Absolute Position Measuring Device Radiation Hardening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Absolute position measuring devices fail when exposed to ionizing, high-energy radiation due to memory module issues, leading to complex and error-prone servicing procedures.
Innovation Solution
A dual-subassembly absolute position measuring device with radiation-hard components in one subassembly and conventional components in a spatially separate subassembly, where the start-up memory contains data transferred to a non-radiation area for operation, ensuring reliable startup and normal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If absolute position measuring devices use memory modules to store operation data, then the device can provide absolute position values immediately after switching on, but the memory contents change under the influence of ionizing radiation causing device failure
Solution Approach 1:
The position measuring device is divided into two spatially separate subassemblies: a first subassembly containing radiation-hard components (scale, scanning unit, start-up memory) that can operate in the radiation area, and a second subassembly containing conventional components (memory unit) that operates outside the radiation area. This segmentation allows the device to function reliably in radiation environments while maintaining absolute position measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation-sensitive memory unit is extracted from the radiation area and placed in a separate second subassembly outside the radiation zone. Only the essential radiation-hard components remain in the first subassembly within the radiation area, eliminating the problem of radiation-induced memory corruption while preserving all necessary measurement functions.
2Ease of repair
If the first subassembly is replaced due to radiation exposure or wear, then the device can continue operating, but the complex and error-prone servicing procedure requires manual data copying from the manufacturer
Solution Approach 1:
The start-up memory in the first subassembly is pre-loaded with all necessary operation data (technical specifications, calibration values, interface protocols) during manufacturing. When the first subassembly is replaced, the service technician simply needs to transfer this pre-stored data to the second subassembly using an automated interface, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing servicing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
An automated data transfer interface acts as an intermediary between the first and second subassemblies. This interface automatically copies data from the start-up memory to the memory unit, replacing the error-prone manual copying process and simplifying the service procedure while ensuring data accuracy.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to an absolute position measuring device (20) comprising: • a first assembly (20.1) with a scale (22) on which at least one code track (23) is arranged and a scanning unit (24) with which position signals (S) can be generated by scanning the at least one code track (23) in a measuring direction (X), from which an absolute, digital position value (P) can be generated; • a second assembly (20.2) with at least one peripheral unit (30, 31, 32, 33, 34) configured to perform an additional or auxiliary function of the position measuring device (20); and • a plurality of electrical lines (21) with which the first assembly (20.1) and the second assembly (20.2) are connected to each other for the transmission of electrical signals. The position measuring device (20) can be operated in a commissioning mode and a normal operating mode. All components of the first assembly (20.1) Components (22, 25, 26, 41) required for operation in normal operating mode are suitable for use in a radiation zone (A) of a machine. The first assembly (20.1) further includes a commissioning memory (70) containing data required for operation in normal operating mode, but not suitable for use in a radiation zone (A) of a machine. In commissioning mode, the contents of the commissioning memory (70) can be transferred to a storage unit (34, 54) located outside the radiation zone. For operation in normal operating mode, the contents of the storage unit (34, 54) are then used. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a position measuring device (Figure 4).