Capacitive Yarn Sensor Offset Compensation Circuit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capacitive sensor devices for measuring textile bodies face challenges in effectively compensating for asymmetry between measurement and reference capacitors, which can lead to suboptimal signal amplification and processing.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an offset compensation circuit with a control unit and a compensation waveform generator that adjusts an AC compensation signal in synchronicity with the measurement voltage, capacitively coupling it to a correction point in the signal path to balance the signal and maintain the operating range of the signal amplifier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the offset compensator is arranged before the measurement assembly (in the AC voltage generator path), then the asymmetry compensation is achieved, but the device complexity increases and the signal path becomes more cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveasymmetry compensation accuracyVSAvoidsignal path complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the offset compensation function from the traditional pre-measurement assembly location and places it at the correction point in the signal path after the measurement assembly. This separates the compensation function from the measurement generation path, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining compensation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a correction point as an intermediary location in the signal path where the offset compensation is applied. This intermediary point allows for precise compensation without disrupting the original measurement assembly architecture, enabling independent optimization of the compensation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the offset compensator is arranged after the signal amplifier, then the signal processing is simplified, but the amplifier may operate outside its optimal working range due to uncompensated asymmetry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing simplicityVSAvoidamplifier operating range stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies offset compensation at a correction point before the signal amplifier processes the measurement signal. This preliminary compensation action ensures that the amplifier receives a balanced signal within its optimal working range, preventing distortion and maintaining measurement reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit monitors the measurement signal and dynamically adjusts the offset compensation to maintain the amplifier within its optimal operating range. This closed-loop control ensures reliable operation under varying measurement conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If no offset compensation is applied, then the device structure remains simple, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to capacitor asymmetry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structure simplicityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements a self-service offset compensation mechanism where the control unit automatically detects and corrects the asymmetry between measurement and reference capacitors. This automated self-correction eliminates the need for manual calibration and maintains high measurement accuracy without requiring complex external adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution efficiently compensates for asymmetry, ensuring the signal falls within the working range of the signal amplifier, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of measurements by maintaining the signal amplifier and subsequent components within their operating ranges.

Implementation Method 1

An AC voltage generator (17) is adapted to generate an AC measurement voltage (Vm)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAC voltage generation:

Implementation Method 2

The measurement capacitor (Cm) comprises electrodes (6b, 6c) arranged on opposite sides of the measurement volume (10), i.e. its capacitance is a function of the parameter to be measured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

capacitively coupling it to a correction point in the signal path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3751282B1Capacitive yarn sensor device with offset compensation
Publication Date: 2021.12.15 GEBR LOEPFE
  • EP3751282B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3751282B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A capacitor sensor device is provided for measuring at least one parameter of an elongate textile body, in particular of a yarn. It comprises an AC voltage generator (17) generating a measurement voltage (Vm) over a reference capacitor (Cr) and a measurement capacitor (Cm) arranged in series. An output signal from a point between the two capacitors (Cr, Cm) is fed to a signal amplifier (A3). In order to compensate an asymmetry in the two capacitors (Cr, Cm), a compensation waveform generator (S3) is provided that generates a compensation signal in synchronicity with the measurement voltage (Vm). This compensation signal is coupled into the input (PI) of the signal amplifier (A3).