Handheld Control Sensor Self-Calibration via Actuation Sequences

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand-held processing devices lack efficient and adaptive calibration methods for operating sensors, particularly in varying environmental conditions and user interactions, leading to potential inaccuracies and safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A method for operating hand-held processing devices that involves detecting a sequence of actuations at multiple detection positions and calibrating the operating sensor device based on a predetermined sequence, allowing for automatic calibration without separate user activation, using capacitive and resistive sensors to adapt to environmental influences and user interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional separate calibration devices are used to calibrate operating sensors, then calibration accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring additional separate devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor calibration accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the calibration function with the operating sensor device itself. The operating sensor device detects sequences of actuations at different detection positions and uses these detections to calibrate itself, eliminating the need for separate calibration devices. This merging of calibration and operating functions into a single device reduces system complexity while maintaining calibration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The operating sensor device performs self-calibration by detecting actuation sequences from the user and automatically adjusting its detection positions based on these inputs. The device calibrates itself without requiring external calibration equipment or separate user actions, making the calibration process integrated and automatic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual calibration procedures are used, then calibration precision can be maintained, but productivity and ease of operation worsen due to requiring separate user activation and calibration steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The operating sensor device automatically calibrates itself by detecting actuation sequences during normal operation. The calibration process is triggered automatically when the device detects a predetermined sequence of actuations, eliminating the need for separate manual calibration procedures and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs calibration as a preliminary action during the first use or after manufacturing, by detecting actuation sequences from the user. This preliminary calibration establishes the detection positions before normal operation begins, ensuring accuracy without requiring subsequent manual calibration steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If fixed detection positions are used in operating sensor devices, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to environmental conditions and user interactions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor system simplicityVSAvoidenvironmental adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic detection positions that can adjust based on detected actuation sequences and environmental conditions. The operating sensor device determines detection positions dynamically during calibration and operation, allowing adaptation to different users and environments while maintaining reasonable system complexity through algorithmic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes its detection position parameters based on detected actuation sequences and environmental feedback. By adjusting the detection position parameters dynamically, the system adapts to different users and conditions without requiring complex hardware modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 precise control and safety features by ensuring accurate sensor calibration, adapting to environmental conditions and user interactions, reducing the need for movable parts, and enhancing operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

using capacitive and resistive sensors to adapt to environmental influences and user interactions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

using capacitive and resistive sensors to adapt to environmental influences and user interactions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResistive sensing: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP4111849B1Method for operating a handheld processing device and processing system
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO KG
  • EP4111849B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4111849B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4111849B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for operating a hand-held processing device (1) is disclosed, wherein the processing device (1) has a user-operated control sensor device (2), the control sensor device (2) having a plurality of different detection positions (POa-x), and wherein the method comprises the steps: a) detecting a sequence (eAB) of actuations (Ba-c, Bg-q) of the control sensor device (2) at different detection positions (POa-c, Pog-q) of the plurality of detection positions (POa-x), and b) if the detected sequence (eAB) corresponds to a predetermined sequence (vAB), calibrating the control sensor device (2) for at least one detection position (POa-x) of the plurality of detection positions (POa-x) based on at least one of the actuations (Ba-c, Bg-q) of the detected actuations (Ba-c, Bg-q).