Configurable Sensor Interface for Flexible Signal Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensors have limited connection elements and fixed signal distribution, making them inflexible and unable to adapt to different requirements without significant design changes.
Innovation Solution
The sensor incorporates a device connection unit with configuration jumpers and/or memory to allow customizable signal distribution and operating mode selection, enabling flexibility and compatibility with various external units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed connection module is used in the sensor, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the adaptability to different applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection module is designed with dynamically configurable connection elements that can be selectively activated or deactivated through a configuration memory. This allows the same physical connection module to adapt its signal distribution pattern dynamically, providing multiple adaptability configurations without requiring multiple different hardware modules. The configuration memory stores different signal distribution patterns that can be selected based on application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the signal distribution parameters of the connection module by utilizing a configuration memory that stores different signal distribution patterns. By reading different configuration data from the memory, the same connection module can operate with different signal distribution parameters, enabling adaptability to various applications without altering the physical structure of the module.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connection elements are provided in the connection module, then the signal distribution flexibility is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection module is designed as a universal interface with multiple connection elements that can serve different functions depending on the configured signal distribution pattern. The same physical connection elements are used across different applications, but their functional assignment varies based on the configuration memory content. This multi-functionality approach provides signal distribution flexibility without requiring precision-crafted custom connection modules for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal distribution configuration is predetermined and stored in the configuration memory before the sensor is put into operation. This preliminary configuration action allows the connection module to be manufactured with standard precision connection elements, while the flexible signal distribution is achieved through pre-programmed configuration data rather than requiring high-precision custom manufacturing for each signal distribution pattern.
3Ease of operation
If the signal distribution is fixed in the connection module, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation for different applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection module incorporates a configuration memory that enables the module to self-configure its signal distribution pattern based on stored configuration data. This self-service capability allows the sensor to be easily adapted to different applications by simply changing the configuration data in the memory, without requiring complex external configuration hardware or manual reconfiguration of the connection module structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces potential mechanical or physical reconfiguration mechanisms with an electronic configuration system. Instead of requiring physical changes to the connection module structure to adapt to different applications, the signal distribution is changed electronically through configuration memory, significantly improving ease of operation while keeping the physical device structure relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor for detecting objects within a monitoring range, with sensor components and an evaluation unit (9). An object detection signal is generated in the evaluation unit (9) in dependence upon sensor signals of the sensor components. The sensor has a device connection unit (10) having connection means designed for connecting to a connection module (11). A configuration jumper and/or a configuration memory (17) can be attached to the device connection unit (10). Thereby a signal distribution can be preset to connection elements of the connection module (11) and/or an operating mode of the sensor can be preset.