Vital Output Circuit Using Dynamic Signal Phase Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vital control systems with multiple processors face challenges in independently forcing and verifying a vital output state, requiring frequent detection and switching to the most restrictive state without single point failures, while maintaining state verification without altering the output.
Innovation Solution
An output apparatus comprising a circuit that uses alternating current to direct current converters with transformers and rectifiers, controlled by dynamic signals from multiple processors to ensure the vital output is either energized or de-energized, with mechanisms for independent monitoring and testing by both processors to maintain the safe state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If both vital processors independently control the vital output, then the reliability of the vital output is improved, but the complexity of the control circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary control circuit is introduced between the two vital processors and the vital output. This circuit receives control signals from both processors and generates the final control signal for the vital output. The intermediary structure allows independent processor control while simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing direct circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit implements copying of the vital output state back to both processors through monitoring circuits. Each processor receives a copy of the output state for verification, enabling independent monitoring without adding complex direct control pathways. This copying mechanism maintains reliability while keeping the control structure manageable.
2Measurement precision
If frequent verification of the vital output state is performed, then the detection capability is improved, but the frequency of state changes increases which may affect system stability
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring circuits are configured to verify the vital output state before allowing state changes to occur. This preliminary verification ensures that any state change is intentional and correct, preventing spurious changes while maintaining frequent detection. The system checks the output state in advance of potential changes, maintaining both detection capability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Feedback circuits provide continuous monitoring of the vital output state back to both processors. This feedback mechanism allows frequent verification without direct manual intervention, maintaining detection precision while the automated nature of the feedback prevents unnecessary state fluctuations. The feedback loop stabilizes the system by automatically correcting or confirming state changes.
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
Ensures reliable and independent control of vital outputs by both processors, maintaining the safe state even in case of failures, with the ability to detect and correct deviations without altering the output state, enhancing the reliability of vital control systems.
Implementation Method 1
an alternating current to direct current converter structured to output the vital output including the first state as an energized direct current signal responsive to the first state of the first signal being an energized direct current signal and the first state of the second signal being two dynamic signals of opposite phase
Implementation Method 2
a rectifier cooperating with the secondary winding; the secondary winding may apply an alternating current signal to the rectifier to provide the energized direct current signal of the first state of the vital output
Data Source
AI summary
An output apparatus includes a first source of a first signal having a first state or a different second state; a second source of a second signal having a first state or a different second state; and a circuit structured to output a vital output including a first state when the first state of the first signal corresponds to the first state of the second signal and, otherwise, including a different second state. At least one of the first signal and the second signal is a static signal. The other one of the first signal having the first state and the second signal having the first state is a dynamic signal. When at least one of the first signal has the different second state of the first signal and the second signal has the different second state of the second signal, the vital output includes the different second state.