Differential Electrode Proximity Sensing for Target Object Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional proximity sensors fail to accurately detect the proximity of a specific object due to detecting all approaching objects rather than the intended one, leading to incorrect readings.

Innovation Solution

A sensor device comprising a first and second member with strategically arranged electrodes and a differential amplifier to detect the positional relationship between them, using electrical charges induced on the electrodes to differentiate between the proximity of the intended object and other objects, with adjustable components for enhanced detection precision and sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional proximity sensor detects all objects approaching the first member, then the sensor can detect any object in the vicinity, but the sensor cannot accurately detect the proximity of a specific intended object only

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection coverageVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device divides the detection area into multiple segments by arranging multiple electrodes (first electrode, second electrode, third electrode, fourth electrode) at different positions on the first member and second member. Each electrode segment detects proximity in its specific region, allowing the system to identify which segment corresponds to the intended object based on spatial location, thus achieving both broad coverage and precise identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the sensor have different detection characteristics. Each electrode is positioned to detect proximity in its specific local area, and the evaluation unit analyzes the pattern of detection across different local regions to identify the intended object, thereby achieving accurate detection of specific objects while maintaining overall detection coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If a proximity sensor uses a simple detection mechanism, then the device complexity is low, but the detection precision and sensitivity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor structureVSAvoiddetection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device employs a dynamic evaluation process where the evaluation unit dynamically determines proximity detection results based on the combined output signals from multiple electrodes. The system adapts its detection logic based on the spatial pattern of electrode responses, allowing it to distinguish intended objects from other objects through dynamic pattern recognition rather than static threshold detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves multi-functionality by using the same electrode structure for both broad proximity detection and specific object identification. The multiple electrodes serve dual purposes: detecting general proximity in the vicinity while simultaneously providing spatial information for identifying the intended object, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 sensor device accurately detects the proximity of the intended object by outputting a distinct signal, reducing false readings and improving detection precision and sensitivity through adjustable components and electrode configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a first electrode disposed at a first part on a surface of the first member to receive the electrical signal and store an electrical charge at the first part; a second electrode disposed at a second part on a surface of the second member and inducing an electrical charge, corresponding to the electrical charge stored in the first part, at the second part when the first electrode approaches

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic induction: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a differential amplifier amplifying a voltage difference between the fourth electrode and the fifth electrode and outputting a difference signal corresponding to the positional relationship

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDifferential amplification:

Data Source

PatentUS8041534B2Sensor device, and sensor system and electronic device using the sensor device

Publication Date: 2011.10.18 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

A sensor device which detects a positional relationship between an first member and second member, includes a signal source generating an electrical signal, a first electrode receiving the electrical signal and storing an electrical charge at a first part on the first member, a second electrode inducing an electrical charge at the second part on the second member, a third electrode inducing an electrical charge at the third part on the second member, a fourth electrode inducing an electrical charge at the fourth part on the first member, a reference electrode disposed at a fifth part on the second member to be connected to a reference voltage point, a fifth electrode inducing an electrical charge at the sixth part on the first member, and a differential amplifier amplifying a voltage difference between the fourth electrode and the fifth electrode and outputting a difference signal.