Redundant Sensor Evaluation Using Shared Lines and Isolation Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor evaluation systems require multiple data lines and redundant sensor systems to achieve desired redundancy, leading to increased installation effort, weight, and cost due to the direct correlation between data lines and redundant control electronics modules.
Innovation Solution
A device with redundant control electronics modules is provided, using isolation devices to ensure only one output and input line is needed by disconnecting one module from the output line when active, and a switching unit to monitor and switch between modules for fault-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple redundant data lines are provided for each sensor to each control electronics module, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control electronics modules share a common data line connection to the sensor, eliminating the need for separate data lines for each module. The isolation devices enable multiple modules to access the same physical data line at different times, reducing the total number of data lines required while maintaining redundant evaluation capability
Solution Approach 2:
Isolation devices are introduced as intermediary components between the control electronics modules and the common data line. These isolation devices enable controlled access to the shared data line, preventing signal conflicts while allowing redundant modules to evaluate sensor data without requiring dedicated physical connections
2Reliability
If multiple redundant sensor systems are provided for each control electronics module, then reliability is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control electronics modules share a single sensor system through a common data line connection, eliminating the need for multiple redundant sensor systems. The isolation devices enable time-multiplexed access to the shared sensor data, reducing total weight while maintaining redundant evaluation capability
Solution Approach 2:
A single sensor system serves multiple control electronics modules simultaneously through the common data line connection. The sensor data is made universally accessible to all redundant modules via the isolation devices, eliminating the need for dedicated sensor systems for each module
3Reliability
If multiple redundant sensor systems are provided for each control electronics module, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control electronics modules share a single sensor system through a common data line connection, eliminating the need for multiple redundant sensor systems. The isolation devices enable controlled access to the shared sensor data, reducing component count and installation cost while maintaining redundant evaluation capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces the number of required sensor systems while maintaining redundancy, minimizing installation complexity and cost, and ensuring fault-free operation by managing redundant control electronics modules efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a first isolation device, which is provided in a connection between the output channel of the first control electronics module and the output line and electrically isolates the output channel of the first control electronics module from the output line in an active state
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure proposes a device for the multichannel evaluation of a sensor, which comprises an output line for outputting a start signal for a sensor that can be coupled to the device, an input line for receiving a return signal output by the couplable sensor, a first control electronics module comprising an output channel for outputting the start signal and an input channel for receiving and evaluating the return signal output by the sensor, a second control electronics module comprising an output channel for outputting the start signal and an input channel for receiving and evaluating the return signal output by the sensor, a first isolation device, and a second isolation device, wherein the control electronics modules are designed to be redundant, and the input channel of the first control electronics module and the input channel of the second control electronics module are each connected to the input line.