Signal Splitter Bypass Relay for Continuous Output Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional signal splitters are unable to receive an analog signal and provide multiple analog outputs, and there is a lack of devices that can receive an analog input and generate multiple digital outputs, which limits their application in manufacturing and control processes where fault protection and calibration are critical.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a splitter board with analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog circuitry, a bypass relay, and a microprocessor that switches the relay states to direct the input signal either through the converter for splitting or bypass it, allowing for fault protection and calibration without disrupting primary outputs, and enabling multiple boards to combine digital signals into a single digital output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the signal is directed through the converter for splitting into multiple outputs, then the signal can be distributed to multiple destinations, but the system becomes vulnerable to component failures and requires calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a bypass relay that can switch the signal path around the converter before a failure occurs or when calibration is needed. This preemptive bypass capability ensures continuous operation and protects against converter failures, directly addressing the reliability concern while maintaining signal distribution versatility
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed on the converter, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the signal output is disrupted during calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass relay is configured to switch the signal path around the converter during calibration operations. This allows calibration to be performed on the converter without interrupting the signal output to downstream processes, as the bypass path maintains continuous signal flow while the converter is being calibrated
3Reliability
If a bypass path is added to the signal splitter, then fault protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass relay serves as an intermediary component that adds fault protection capability to the signal splitter. By introducing this single relay component that can switch between the converter path and bypass path, the system gains reliability without requiring complete redundancy of the entire signal path, thus limiting the increase in complexity
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
The system ensures continuous primary output even in case of component failures, allows for calibration without disrupting the signal, and enables the combination of multiple digital signals into a single output, enhancing reliability and efficiency in manufacturing and control applications.
Implementation Method 1
a bypass relay coupled with the converter, the bypass relay configurable between a first state and a second state
Implementation Method 2
a converter including analog-to-digital circuitry and digital-to-analog circuitry
Implementation Method 3
a converter including analog-to-digital circuitry and digital-to-analog circuitry
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed herein. The system includes a splitter board. The splitter board includes a microprocessor, a converter, and a bypass relay. The converter includes analog-to-digital circuitry and digital-to-analog circuitry. The bypass relay is configurable between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the bypass relay is configured to direct an input signal to the converter. The converter converts the input signal to a converted input signal and splits the converted input signal into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is directed to the microprocessor. The second portion is directed to an output port of the splitter board for downstream processes. In the second state, the bypass relay is configured to cause the input signal to bypass the converter. The bypass relay directs the input signal to the output port of the splitter board for the downstream processes.