Capacitive Rotation Encoder for Passage Barrier Position Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional passage barrier systems are prone to electrical and magnetic interferences, wear, and fragility, leading to malfunctions and imprecise rotation or swiveling kinetics due to the limitations of existing sensor technologies and motor responses.

Innovation Solution

A passage barrier system utilizing a capacitive rotation encoder with a fixed and rotatable portion, connected to a vertically oriented axle, and an electromotor with a gear system for precise control, along with digital logical control and an anti-panic opening device, to ensure reliable and precise operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional sensor means (optical encoders, magnetic encoders, mechanical encoders) are used for position detection, then the barrier member position can be detected, but the system suffers from fragility, resistance to dirt, electrical interference, electromagnetic wear, and shortened service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidservice life and resistance to interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical and optical encoders with a capacitive sensor system that uses electrical fields instead of mechanical contacts or optical components. The capacitive sensor detects the position of the barrier member by measuring changes in capacitance as the conductive barrier moves through the detection zone, eliminating mechanical wear and optical interference issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a capacitive sensing field as an intermediary between the barrier member and the control system. This electrical field mediator detects the presence and position of the conductive barrier member without physical contact, avoiding direct mechanical or optical interaction that causes wear and interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If electromechanical actuator means with conventional encoders are used, then the barrier member can be rotated or swiveled, but the rotation or swiveling kinetics are imprecise due to non-uniform motor response

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebarrier member rotation controlVSAvoidrotation kinetics precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the capacitive sensor continuously monitors the position of the barrier member and provides real-time position information to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to adjust the actuator means, ensuring precise rotation kinetics and uniform movement of the barrier member throughout its range of motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional encoder-based position feedback with capacitive sensing that provides more precise and reliable position detection. This substitution enables better feedback control and more precise rotation kinetics by accurately detecting the barrier member's position without the limitations of mechanical or optical encoders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system provides resistance to electrical and magnetic interferences, reduces wear, and achieves precise rotation or swiveling kinetics, ensuring reliable and efficient passage control with improved durability and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

said sensor means comprising a capacitive rotation encoder having a fixed portion supporting the stator of the capacitive rotation encoder and a rotatable portion connected to the rotator of the capacitive rotation encoder and defining the vertical rotation axis of the barrier member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3334888B1Passage barrier system
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 ZWEI SRL
  • EP3334888B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3334888B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a passage barrier system for controlling the passage of pedestrians. The passage barrier system comprises a barrier member rotatable by an actuator means about a vertical rotation axis of a barrier member support between a position blocking in use the passage of pedestrians and a position enabling in use said passage, a sensor means for detecting the rotation angle of the barrier member and a controller means fed by an output signal of the sensor means for controlling the actuator means. In order to provide a passage barrier system which is neither prone to electrical and magnetic interferences nor prone to wear or suffering fragility and little resistance to dirt, the sensor means comprises a capacitive rotation encoder having a rotor and stator, and the controller means comprising a memory storing a list of rotation angles to provide a precise definition of the blocking and passing positions of the barrier.