Eccentric Sensor Adapter for Symmetrical Differential Signal Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors for measuring differential signals face issues with simultaneous and symmetrical position adjustment of test-contact elements, leading to potential slip and non-symmetrical positioning, which can result in the test-contact elements not maintaining the set spacing distance.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates two electrically conductive test-contact elements arranged eccentrically relative to an axis of rotation, with rotatable adjustment components in a force-fit connection, allowing for infinite adjustment of spacing distance and ensuring symmetrical positioning through a force-fit or frictional connection, ensuring the test-contact elements remain at the set distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two rotary elements are used to adjust the spacing distance between test-contact probes, then the spacing distance can be adjusted to different values, but slip occurs at the contact points leading to non-simultaneous rotation and non-symmetrical position change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two previously independent rotary elements into a single unified rotary element with two eccentrics. This merging ensures that both test-contact probes are adjusted simultaneously and symmetrically through a single rotation action, eliminating the slip problem that occurred between separate contact points. The unified structure guarantees that both probes maintain the correct spacing distance without non-symmetrical position changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a common rotation axis as an intermediary element that mediates the adjustment of both test-contact probes. This central axis serves as a reference point that ensures symmetric adjustment of both probes simultaneously. The two eccentrics are arranged symmetrically with respect to this common axis, acting as intermediaries that translate the single rotation into coordinated movement of both probes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If test-contact elements are arranged eccentrically to enable adjustable spacing distance, then infinite adjustment within a range is possible, but maintaining constant spacing distance becomes difficult due to slip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adjustment mechanism into a single rotary element with two eccentrics that share a common rotation axis. This unified structure ensures that when the rotary element rotates, both test-contact probes are adjusted simultaneously by the same rotational amount, maintaining a constant spacing distance between them. The eccentric arrangement allows infinite adjustment within the specified range while the common axis prevents slip and maintains precision.
3Ease of operation
If adjustment components are made electrically insulating for ergonomic handling, then user comfort during measurement is improved, but signal interference may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the adapter into distinct functional parts: electrically insulating adjustment components for user handling and electrically conductive test-contact elements for signal measurement. This segmentation allows the insulating material to provide ergonomic handling while the conductive elements maintain electrical contact with the circuit under test, minimizing signal interference. The clear separation of functions ensures that the insulating adjustment components do not interfere with the electrical measurement path.
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 simultaneous, symmetrical adjustment and maintains the set spacing distance between test-contact elements, preventing slip and ensuring accurate positioning, while also allowing for ergonomic adjustment and minimizing signal interference.
Implementation Method 1
the two adjustment components are connected to one another in a force-fit manner... the force-fit connection between the two adjustment components allows a self-limiting of the adapter, as a result of which, after adjustment by the user, the two test-contact elements remain at a constant spacing distance relative to one another
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for a sensor measuring a differential signal comprises two electrically conductive test-contact elements which are arranged in each case eccentrically relative to an axis of rotation in order to register respectively one partial signal of the differential signal. Moreover, two adjustment components, each rotatable about one of the two axes of rotation, are provided in the adapter for the adjustment of a variable spacing distance between the two test-contact elements. The two adjustment components are connected to one another in a force-fit manner.