Calibration Drift Tracking for Adaptive Measurement Intervals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibration methods do not effectively address cumulative drift in measurement devices, which can lead to cumulative errors and require inefficient calibration intervals.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that detect and store cumulative drift in measurements by using a calibrator connected to a measurement device, which corrects measurement errors and updates a cumulative drift value, allowing for adaptive calibration intervals based on drift thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If regular calibration is performed at fixed intervals, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but cumulative drift is not effectively addressed and calibration resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic calibration scheduling by transitioning from fixed-interval calibration to adaptive calibration timing. The system continuously monitors drift values and adjusts calibration timing based on actual device behavior, performing calibration only when drift thresholds are exceeded. This dynamic approach optimizes calibration resources while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates continuous feedback mechanisms by monitoring drift values between calibrations and using this information to determine when calibration is needed. The feedback loop compares actual drift against thresholds and triggers calibration actions accordingly, creating an adaptive system that responds to actual device performance rather than following a rigid schedule.
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed frequently to maintain accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to increased calibration overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial calibration actions by performing drift compensation calculations between full calibration events. Instead of requiring complete calibration at every interval, the system uses partial adjustment based on monitored drift values, reducing calibration overhead while maintaining accuracy. This approach performs only the necessary correction actions rather than full calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary drift monitoring and assessment between calibration events, preparing compensation values in advance. By continuously tracking drift and pre-calculating compensation needs, the system reduces the complexity and time of actual calibration events, improving overall calibration efficiency.
3Loss of information
If drift monitoring is implemented continuously, then cumulative drift is accurately tracked, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces drift compensation values as intermediary elements that simplify continuous monitoring. Instead of implementing complex continuous calibration systems, the system uses intermediate drift compensation calculations based on monitored values, acting as a mediator between full calibration events. This approach maintains accurate drift tracking while avoiding the complexity of continuous active calibration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and arrangement keep track of the cumulative absolute drift of a measurement device, in connection with calibration actions performed by a calibrator. Measurement results are saved (22) in each measurement instant, and if they exceed a threshold value (23), an adjustment step is performed (24). Irrespective of the adjustment steps, the latest drift value (25) during the latest calibration interval is summed (26) with the previous cumulative drift value. The cumulative drift value, i.e. AbsDrift, is saved to a server, from where it can be illustrated visually (27). If there is an uncommon pattern or large cumulative drift present, an indication or alarm (28) can be sent to the user of the calibrator.