Dual-Timer Device for Precision Timing Under Voltage and Temperature Variations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Low-cost battery-powered timer devices, such as fragrance and insecticide dispensers, face challenges in timing precision due to voltage and temperature variations, and existing solutions either reduce accuracy or increase cost and complexity with external circuitry.
Innovation Solution
A timer device with both a first and second timer, where the second timer counts a portion of the first preset time period and increments a memory counter, allowing for accurate operation even with temperature and voltage changes, and enabling a new time base calculation for the next cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an internal timer is used in the control unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the timing precision deteriorates due to voltage and temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The timing function is segmented into two independent timers: a first timer for long time periods and a second timer for short time periods. This segmentation allows each timer to be optimized for its specific time range, with the second timer providing high-precision timing for critical intervals while the first timer handles longer durations, thereby maintaining timing precision without increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A memory unit acts as an intermediary between the two timers, storing and transferring timing data. The memory unit receives timing information from the second timer and transfers it to the first timer, enabling coordinated operation that maintains precision while using only internal control unit resources without external circuitry.
2Measurement precision
If external circuitry is added to improve timing accuracy, then the timing precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple timing functions are merged into the control unit by integrating both the first timer and second timer within the same device. This consolidation eliminates the need for external timing circuitry, as both timers work together in coordination with the memory unit to provide accurate timing without requiring additional external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both timers and a memory unit that serve multiple purposes: the memory unit stores timing data, acts as a counter for the second timer, and facilitates data transfer between timers. This universal design provides accurate timing functionality without requiring dedicated external circuitry for each function.
3Measurement precision
If the control unit operates continuously, then the timing accuracy is maintained, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit operates periodically by using the first timer to generate time periods during which the control unit remains in sleep mode with near-zero consumption. The second timer triggers awakenings at specific intervals to perform timing checks and update the memory unit, allowing the system to maintain timing accuracy while consuming minimal energy during non-active periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A timer device comprising a first timer in communication with control means, the control means being in communication with an external component and the first timer sending an order to the control means after a first preset time period is counted by the first timer, the timer device also comprising a second timer in communication with the control means, the second timer counting a second preset time period that is a portion of the first preset time period. The timer device permits an accurate operation, even with changes of temperature and voltage, and with a reduced cost.