Switching Device Parameter Verification via Independent Safety Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for verifying safety-relevant parameter values in industrial switching devices are inadequate, particularly when using engineering software that does not meet safety standards, leading to potential inefficiencies and compliance issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a parameterization device with engineering software divided into two independent sub-areas, allowing separate input and verification of safety-relevant parameter values, secured with checksums, and transmitted via wireless or wired communication channels, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If engineering software that does not meet safety standards is used to set parameters, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The engineering software is divided into two independent sub-areas: a first sub-area that receives and transmits parameter values without safety verification, and a second sub-area that independently verifies safety-relevant parameters by receiving safety parameter data sets from the switching device and displaying them for user confirmation. This segmentation allows standard engineering software to be used while ensuring safety compliance through the independent verification sub-area.
2Reliability
If safety-compliant engineering software is used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device acts as an intermediary that extracts safety-relevant parameters from the parameter values received via the communication channel and generates safety parameter data sets. These data sets are transmitted back to the parameterization device for verification, serving as a mediator between the parameter setting process and safety verification, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Productivity
If parameter values are directly set without verification, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of safety-relevant parameters before final adoption. The second sub-area receives safety parameter data sets from the switching device, displays them for user verification, and only after user confirmation are the parameters released to the switching device. This preliminary check ensures parameter accuracy while maintaining productivity through automated processes.
4Reliability
If manual verification of parameters is required, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device automatically extracts safety-relevant parameters from received parameter values and generates safety parameter data sets for verification. This self-service capability reduces the burden on the user, as the system automatically prepares the verification data, thereby maintaining reliability through user confirmation while minimizing verification time.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for checking safety-relevant parameter values of a switching device (2) using engineering software (11) running on a parameterization device (1). The engineering software comprises a first and a second sub-area, which are independent of each other.The procedure comprises the following steps: - The parameterization device (1), controlled by the first sub-area (11A), receives parameter values (30) for the switching device (2), comprising the safety-relevant parameter values (30s); - the parameterization device (1) sends the parameter values (30) to the switching device (2); - the parameterization device (1) receives at least one safety parameter data set (40) from the switching device (2) containing the safety-relevant parameter values (30s), which were extracted from the parameter values (30) by the switching device (2); and - the parameterization device (1), controlled by the second sub-area (11B), outputs the safety-relevant parameter values (30s) received with the safety parameter data set (40) for verification by a user.