Electric Field Sensor Self-Testing for Automated Operation Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual testing of electric field sensors on machines is inefficient and burdensome, reducing the adoption of safety applications, and existing automated calibration systems do not address the need for confirming proper sensor operation before use.
Innovation Solution
An automated self-testing system that includes an electric field source and a controller to create a target electric field, measure its strength, and determine if the sensor passes the test, providing an indication of its performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual testing of electric field sensors is performed by operators using handheld test wands, then sensor operation can be confirmed, but the process is inefficient and burdensome to the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The electric field sensing device automatically performs self-testing by generating its own test electric field through an integrated electric field source and comparing the detected field strength against expected values, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention while maintaining reliable operation confirmation
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical testing process using handheld wands is replaced by an automated electronic self-testing system that uses the device's own controller and electric field source to perform validation, significantly improving testing efficiency
2Reliability
If manual testing processes are required before use, then sensor reliability can be verified, but adoption of safety applications is reduced due to operator burden
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing device autonomously performs self-validation by using its integrated electric field source to generate test fields and its controller to evaluate detection accuracy, removing all manual testing steps and making safety applications easy to deploy without operator burden
3Manufacturing precision
If automated calibration systems are used to calibrate electric field sensors, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the need for confirming proper sensor operation before deployment is not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The self-testing function performs operation verification as a preliminary step before actual deployment use, ensuring the sensor is functioning properly in its current installation environment, complementing the calibration process by adding a pre-deployment validation layer
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
Enables efficient and automated self-testing of electric field sensors, ensuring proper operation without human intervention and improving safety by detecting sensor performance accurately.
Implementation Method 1
cause the electric field source to create a target electric field at a specific location sensed by the electric field sensing device
Implementation Method 2
receive measurement data indicating a measured electric field strength, detected by the electric field sensing device, of the target electric field
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, an automated self-testing system may include an electric field source and a controller. The controller may detect a trigger event associated with initiating a self test of an electric field sensing device. The controller may cause, based on the trigger event, the electric field source to create a target electric field at a specific location sensed by the electric field sensing device. The controller may receive measurement data indicating a measured electric field strength, detected by the electric field sensing device, of the target electric field. The controller may determine, based on the target electric field strength and the measured electric field strength, whether the electric field sensing device passes the self test or does not pass the self test.