Current Sensor Memory-Based Range Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing current measurement apparatuses for industrial use face challenges with complex and expensive automatic range switching, leading to loss of measurement accuracy and increased noise when adjusting measurement ranges.
Innovation Solution
A current measurement apparatus with an adjustable measurement range, utilizing a magnetic field sensor with a matching circuit and memory, allows for dynamic range switching by reprogramming the memory to access new matching values, thereby adjusting the measurement signal without external amplifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If automatic range switching is implemented in industrial current measurement apparatuses, then measurement range flexibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement range switching functionality with the existing current sensor structure by integrating a switching element within the sensor housing. This merging approach allows multiple measurement ranges to be achieved without adding separate complex switching mechanisms or multiple independent sensors, thereby improving adaptability while controlling device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The current sensor is designed to perform multiple measurement ranges using a single sensor unit with integrated switching capability. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate sensors for different ranges, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement range flexibility across industrial applications
2Adaptability or versatility
If measurement range is adjusted using external amplifiers, then measurement signal range is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the range adjustment functionality from external amplifiers and implements it directly within the current sensor housing. By taking out the switching element and placing it inside the sensor, the measurement signal remains internal to the sensor system, avoiding signal loss that would occur with external amplification and thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while extending measurement range
Solution Approach 2:
The switching element acts as an intermediary within the sensor housing that enables range adjustment without requiring external amplification. This internal switching mechanism mediates between the measurement signal and the output, allowing range flexibility while preserving signal integrity and preventing the accuracy loss associated with external amplifier interfaces
3Adaptability or versatility
If measurement signal is amplified to enlarge range, then measurement range is improved, but noise increases by factor of 10
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the switching operation before any amplification or signal processing occurs. The switching element is positioned to divide the measurement range into sections prior to signal amplification, which prevents the amplification of noise that would occur if the full signal range were amplified. This preliminary range division maintains signal-to-noise ratio while achieving extended measurement range
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 enables precise and accurate current measurement across various ranges without losing resolution or introducing additional noise, allowing for frequent adjustments of the measurement range with minimal error.
Implementation Method 1
the current sensor includes at least one magnetic field sensor comprising at least one matching circuit and a memory
Data Source
AI summary
A current measurement apparatus for measurement value acquisition includes: a current sensor; and a current measurement transducer. A measurement range of the current sensor is adjustable. The current sensor includes at least one magnetic field sensor having at least one matching circuit and a memory. The current measurement transducer includes an input interface for inputting and/or a communication interface for transmitting information with respect to measurement range switching. The current measurement transducer includes an output interface for outputting the measurement values. The measurement range switching for the current sensor is based on the matching circuit accessing at least one new matching value in the memory, by which a change of the measurement signal of the magnetic field sensor is adjustable.