Transistor Igniter Fault Encoding for Protective Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transistor control devices in transport vehicles are prone to malfunctions, which can lead to significant damage or destruction, and lack effective mechanisms for detecting and encoding fault data to prevent further damage.

Innovation Solution

A transistor control device with a supervisory module, igniter, and management module that detects malfunctions, generates an alert signal with encoded fault data, and prevents further control to protect the transistor and igniter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If fault detection and encoding capabilities are added to the igniter, then diagnostic information availability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault informationVSAvoidigniter complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The igniter is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only ignites the pyrotechnic composition but also detects malfunctions, generates fault data, and encodes diagnostic information in alert signals. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating diagnostic capabilities within the existing igniter structure rather than adding separate detection devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring module and igniter are merged into an integrated system where the igniter contains both the ignition function and the fault detection/encoding functions. This combination allows fault information to be captured at the source without requiring separate complex diagnostic equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If real-time monitoring and fault detection are implemented, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransistor reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring module continuously monitors the transistor and igniter operation, providing real-time feedback about system status. When a malfunction is detected, the system generates an alert signal with encoded fault information, enabling timely intervention and maintaining system reliability through continuous monitoring and feedback mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If fault data is encoded in alert signals, then diagnostic capability is improved, but signal processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault dataVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The igniter encodes fault data by modifying parameters of the alert signal, such as using different pulse widths, frequencies, or patterns to represent different fault conditions. This parameter-based encoding allows compact representation of diagnostic information without requiring complex communication protocols or data structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4087134A1Device for controlling a transistor and associated control method
Publication Date: 2022.11.09 SPEEDINNOV
  • EP4087134A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4087134A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4087134A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The control device (14) for a transistor (12) comprises: - a monitoring module (20) capable of generating a control signal (SC); - an igniter (22) capable of controlling the operation of the transistor (12) from the control signal (SC), of detecting a malfunction of the transistor (12) and of generating an alert signal in the event of detection of a malfunction of the transistor (12); - a management module (24) capable of receiving the alert signal; the igniter (22) being capable, in the event of detection of a malfunction of the transistor (12), of generating fault data representative of said malfunction and of encoding said fault data in the alert signal by forming a useful component of the alert signal, the management module (24) being capable of extracting the fault data by decoding the useful component.