratory and operational environments. The fault simulation unit can selectively impair technical functions regardless of whether the system is in the lab or deployed, allowing the same self-test verification mechanism to function across different operational contexts. This universal design enables consistent verification capability across varying conditions.

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

2Reliability

If extensive electronic equipment is equipped with self-test functions, then safety monitoring is improved, but system complexity and hardware requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety monitoringVSAvoidhardware requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fault simulation unit, self-test unit, and verification control unit are merged into an integrated verification system that can be implemented within existing electronic system components. Rather than adding completely separate testing equipment, the solution combines multiple functions into a unified architecture that leverages existing system resources. This merging approach reduces overall hardware requirements while maintaining comprehensive safety monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3839683B1System with self-test function and method for verifying the self-test function of a system
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE GMBH
  • EP3839683B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP3839683B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~3
  • EP3839683B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

A system with a self-testing function is proposed, comprising at least one system component possessing at least one technical function, a fault simulation unit integrated into the system, a self-testing unit integrated into the system, and a verification control unit integrated into the system, wherein the at least one system component is coupled to the fault simulation unit, wherein the fault simulation unit is configured to influence the operation of the system component in such a way that the at least one technical function is selectively impaired, wherein the self-testing unit is configured to monitor operating parameters of the system component and to generate a warning signal indicating an impairment of the respective at least one technical function, and wherein the verification control unit is configured toto compare the warning signals generated by the self-test unit with expected warning signals depending on the impaired technical functions.