Redundant Capacitive Sensing with One Electrode and Parallel Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitive detection devices for robots are costly, bulky, and sensitive to mutual interference, requiring multiple electrodes for redundant detection, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive detection device with a single measurement electrode and two independent calculation modules operating in parallel to provide redundant detection signals, reducing the number and cost of electronic components while maintaining high sensitivity for detecting objects at a greater distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pairs of electrodes are used for redundant capacitive detection, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple electrodes into a single measurement electrode by implementing redundant calculation modules that process the same electrode's signal through different algorithms, thereby maintaining detection reliability while reducing device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of copying physical electrodes, the patent creates functional copies through multiple independent calculation modules that generate redundant detection signals from a single electrode, achieving reliability without increasing hardware complexity
2Reliability
If multiple pairs of electrodes are used for redundant capacitive detection, then detection reliability is improved, but the device becomes bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single electrode structure with parallel calculation modules, significantly reducing the physical volume required while maintaining redundant detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial redundancy (multiple physical electrodes occupying different space) to computational redundancy (multiple calculation modules operating in parallel within the same spatial footprint), thereby reducing device volume
3Reliability
If multiple pairs of electrodes are used for redundant capacitive detection, then detection reliability is improved, but mutual interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the redundancy function from the physical electrode structure and relocates it to the calculation module, eliminating mutual interference between electrodes while preserving detection reliability through independent signal processing paths
4Ease of manufacture
If a single measurement electrode is used with redundant calculation modules, then device cost is reduced, but detection sensitivity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of signal processing by implementing multiple independent calculation modules that apply different algorithms or processing methods to the same electrode signal, thereby maintaining or enhancing detection sensitivity while reducing hardware cost
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 enables simpler, less costly, and less bulky capacitive detection with increased sensitivity and range, allowing for reliable object detection without the need for multiple electrodes, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a signal, called measurement signal, relative to a capacitance, called, electrode-object capacitance, between each detection electrode and said object
Implementation Method 2
capacitive detection of an object with respect to a detection surface... measuring a signal relative to a capacitance between each detection electrode and said object
Data Source
AI summary
A device for capacitive detection of an object with respect to a detection surface, including:at least one capacitive detection electrode, anddetection electronics including at least one item of measurement electronic equipment, for:polarizing the at least one detection electrode at an alternating excitation potential (VG), different from a ground potential;measuring a measurement signal relative to an electrode-object capacitance; and the detection electronics also includes, for the measurement electronics, at least two separate calculation modules, operating in parallel, and supplying two independent detection signals for one and the same measurement signal originating from the measurement electronics.