Configurable Sensor Module Using Resonant Coil Signal Summing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor apparatuses lack flexibility and require structural changes to implement different types, leading to increased production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An electronic module with a voltage-controlled current source, adder device, and configurable ports allows for various sensor apparatuses to be implemented without altering its structure, using discrete components and adaptable connections to resonate circuits and coil elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If structural changes are made to implement different sensor types, then sensor functionality is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic module is designed with a universal architecture that can implement multiple sensor types (inductive, capacitive, resistive, thermal) through software configuration rather than structural changes. The module contains configurable components including a voltage-controlled current source, adder device, and multiple ports that can be assigned to different sensor modalities, allowing one physical device to serve multiple sensing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor apparatus employs dynamic port assignment where the functional role of each port can be changed during operation or configuration. The adder device can dynamically switch between adding and subtracting voltages, and the voltage-controlled current source can be configured for different operating modes, enabling the same hardware to adapt to different sensor types without physical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If structural changes are made to implement different sensor types, then sensor functionality is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal electronic module that can produce multiple sensor types through configuration rather than structural variation, the invention eliminates the need for separate production lines for different sensor types. The same module design can be manufactured in volume and then configured for different applications, significantly reducing per-unit costs and simplifying manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows different sensor types to be achieved by changing operational parameters (such as which ports are connected to which components, voltage levels, current source configuration) rather than changing physical structure. This parameter-based differentiation enables standardized manufacturing of a single module design that can be adapted to various sensor types through software or connection configuration.
3Reliability
If multiple sensor types are produced with separate structures, then sensor specialization is improved, but production expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic module achieves sensor specialization through configurable connections and operational modes rather than dedicated hardware for each sensor type. The module can be configured as inductive, capacitive, resistive, or thermal sensors by assigning ports to appropriate components and adjusting operational parameters, maintaining specialization benefits while using a common production platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The module employs dynamic configuration capabilities where port assignments and component connections can be changed to create specialized sensor configurations as needed. This dynamic adaptability allows the same physical device to be optimized for specific sensing applications through software or connection changes rather than requiring separate dedicated hardware designs for each sensor type.
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
Enables the production of multiple sensor types with shared components, reducing production costs and complexity while maintaining operational versatility.
Implementation Method 1
the current source port is operatively and electrically connected, or operatively and electrically connectable, to an electrical resonant circuit and/or to a coil element
Implementation Method 2
an electrical resonant circuit which is or becomes operatively and electrically connected to the current source port and the adder input port
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic module for an inductive sensor apparatus is provided which comprises at least one voltage-controlled current source, a current source port connected to the at least one voltage-controlled current source for providing a voltage-controlled current from the at least one voltage-controlled current source, an adder device, an adder input port connected to the adder device, and an adder output port which is connected to the adder device. The current source port is connectable to an electrical resonant circuit and/or to a coil element. The adder input port is connectable to the current source port or to at least one further coil element. By way of the adder device, an operation of addition and/or subtraction of a voltage applied to the adder input port and at least one offset voltage is performed. An evaluation signal for evaluation by an evaluation device is providable at the adder output port.