Frequency-Divided Proximity Switch for Simple Accurate Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proximity switches for safety management are costly and have complex configurations due to the need for ICs and coil arrangements, leading to high costs and complicated processes.
Innovation Solution
A proximity switch design featuring a sensor unit with a transmitting circuit for constant frequency electromagnetic waves and a receiving circuit for signal detection, along with a control circuit for frequency registration and signal processing, simplifies the circuit configuration and eliminates the need for complex identification code processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an IC including memory and CPU is installed in the actuator unit for RFID-based communication, then detection accuracy is ensured through identification code verification, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex IC components (memory and CPU) from the actuator unit, leaving only the essential antenna coil. The identification and signal processing functions are eliminated, keeping only the core electromagnetic induction capability. This extraction resolves the contradiction by maintaining detection functionality while removing complexity-increasing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator unit is designed with a simple antenna coil that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, rather than using expensive IC-based components. This approach prioritizes cost-effectiveness and simplicity while maintaining sufficient detection accuracy for the application.
2Reliability
If transmitting and receiving coils are arranged in both sensor unit and actuator unit for bidirectional communication, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the transmitting coil from the actuator unit, leaving only the receiving antenna coil. The sensor unit retains both transmitting and receiving coils for bidirectional communication. This extraction maintains sufficient signal transmission reliability while significantly reducing the complexity and size of the actuator unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the transmitting and receiving functions into the sensor unit, while the actuator unit only performs receiving. This merging of functions in one unit reduces overall system complexity while maintaining communication reliability through the sensor unit's dual-coil configuration.
3Measurement precision
If different identification codes are set for every sensor-actuator combination, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the memory component that stores identification codes from the actuator unit. Without stored identification codes, the manufacturing process is simplified as no programming or individual customization is needed. Detection accuracy is maintained through the fundamental electromagnetic induction principle rather than code verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator unit is designed with a uniform, simple antenna coil structure that can be mass-produced without individual customization. This homogeneous design simplifies manufacturing while the detection system maintains accuracy through consistent electromagnetic coupling characteristics rather than varied identification codes.
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 design ensures accurate detection with a simple circuit configuration, reducing costs and enabling miniaturization of the sensor and actuator units, facilitating their use in various applications, including safety management.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply circuit for rectifying an electromotive force generated in the first antenna coil
Implementation Method 2
a transmitting circuit for driving the second antenna coil to transmit an electromagnetic wave of a constant frequency
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a proximity switch provided with an actuator unit and a sensor unit. The sensor unit is provided with an antenna coil, a transmitting circuit which transmits electromagnetic waves at a constant frequency to the antenna coil, a receiving circuit which detects external signals received by means of the antenna coil, and control circuits. The actuator unit is provided with an antenna coil, a power supply circuit which rectifies an electromotive force generated in the antenna coil, and a signal processing circuit which receives power supply from the power supply circuit, performs frequency-dividing to the signals received by means of the antenna coil, and transmits the signals from the antenna coil after the frequency-dividing. The control circuit of the sensor unit has memory for registering the frequency of the signals transmitted from the actuator unit. The control circuit determines whether the actuator unit is in proximity to the sensor unit or not by checking the received signals detected by means of the receiving circuit with the operations of the transmitting circuit and the frequency registered in the memory.