Hybrid Sensor Depth Measurement for Reinforcement Iron

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing location technologies face challenges in accurately determining the depth of hidden location objects, such as reinforcement iron, especially when objects have unexpected dimensions or are arranged closely together, and when systematic errors occur due to nearby metallic objects.

Innovation Solution

A location system utilizing a first inductive location sensor and a second radar or capacitive location sensor, along with a computing unit, to determine and correct object depth measurements. The computing unit processes location characteristics from both sensors to achieve precise depth determination and compensate for systematic errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single inductive location sensor is used to determine object depth, then the device structure remains simple, but measurement precision deteriorates when objects have unexpected dimensions or are arranged closely together

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidobject depth measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two different location sensors (first location sensor using inductive principle and second location sensor using radar or capacitive principle) into a single location device. The computing unit processes location parameters from both sensors to determine object depth, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple device structure through integrated design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If a single location sensor is used, then the device complexity is low, but reliability deteriorates when systematic errors occur due to nearby metallic objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of sensorsVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a second location sensor that operates on a different principle (radar or capacitive) as an intermediary verification mechanism. When the first inductive sensor encounters systematic errors from nearby metallic objects, the second sensor provides alternative measurement data that the computing unit uses to correct or verify the object depth determination, thereby improving reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple location sensors operating on different principles are used, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject depth determination accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The computing unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle location parameters from different sensor types (inductive, radar, capacitive). It can process data from either sensor independently or in combination, determining object depth through various methods including direct measurement, correction using positioning parameters, and verification against expected object properties, thereby managing complexity through unified processing architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system enables precise and reliable depth location of hidden objects, even with unexpected dimensions or close arrangements, and effectively corrects for systematic errors caused by nearby metallic objects, ensuring accurate object depth measurement.

Implementation Method 1

The first locating sensor (40) is designed to inductively locate the object being located

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

inductive localization means that the locating sensor generates a magnetic field and detects changes in the magnetic field and/or reflections of a portion of the magnetic field by the object being located

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a second radar or capacitive location sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 4

a second radar or capacitive location sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2904430B1Positioning device for determining object depth
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2904430B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2904430B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2904430B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a positioning device for determining object depth (12, 14, 16) of a concealed positioning object (18-38), in particular of a reinforcement iron, comprising a first positioning sensor (40), at least one second positioning sensor (42) and a computation unit (44) which is provided in order to determine object depth (12, 14, 16) from at least one positioning characteristic (46) of the first positioning sensor (40). The computation unit (44) should correct the determined object depth (12, 14, 16) in at least one operating state using a positioning characteristic (48) of the second positioning sensor (42).