The primary function of the MOTION-LOCK Sub-System is to stop the motion platform (and other devices) upon request. This is done immediately and independently from the software and cannot be overridden in any way. The switch can be used at any moment to instantly stop any motion, provided that the wires are not damaged.

If the wires are damaged (e.g., shorted), the switch will not be able to create an open circuit, and the system will not stop. To address this potentially unsafe condition, the MOTION-LOCK Sub-System includes industrial-grade diagnostic capabilities as a secondary function, offered in a compact and affordable form. Similar to safety relays, the MOTION-LOCK Sub-System continuously sends diagnostic test pulses through the circuit to detect faults and cease operation if an error is detected.

How does it work? Well, two independent channels are monitored to check for any anomalies that may affect the MOTION-LOCK Sub-System performance. If a problem arises, the system will act by stopping the devices. There are the following typical cases:

1. Operating
2. One Wire Broken
3. Wires Swapped
4. Wires Shorted

Cases 2 and 4 are the most common issues that might occur even during normal operation if MOTION-LOCK cables are not secured correctly and in the results they get damaged by moving parts, e.g. cockpit or actuator’s foot.

What happens when the MOTION-LOCK Switch is pressed? Well, it deactivates the first device directly, which then opens its virtual switch and deactivates the next device in a daisy chain. This is done purely by the hardware, without software involved.

Additionally, each device monitors its part of the MOTION-LOCK circuit and reports faults to the motion controller. If the circuit is compromised at any stage, the motion controller programmatically ceases the system operation. This creates a self-monitoring network of virtually unlimited number of devices, where the system can immediately detect any irregularities and take appropriate actions.

The MOTION-LOCK Sub-System is more than just a simple stop-on-press system. Besides offering instantaneous stopping of all connected devices, it also performs real-time wiring monitoring to ensure that the stop function will work correctly when it is truly needed.

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