Switch Feedback Circuit for Fault-Resistant Input Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In digital electronic circuits, distinguishing between a signal intentionally driven to the active state and a signal faulted to the active state due to anomalies is challenging, making it difficult to determine valid input from a switch.
Innovation Solution
A switch assembly with a logic circuit that compares input and output signals to generate a fault signal when they do not match, including configurations for inductive and optical switches, and selectively activating/deactivating the switch by power supply management to ensure valid input detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple switch circuit is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of input detection deteriorates because faults cannot be distinguished from valid actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The logic circuit sends a command signal to the switch and receives a response signal back, creating a feedback loop. By comparing the command signal with the response signal, the system can determine whether the switch is functioning properly or if an anomaly exists, thereby improving input detection reliability through feedback-based verification
Solution Approach 2:
A logic circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the switch and the external system. This intermediary performs signal comparison and fault detection, isolating the complexity of fault detection from the simple switch operation while maintaining reliable input detection
2Measurement precision
If no fault detection mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of switch state deteriorates because valid and faulted signals cannot be distinguished
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by comparing the command signal sent to the switch with the response signal received from the switch. This comparison mechanism enables precise determination of switch state by verifying signal consistency, thereby improving measurement precision through feedback-based verification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical switch operation with an electronic signal comparison mechanism. Instead of relying solely on mechanical switch state, the system uses electronic logic circuits to compare signals and determine switch state, improving measurement precision through electronic verification
Data Source
AI summary
A switch assembly configured to determine when input received from a switch is caused by proper actuation of the switch and should be accepted, or is caused instead by a fault in the switch or in the intervening circuitry and should be ignored and/or reported. The switch assembly optionally includes a logic circuit that is electrically connected to the switch. The logic circuit may provide power to the switch, for example, as a time varying signal, which may then be presented to the logic circuit as input when the switch is properly actuated. The logic circuit may then compare the input from the switch with the signal sent to the switch to determine if a fault is present, or if the switch is operating properly.