Base Unit Mode Detector for Multi-Sensor Signal Preprocessing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measurement systems face challenges in efficiently preprocessing sensor signals from various sensor head types, especially in harsh environments, due to differences in electrical and measurement properties.

Innovation Solution

A measurement system comprising a base unit with a mode detector and a sensor head with a sensing element and an identification unit, allowing the base unit to select an appropriate operating mode based on the identification signal from the sensor head, thereby preprocessing the sensor signal effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the base unit is configured to support multiple sensor head types with different electrical and measurement properties, then the adaptability of the measurement system is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple operating modes and identification mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification of the sensor head type by detecting electrical properties (such as impedance, capacitance, or resistance) before the actual measurement process. This preliminary action allows the base unit to automatically configure the appropriate operating mode in advance, avoiding the need for manual configuration and reducing operational complexity while maintaining high adaptability across different sensor types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the sensor head is detachably connected to the base unit to allow flexible installation and replacement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the electrical connection may deteriorate due to potential connection issues in harsh environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses electrical properties of the connection interface as an intermediary to monitor and verify the quality of the detachable connection. By continuously or periodically measuring parameters such as contact impedance or signal integrity, the system can detect connection issues before they lead to measurement failures, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving the ease of operation provided by detachable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the base unit performs preprocessing of sensor signals according to different operating modes, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time increases due to the need to identify and switch between operating modes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of the sensor head's electrical properties immediately upon connection, before the actual measurement process begins. This preliminary identification allows the base unit to automatically select and configure the appropriate operating mode in advance, so that when measurement starts, the system is already optimized for that specific sensor type. This eliminates mode-switching delays during measurement and maintains high precision without time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4571271A1Measurement system for operating with various sensor head types
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 PEPPERL & FUCHS SE
  • EP4571271A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4571271A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4571271A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a measurement system (1) comprising: - A base unit (2) having a measurement unit (22) and a mode detector; - A sensor head (5) for detecting a physical quantity, which is detachably electrically connected with the base unit (2), the sensor head (5) comprising: ∘ a sensing element (51) which provides an electrical property, ∘ an identification unit (54) to provide an electrical property or an identification signal, wherein the mode detector (24) is configured to obtain an identification signal from or by means of the identification unit (54), wherein the measurement unit (22) is configured to operate the sensing element (51) to obtain a sensor signal according to one selected operating mode selected from multiple operating modes.