Acoustic Position Monitoring Using 3D Reflector Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitoring technologies for object positions in environments with strong electromagnetic interference or dusty conditions, such as industrial settings, are prone to errors and are costly to implement effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device using sound waves with a sensor part and an identification reflector featuring a three-dimensional pattern, comprising multiple sound wave transmitters and receivers, which evaluates echoes to accurately determine object position and eliminate interference by recognizing the reflector's pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic or radio-transmitting switches are used to monitor door positions, then contactless monitoring is achieved, but the system is susceptible to electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic fields (magnetic or radio-transmitting switches) with acoustic wave fields (ultrasonic transducers) for monitoring. This substitution eliminates susceptibility to electromagnetic interference while maintaining contactless monitoring capability, as acoustic waves are not affected by electromagnetic environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for monitoring from electromagnetic properties to acoustic properties. By using ultrasonic waves instead of magnetic or radio signals, the system operates in a parameter domain (acoustic) that is immune to electromagnetic interference, thereby improving reliability in such environments.
2Reliability
If optical systems are used for monitoring, then contactless monitoring is achieved, but the system fails in dusty and dirty industrial environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical systems with acoustic wave systems. Acoustic waves (particularly ultrasonic) can penetrate dust and dirty environments much better than optical signals, as they are not scattered or absorbed by particulate matter in the same way light is, thereby maintaining reliability in industrial conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from optical parameter detection to acoustic parameter detection. By using sound wave propagation characteristics instead of light reflection, the system becomes insensitive to dust and dirt conditions that severely degrade optical system performance.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sound wave transmitters and receivers are used to eliminate interference, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring function into multiple independent sound wave transmitters and receivers that can be selectively activated. By evaluating echoes from different transmitter-receiver combinations, the system reconstructs the identification pattern and determines position with high accuracy while managing complexity through selective activation rather than simultaneous operation of all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from multiple echo measurements to reconstruct the identification pattern and verify object identity. By comparing the reconstructed pattern with stored reference patterns, the system confirms measurements are valid, thereby improving measurement precision through iterative verification while managing complexity through intelligent data processing.
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
The solution provides reliable and accurate monitoring of object positions in challenging environments, reduces incorrect measurements, and is cost-effective due to the use of 3D printed identification reflectors, functioning across a wide range of distances and in dirty conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a sound wave transmitter, at least one sound wave receiver, and a computing unit which is connected to the at least one sound wave transmitter and the at least one sound wave receiver for the purpose of controlling the same, and is designed to determine the distance between based on the echo of a sound wave emitted by the sound wave transmitter in the direction of the object
Implementation Method 2
determine the distance between based on the echo of a sound wave emitted by the sound wave transmitter
Implementation Method 3
an identification reflector with a three-dimensional pattern that can be arranged on the object and is separate from the sensor part
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for monitoring the local orientation or position of an object using sound waves, comprising a sensor element arranged at a distance from the object, with at least one sound wave transmitter, at least one sound wave receiver, and a processing unit. The processing unit communicates with the at least one sound wave transmitter and the at least one sound wave receiver for the purpose of controlling them and is designed to determine at least the distance between the sensor element and the object based on the echo of a sound wave emitted by the sound wave transmitter in the direction of the object. An identification reflector, separate from the sensor element and attachable to the object, comprises a three-dimensional pattern.The sensor part has an arrangement of a plurality of sound wave receivers and sound wave transmitters, wherein a plurality of echoes between different transmitter/receiver combinations are evaluated to identify the identification reflector and measure the distance between the sensor part and the identification reflector.