Serial Actuator Control Chain for Fault Identification and Simpler Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control arrangements for technical systems with multiple actuators, such as air conditioning systems in large vehicles, face inefficiencies due to oversized signal outputs and lack of individual diagnostic capabilities, leading to unnecessary wiring and difficulty in identifying faulty actuators.
Innovation Solution
A control arrangement where each actuator control unit periodically pulls its upstream signal connection to a fixed potential for a predetermined time when an error is detected, allowing the central control unit to count these messages and trigger an alarm only when a set count is exceeded, and each actuator control unit extends the error message time based on its position in the chain, enabling precise identification of faulty units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If actuator control units are connected in parallel to signal outputs of the central control unit, then all actuators in a group receive the same control signal, but the signal outputs must be oversized to handle the load of multiple actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into a master control unit and multiple slave control units. Each slave control unit is independently connected to the master via serial communication, allowing the master to control multiple actuators without requiring oversized signal outputs. The segmentation distributes the control functionality across multiple independent units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces serial communication as an intermediary mechanism between the master control unit and slave control units. This intermediary allows information to be transmitted efficiently without requiring direct parallel connections from the master to each slave, thereby reducing the power and capacity requirements of the master's signal outputs.
2Reliability
If feedback lines are added to detect actuator operation, then operational status can be monitored, but additional wiring and Y-junctions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the feedback function into the existing serial communication lines between master and slave control units. The same communication infrastructure used for control signals also carries feedback information, eliminating the need for separate feedback lines and reducing wiring complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The serial communication lines serve multiple functions: they transmit control signals from master to slaves and simultaneously carry feedback information from slaves to the master. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of wires and connections required in the system.
3Measurement precision
If individual diagnostic capability is implemented for each actuator, then faulty actuators can be identified, but the number of feedback inputs on the central control unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diagnostic functionality into individual slave control units, each capable of independently monitoring its associated actuator. Each slave unit processes and evaluates feedback information locally, identifying faults without requiring direct individual connections to the master control unit for each actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The slave control units act as intermediaries that collect, process, and evaluate feedback information from actuators. They aggregate diagnostic data and communicate only relevant information to the master control unit, reducing the number of feedback inputs required on the master while maintaining individual diagnostic capability.
4Reliability
If separate central control units are manufactured for different system configurations, then optimal control is achieved, but manufacturing and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the master control unit with universal functionality that allows it to control different numbers and types of actuator groups through standardized serial communication protocols. The same master unit can be used across various system configurations, eliminating the need to manufacture separate control units for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability to different configurations by changing software parameters and communication settings rather than requiring hardware modifications. The master control unit can be configured via software to work with varying numbers of slave units and different actuator types, maintaining control optimization without increasing manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Electronic actuator control unit (14) having two separate signal connections (16, 17), each of which can be operated as both a signal input and a signal output connection, such that at least two such actuator control units can be connected to form a serial chain in such a way that the downstream signal connection (17) of the actuator control unit forming the beginning of the chain is connected to the upstream signal connection (16) of the subsequent actuator control unit, etc.Each actuator control unit repeats a signal received continuously at its upstream signal terminal (16) during normal operation and transmits it unchanged to its downstream signal terminal (17); it also has a diagnostic unit which generates an error signal when a malfunction occurs in the actuator belonging to the actuator control unit in question; when this error signal occurs, the actuator control unit interrupts the control operation by pulling its upstream signal terminal to a predefinable fixed electrical potential for a predefinable period (T0).