Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01P—MEASURING LINEAR OR ANGULAR SPEED, ACCELERATION, DECELERATION, OR SHOCK; INDICATING PRESENCE, ABSENCE, OR DIRECTION, OF MOVEMENT
  • G01P1/00—Details of instruments
  • G01P1/12—Recording devices
  • G01P1/127—Recording devices for acceleration values

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a device for monitoring stresses and stresses that equipment can undergo: motors, mechanisms, mechanical assemblies, electrical and electronic devices, etc.
• Knowing the stresses means that the equipment concerned can be discarded or subjected to in-depth tests such as those carried out during the acceptance test.
• knowing the moment when the phenomenon occurs makes it possible to avoid its renewal, by protecting oneself from it, for example, through better conditioning, and also to determine responsibilities.
• transport and handling are not the only circumstances in which harsh stresses can occur and which it is good to watch out for.
• Joints may have been subjected to constraints likely to reduce their future resistance, without those responsible having any real and objective information allowing them to decide a priori their replacement.
• Heft 4 "Das Transportstoss-Messgeràt- ein Begleitschutz fur flicker”, describes an apparatus for recording shocks to valuables during transport.
• This device includes three accelerometers, the signals of which are added together, an analog-digital converter, a control unit and memory registers, as well as a printer which displays the day and time opposite the level of the acceleration measured. of the recording.
• the recording threshold is adjustable.
• a major drawback of this device is to use a printer, a device which is not very flexible to use, consuming a very large energy and relatively unreliable. In addition, it is " limited to a single measurement channel.
• Patent EP-A-0235 534 describes a recorder comprising:
• memories for storing program instructions and data representing digital signals produced by the three accelerometers and by the clock means
• This recorder cyclically reads the signals received and stores them in memory when their amplitude exceeds a predetermined threshold.
• this device therefore necessarily operates continuously, which greatly limits its autonomy because it consumes such energy that it is unrealistic to consider using it for long periods, whether it be transport, handling or operation.
• no processing, in particular compression is carried out on the signal supplied by the accelerometers before it is stored, a signal with a duration of 50 milliseconds occupies 960 bytes in memory and the storage capacity of the device. is limited to a hundred signals.
• Patent document DE-A-3 643 203 describes a device comprising an accelerometer (or acceleration sensor) and a memory recorder, the electronics of which comprises an amplifier, an analog-digital encoder and a microprocessor.
• This electronics is activated, that is to say powered, only when the sensor provides a significant signal of an acceleration whose value exceeds a programmable threshold.
• This device activated by the phenomenon to be measured requires a certain time to take up its operating regime, and there is a risk of missing the start of rapid phenomena.
• the recorder described does not process the signals before putting them in memory. The data are not protected and the device is not “discreet” because it systematically emits a warning signal when the threshold is exceeded.
• This device comprises: - at least one sensor placed on each door of each container;
• an autonomous active module placed inside the vehicle connected to the sensors, which includes means for supplying energy, means for processing the information which is supplied to it transmitted such as the location of the vehicle, the opening of the doors or on other parameters relating to the route of the vehicle etc. and means for generating a reference signal at regular time intervals;
• This device which is crude and complicated, does not make it possible to monitor the objects transported with respect to the stresses to which they are subjected (mechanical stresses, variations in physical parameters such as temperature, hydro etry, etc.) .
• this device is only operational after a check by the central unit, once and for all throughout the trip, of the proper functioning of all of the sensors and of the module, that is to say before the departure of the vehicle, which makes the reality of surveillance uncertain and uncertain since it does not detect possible sensor failures.
• the central unit checks the operating state of the on-board module periodically, which does not allow the unpredictable and sudden change in the variation of a parameter to be detected.
• the object of the present invention is to provide a device which does not have the drawbacks set out above, which is both usable for surveillance missions of very long duration, which is faithful, discreet and secure and which is protected against unauthorized or even fraudulent manipulation.
• the subject of the invention is a method for monitoring equipment by a user, of the type comprising the operations consisting in picking up stresses experienced by said equipment, in recording signals corresponding to these stresses then in restoring these signals after any treatment, characterized in that:
• the mission rules are stored in a volatile memory and these rules are saved while the sensor (s) are in a so-called “stop” state, - the day and time are saved start the mission, that is to say the moment when the sensor (s) are brought from the stop state to a state called "standby",
• a recording set is made to pass from the standby state to a state known as "acquisition" corresponding to the effective recording of data, when the signal coming from a sensor exceeds a determined threshold,
• the invention also relates to a device for monitoring equipment by a user, of the type comprising at least one sensor connected to a recording assembly equipped with a microprocessor, memories, a parking meter, means for programming the microprocessor and means for restoring stored data, characterized in that one memory is intended to contain data acquisition and processing programs, another memory is intended to contain specific rules and data, selected by a user, and constituting a specific mission, memory which is on the one hand in a permanent backup state as soon as said specific rules and data are effectively memorized and, on the other hand, protected against access by any person other than the user, the device also comprising a memory which must contain data from the sensor (s) as well as means for selective access to the memories associated with locking means capable of being neutralized by the user alone.
• - sensors connected to the recorder assembly have a circuit for verifying their operation and intended to cause the recording in memory of significant data of their operation or of their non-operation " ;
• - It includes circuits for backing up the memory intended for storing the rules, the memory intended for storing captured data, as well as the time stamp when the device is in a state called “stop” or when the energy d the power supply (1041) of the device is insufficient; - ⁇ is in a state called “standby” when its memories actually contain program and mission data, the device comprising circuits which make it possible, in the standby state, to deselect organs connected to the microprocessor and such as memories , parking meter, keyboard, display screen, horn or other, in order to save power supply;
• It includes at least six sensors including three accelerometers and at least three other sensors such as a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor and a humidity sensor, all connected to as many inputs of the microprocessor;
• It includes at least one indicator light which is lit if the value of a recorded signal is greater than a predetermined and programmed threshold and, if necessary, when a person acts on an ignition control means.
• Figure 1 is a schematic overview of a device according to the invention, comprising a microcomputer intended to load the programs corresponding to the various possible missions.
• FIG. 2 is, in a first embodiment of the invention, a block diagram of a sensor.
• Figure 3 is, in a first embodiment of the invention, an electronic block diagram.
• Figure 4 is a diagram of the detector circuits and their control logic.
• Figure 5 is a partial flowchart for the sorting program.
• Figure 6 is, in a second embodiment of the invention, a block diagram of a sensor.
• Figure 7 is, in a second embodiment of the invention, an electronic block diagram.
• Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating measurement levels.
• FIG. 9 is a diagram of the self-monitoring circuits of three sensors.
• FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a possibility of triggering the operation of a device with minimal energy expenditure.
• a method in accordance with the invention is embodied in a device which comprises an electronic assembly 1000 and a sensor assembly 2000, itself composed of a sealed housing 2001 and a housing 2002, the interior of which communicates with the external atmosphere through an opening made here in the form of a slot 2003.
• the housing 2001 contains sensors which are active even when they are enclosed in a housing, which is the case, in particular, accelerometers.
• the housing 2002 contains sensors which can only be active if their sensitive element is related to the environment, which is the case of thermometers, presiometers, hygrometers, anemometers, etc.
• the electronic assembly 1000 can be placed at a location quite distant from the sensor assembly 2000. These assemblies are connected by an electric cable 1001 provided with sockets 1002 and 2004, preferably sealed so that the electrical connection cannot be disturbed. For the same reason, it is good to provide a fixing mechanism resistant to traction and vibration, which is obtained by sockets of the type comprising a sleeve 1003-2005 screwed onto a nozzle (not visible in the drawing) integral with the boxes and operated by a knurled sleeve 1004-2006.
• the housings 2001 and 2002 may also 5 be located closer or further away from each other depending on the characteristics of corresponding sensors and the status of monitored devices. They are connected by an electric cable 2007 passing through the walls of the 2001 and 2002 boxes by robust and watertight connections 2008 and 2009.
• the 2001 and 2002 boxes can also be located side by side, for example by being fixed to the same base 2010 shown in dotted lines.
• the sensors themselves can be placed in various ways depending on the circumstances of the missions. This is evoked by sensors 2020 and 2021 situated at the end of wires 2022 and 2023 of any length and making it possible to place on the one hand each sensor 2022-2023 (possibly associated with electronic elements) and d on the other hand each 2001-2002 box in the best possible locations.
• the mission only includes the monitoring of shocks and vibrations, one can be satisfied with the accelerometers and, consequently, with the 5 only housing 2001.
• the set 1000 contains all the components necessary for recording the 5 data supplied by the sensors when they are in acquisition state as well as the power supply: microprocessor, RAM and ROM memories, power supply proper by means of batteries and power supply specific to signaling means such as indicator lights.
• a 6 Volt and 20 Amperes battery ensures the operation of the device for two months, by deselecting unnecessary components outside the acquisition state, as will be described later.
• a socket 1050 of the waterproof type is also provided in order to be able to connect to the assembly 1000 an external power supply (not shown) if necessary, the latter being of any known type and therefore not being described in detail.
• the electronic components are advantageously grouped on one or more cards 2025 fixed (s) far from the place where the slot 2003 is located so that these components are protected from dust and other agents which may pass through the slot 2003 and which are harmful to the proper functioning of the components. If necessary, the card (s) are placed in a protective envelope.
• the sensor assembly 2000 comprises six sensors:
• - three accelerometers 2030, 2031 and 2032 capturing the accelerations along three orthogonal axes x, y, z, corresponding to the three directions of space, each linked to an amplifier 2033, a filter 2034 di "de BUTTERWORTH" and a rectifier 2035.
• the band filter pass 2035 is between 0.5 and 120 Hz and the attenuation is 30 dB per octave; - three sensors 2040, 2041 and 2042 for temperature, humidity and pressure, three quantities, the variations of which are generally slow, the signals coming from these sensors being able to be sampled at low frequencies, programmable following before the mission.
• the six channels corresponding to the six sensors 2030, 2031, 2032, 2040, 2041 and 2042 are connected to input E of the electronic assembly 1000.
• the electronic assembly 1000 comprises the following components: - a microprocessor 1030 connected to a data bus 1031 to which a fast read-only memory (or ROM) 1032, a volatile random access memory (or RAM) 1033, and a parking meter 1034, these last two elements 1033 and 1034 being connected to a backup battery 1035;
• a microprocessor 1030 connected to a data bus 1031 to which a fast read-only memory (or ROM) 1032, a volatile random access memory (or RAM) 1033, and a parking meter 1034, these last two elements 1033 and 1034 being connected to a backup battery 1035;
• An analog / digital converter 1036 transforming into digital signals the analog signals arriving at the input E and coming from the sensor assembly 2000; a control logic 1037 which is connected to threshold detector means 1038 (the operation of which will be described below), to a serial link of a type known under the reference "RS 232" leading to a socket 1039 and to a set of LEDs 1040; - a power supply 1041 which supplies the whole with electrical energy.
• the memory 1033 must contain two species of data and, in reality, it comprises two distinct zones: 1033a to contain data corresponding to the rules and specific characteristics of a mission and 1033b to contain the data received from the sensors and corresponding to the program necessary for the accomplishment of the mission.
• the area 1033a can, for example, represent 1 / 16th of the capacity of the memory 1033 and the area 1033b, 15 / 16ths.
• the random access memory 1033 and the time stamp 1034 are connected to a backup battery 1035.
• This can be of a common type capable of ensuring the protection of the memory 1033 and from the parking meter 1034 for one year.
• the data corresponding to the rules and to the specific characteristics of a mission can be kept for one year, even if the device is not used but, for example, stored pending use and thus available at any time.
• the read and write operations in the random access memory 1033 are protected by all known means such as passwords, so that only the authorized user can intervene in the definition of the monitoring mission.
• the detection means 1038 include three threshold detectors 1042, 1043 and 1044 whose first inputs are connected to the channels coming from the three accelerometers 2030, 2031 and 2032 and whose second inputs are connected to the outputs of three analog multiplexers 1045a, 1045b and 1045c. .
• the output voltage of each multiplexer is chosen individually from a set of eight voltages from a resistance bridge 1046 connected by one of its ends to the regulated power supply 1041 and to the other of its ends at ground M. This bridge 1046 has eight outputs (1) to (8) staggered and corresponding to the eight voltages desired.
• Multiplexers 1045a, 1045b and 1045c are digitally controlled.
• the three bits of information necessary for the control of each multiplexer are written by the microprocessor 1030 in a lockable register 1047, this register 1047 being standard 8 bits, one of the control inputs of a multiplexer is connected directly to a output of microprocessor 1030.
• the outputs of threshold detectors 1042, 1043 and 1044 are connected to a logic circuit 1048 and, when the amplitude of one of the signals coming from one of the accelerometers 2030, 2031 or 2032 exceeds the value of the threshold programmed for this detector, an interrupt signal is sent by a logic circuit 1049 to the microprocessor 1030.
• the register 1047 is locked and unlocked by the microprocessor 1030 by means of the logic circuit 1049 .
• the set of indicators 1040 comprises eight light-emitting diodes 1050 (known in the trade as "leds") which are fixed-on and of different colors. annuities.
• One input of these diodes is connected to the power supply 1041 by a circuit which includes a switch 1051 and the other input is connected to a switching device 1052 itself connected to the control logic - 5 1037.
• the diodes 1050 are continuously switched off, and only light up when the operator presses the control of the switch 1051, for example a push button 1053 accessible from the outside of an enclosure containing the device.
• the diodes 1050 can have a flashing light: 1 / 10th of a second every 10 seconds, 0 for example.
• L socket 1039 allows the device to be connected to an external computer 3000 ( Figure 1), the data exchange being done in series according to the RS 232 standard. To this end, the 3000 computer is connected and the set appears electronics 1000 by means of an electrical cable 0 3001 provided at its two ends with sockets 3002 and 3003 allowing connection with the socket 1030 on the one hand and with a socket 3004 of the computer 3000 on the other hand.
• socket 1039 is preferably consistent with the RS 232 standard, but is advantageous here that it is protected against humidity, or even rain or immersion, while the socket 3004 can be standard because the transfer of data from the computer 3000 to the electronic assembly 1000 can without Difficulties occur in a room sheltered from aggressive ambient conditions.
• a level 3005 adapter of a type known per se to perfect the data transmission between these two necessarily separate devices, this adapter is preferably designed so as not to consume energy from the power supply 1041, for example by being associated with an individual battery.
• a manufacturer of complex equipment for example planes, often makes the assembly from sub-assemblies manufactured in factories sometimes located very far from the place of assembly.
• the sub-assemblies can be subjected to mechanical stresses and there is a risk that these stresses go unnoticed or are hidden by the transporter.
• the fabricator which is here that which has been designated as "the user" hands over the device of the invention (sets 1000 and 2000) to a transporter who is, here , the one designated as “the operator”, by ensuring that the latter ignores the operating conditions of the device and, therefore, cannot modify the mission.
• the transporter is a fortiori true for other people in general.
• the user introduces into the microcomputer 3000 a pre-programming software which can be either standard (rules defined in advance) or configurable, in order to be able to select a series of rules and characteristics which together constitute a specific mission and whose variable parameters are:
• the preprogramming software after being personalized is then transferred from the memory of the computer 3000 to the memory 1033a, which has been previously emptied, the transfer being carried out by means of the serial RS 232 link via the socket 1039 .
• the external computer 3000 can then be disconnected: the cable 3001 is removed, and the device (sets 1000 and 2000) can be put in the so-called stop state.
• the memory 1033 and the time stamp 1034 are saved, as has been said previously, thanks to the energy supplied by the battery 1035.
• it is generally the operator who is responsible for switching on the device, either by operating an "on-off" button 1054 ( Figure 1), or by connecting the batteries of the power supply 1041.
• the device first goes through an intermediate "working state": the microprocessor 1030 stores in the register 1047 the address of the threshold voltages, deselects the memories 1032 and 1033 as well as the timer 1034 and introduces into the memory 1033b the date and time of the transition to the standby state which then comes on, owing to the fact that the device is operational.
• This transition to the standby state takes place without the operator or one of his agents being able to realize this change of state. Note that • in 1 • standby state, the energy consumption is very reduced.
• an interrupt signal is sent by the logic circuit 1037 to the microprocessor 1030 which goes to the acquisition state and selects memories 1032 and 1033 as well as the time stamp 1034.
• the analog signals from the accelerometers 2030, 2031 and / or 2032 are then transformed into digital signals by the analog-digital converter 1036 .
• the sampling frequency is adjustable at will during the manufacture of the device, in order to be able to be adapted to the request of each user.
• this sampling frequency can be set, for example, at 800 Hz, for the three accelerometers 2030, 2031 and 2032.
• the value of the maximum amplitude of the phenomenon picked up by each of the accelerometers 2030, 2031 and 2032 is then calculated and recorded in memory 1033b with the corresponding indication from the parking meter 1034.
• a device can memorize 3,750 shocks, that is to say the maxima of the three accelerations perceived by the accelerometers, with their dates expressed in hours, minutes and seconds.
• Such a device can also memorize a smaller number of shocks and memorize the temperature, pressure and humidity information; for example: 3000 shocks, 2000 temperatures, 2000 humidity and 2000 pressures.
• a sorting procedure is used. As can be seen in FIG. 5, a counter 1060 counts the number of shocks and this number is compared with a predetermined number entered in a subset 1061.
• a signal is emitted by the sub-assembly 1061 on a line 1062 terminating in a discriminator 1063 so that the latter authorizes recording in the memory 1033b.
• the user receives the material.
• FIG. 10 In a second embodiment of the invention, FIG. 10
• a sensor assembly 2070 comprises three accelerometers 2071, 2072 and 2073 capturing the accelerations according to the three coordinates x, y, z, and connected to three distinct subsets 2074, 2075 and 2076 which each comprise an amplifier 2080, 2081 and 2082 respectively - preceding three bandpass filters 2086, 2087 and 2088, 2089, 2090 and 2091, 2092, 2093 and 2094 mounted in parallel and respectively covering bandwidths from 0.5 to 25 Hertz, 25 to 100 Hertz and 100 to 1000 Hertz.
• the bandpass filters 2086 to 2094 are followed respectively by a rectifier 2095, 2096, 2097, 2098, 2099, 2100, 2101, 2102 and 2103.
• the bandpass filters 2086 to 2094 are BUTTERWORTH filters whose attenuation is 18 dB per octave.
• the electronic assembly 1200 comprises: - a microprocessor 1201 connected to a data bus 1202 to which a fast read only memory (or ROM) 1203 are connected , a random access memory (or RAM) 1204 and a parking meter 1205, the latter two elements 1204 and 1205 being connected to a backup battery 1206;
• a microprocessor 1201 connected to a data bus 1202 to which a fast read only memory (or ROM) 1203 are connected , a random access memory (or RAM) 1204 and a parking meter 1205, the latter two elements 1204 and 1205 being connected to a backup battery 1206;
• an analog / digital converter 1207 which must transform into digital signals the analog signals arriving at input E and coming from the sensor assembly 2070;
• control logic 1208 which is connected to threshold detector means 1209 the operation of which has been described in detail, to a RS 232 serial link leading to a socket 1210, to a set of indicators 1211, to a keyboard 1212, to a display screen 1213 and an audible warning 1214;
• the set of LEDs 1211 is deported in a small box 1215 connected to the control logic 1208 by a cable 1216 with connector 1217 comprising the links 1218 and 1219 with the logic 1208 and the connection 1220 to the power supply 1041.
• the housing 1215 located within range of the operator, has a push button 1221 and only two indicators 1222 and 1223. It is also possible to provide a control member such as a power transistor which triggers the starting of an apparatus ensuring a function: refrigeration compressor, fan, motor or pump of any kind ensuring safety and / or durability of the equipment monitored.
• a control member such as a power transistor which triggers the starting of an apparatus ensuring a function: refrigeration compressor, fan, motor or pump of any kind ensuring safety and / or durability of the equipment monitored.
• the memory 1204 has two different zones: 1204a for the data corresponding to the rules and characteristics of a mission and 1204b for the data received from the sensors and corres ⁇ ponding to the accomplishment of the mission.
• the 1212 keyboard is of the flat, waterproof, non-touch, adhesive type and includes fourteen keys:
• the screen 1213 is advantageously a liquid crystal screen.
• the microprocessor 1201 calculates for each channel not only the maximum value of the phenomenon, but also the duration of this phenomenon.
• the duration of the phenomenon is measured, on each of the three channels, for four levels, that is to say twelve levels: a high level "A” and a low level “X” are programmed by the user and two intermediate levels “H” and "R” are calculated by the computer.
• a high level "A” and a low level "X" are programmed by the user and two intermediate levels "H” and "R” are calculated by the computer.
• the threshold "Z" for triggering the recording (acquisition state) is determined by the computer, so that it is lower than the low level "X", according to a certain percentage, for example 0.8.
• the read-only memory 1203, the memory 1204, the parking meter 1205, the keyboard 1212, the liquid crystal screen 1213 and the warning device 1214 are deselected when the device is in standby state.
• the acquisition and processing algorithm contained in read-only memory 1203, according to the example already described, is essentially based on the very precise time of duration of an instruction in assembly language, and the three channels are sampled at frequencies. substantially equal to 7000 Hz, 700 Hz and 175 Hz, the highest frequency corresponding to the channel filtering the highest frequencies of the signals.
• the shock is sampled for a predetermined duration D, except in the case where, on the three channels, the signal remains below the low level for a duration also predetermined.
• Typical values for D and d are 10 seconds and 2.4 seconds respectively.
• the durations are accumulated and stored in memory registers.
• part 1204b of the memory 1204 with a capacity limited to 32 kilobytes and of which the part 1204a is reserved for the rules selected by the user to determine a mission, one can store up to 1016 events.
• the computer automatically launches the sorting routine described above and stores the most important events on the top of the memory 1204b, a pointer being positioned in the middle of the memory 1204b for the continuation of the mission.
• the 1212 keypad makes it possible to enter into memory 1204a:
• the user will inform the operator and the latter will not be able to start the fraud again, on pain of being definitively rejected by the user, so that he will certainly intervene with his own drivers.
• the next transport will therefore be correct, that is to say without any disconnection, but the operator will still not know which parameters are monitored or not by the other sensors.
• Eight sensors can be perfectly connected, but only six can be made active. The operator has no possibility of knowing which sensors are active and which sensors are inactive. would he know that he could not yet know the thresholds considered sensitive by the user.
• a device according to the invention can be very compact and easy to house. It can therefore be used not only during transport but also during the normal use of certain materials. It is, in fact, useful to know after a certain number of operating hours how long an engine has overheated, how many shocks a shock absorber has received, what temperature peaks have supported a seal, etc. a user can very easily conce ⁇ see, modify, perfect different missions on a computer because it suffices, then , to "inject" the corresponding program which will remain dormant during the stopped state and will automatically put the device in standby state after the short operating time in operating state.
• the accelerometers 2030, 2031 and 2032 present self-monitoring circuits of their good operating condition and the reality of their power supply in order, on the one hand, to signal their connection and disconnection from the central unit 1030 and, on the other hand, to check their good state of individual functioning.
• This verification is performed for each of the accelerometers if and when only one of them triggers the acquisition state. Indeed, if an accelerometer sends a signal, it is good to make sure that the other two are in working order in order to be certain that a single acceleration has been suffered along only one of the three axes x, y or z, or that one of the other accelerometers was at that time disconnected or out of order. The user draws from this exact information, rigorously fixed over time, conclusions corresponding to the mission. In practice, and to simplify circuits, it is ac- capable of considering as a global and dis ⁇ qualifying failure, the non-functioning of only one of the accelerometers.
• an accelerometer If, for example, an accelerometer is disconnected, the user learns at the end of the mission at what precise moment this disconnection occurred and can, by examining the sensors at the end of the mission, check whether the neutralization of the device results from damage or from a voluntary or accidental disconnection of an accelerometer. Disconnection, in this case, is assimilated to a total absence of power supply or to a complete rupture of the accelerometer and this results in disqua ⁇ lification of the device as a whole, with or without alarm, according to the program chosen for this major incident.
• Figure 9 is an example of a concrete embodiment of a self-monitoring scheme.
• Each accelerometer has its own circuit.
• the sensors that must be watched very closely are the accelerometers and, this, for two essential reasons: on the one hand they are fragile and, on the other On the other hand, the operation of only one of them is likely to trigger the operation of the recording by passing the available from the standby state to the acquisition state. It is therefore important to ensure at each trigger that it is indeed a reaction to a real phenomenon and not an anomaly.
• the other sensors in addition to being more robust, are interrogated by the device and, therefore, are not likely to start the recording.
• the hygrometry for example, is permanent and the important thing is not the existence or the non-existence of a hygrometry but to know its degree, its variations or its abnormal values). Note that the more frequent the sensors are interrogated by the device, the greater the energy expenditure and the more the autonomy is reduced.
• each of these has an individual and fully autonomous power supply 2210, 2211 and 2212 which can be a battery for example.
• Each power supply is associated with a stabilizer 2213, 2214 and 2215 with two outputs, one being connected directly by a line 2216, 2217 and 2218 to an input of a comparator 2219, 2220 and 2221 and the other to a bridge of gauge 2222, 2223 and 2224, the output of which is connected by a line 2225, 2226 and 2227 to the second input of the comparator 2219, 2220 and 2221, a transverse line 2228 connecting the three lines 2225, 2226 and 2227.
• the outputs of the three comparators 2219, 2220 and 2221 are connected to a single line 2229 terminating in a port of the microprocessor.
• Each power supply and each of the resistances of the circuit are calculated in such a way that it passes a weak current on the one hand in lines 2216, 2217 and 2218 and on the other hand in lines 2225, 2226 and 2227, for example 0.5 milliamps for a voltage of 2.5 Volts.
• Comparators 2219, 2220 and 2221 therefore each receive two currents of the same value and of the same voltage if no incident occurs. The difference measured by each comparator is then zero, which means that everything is normal.
• the corresponding comparator detects a difference because its input linked to the line 2216-2217-2218 does not receive any current at all but its other input always receives a current thanks to the transverse line 2228 which feed from other sources. Without this line, the total absence of current at the two inputs of the comparator would still give a zero difference signifying that the circuit is in working order. - partial absence of current from the rupture of a resistance of a gauge bridge for example.
• the direct line 2216-2217-2218 gives the corresponding comparator an unchanged current while the current of the other line 2225-2226-2227 is affected. you.
• the comparator 2219-2220-2221 therefore detects " a difference.
• a comparator When a comparator detects a difference, it sends a signal "1" on line 2229, the microprocessor thus receiving a malfunction message which can be exploited in different ways.
• Figure 10 shows how one can provocate a command using little energy.
• the assumption is that the malfunction of a sensor or the recording of critical data (exceeding a certain value threshold, for example) must be used to control a device A which can be a powerful indicator light, a sound alarm, generator, refrigeration compressor, etc.
• Device A For its operation, it is connected to a supply B of any desired power since it is completely foreign to the monitoring device according to the invention.
• Device A is also connected to earth M by a line 2300 because device A can only operate if there is continuity of the line
• the microprocessor emits a signal on the line 2302 to control the transis ⁇ tor 2301 which "switches" and closes the contact to ensure electrical continuity along the line 2300, which has been symbolized by a dotted line 2304.
• the device A can then operate normally by means of its own energy source B and according to a program which becomes independent from surveillance.

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Testing Or Calibration Of Command Recording Devices (AREA)
• Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)
• Recording Measured Values (AREA)
• Emergency Alarm Devices (AREA)

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