Integrated Instrumentation Device Merging Power Supply and Test Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current instrumentation devices typically offer single or double functionality, limiting user experience and requiring separate devices for additional test and measurement functions, such as power supply and digital multi-meter, which can be cumbersome and less efficient.
Innovation Solution
A multiple element instrumentation device integrating at least one power supply module with various test and measurement instruments, such as a digital multi-meter, oscilloscope, and data logger, along with a user interface that allows selection and control of these modules to provide unified power supply and test/measurement functionalities, simplifying user interaction and internal connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate instrumentation devices are used to provide different test and measurement functions, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and operational convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate instrumentation devices (power supply, digital multi-meter, oscilloscope, data logger) into a single integrated device. This merging approach provides multiple test and measurement functions through one unified system, eliminating the need for separate devices while reducing overall system complexity and improving operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated instrumentation device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - power supply, digital multi-meter measurements, oscilloscope waveform analysis, and data logging. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace several specialized instruments, enhancing versatility without requiring users to manage multiple separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate instrumentation devices are used for different functions, then functional versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides a unified control interface that manages all functions (power supply, measurements, waveform analysis, data logging) through consistent controls and display. This universal interface design allows users to operate multiple functions through a single familiar interaction paradigm, improving ease of operation compared to learning and managing multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple instrumentation functions into one device with unified controls and a single display interface, the system eliminates the need for users to switch between multiple devices and their respective interfaces. This consolidation simplifies the user experience while maintaining full functional versatility.
3Device complexity
If single or double functionality devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but functional versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional instrumentation device that combines power supply, digital multi-meter, oscilloscope, and data logger capabilities in one system. This universal design provides extensive functional versatility while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated architecture and unified control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration of multiple instrumentation functions into a single device achieves functional versatility without proportionally increasing complexity. The merged design shares common components, control systems, and display interfaces across all functions, allowing the device to provide diverse capabilities while maintaining reasonable complexity levels.
Data Source
AI summary
An instrumentation device having multiple elements includes at least one power supply module, a plurality of test and measurement instruments operatively coupled to the at least one power supply module and a user interface configured to select the at least one power supply module and to select at least one of the plurality of test and measurement instruments to provide power supply functionality and test and measurement functionality.