Interlock Switch Antenna Coils for Reliable ID Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interlock switch systems in industrial automation environments face challenges in accurately sensing electronic identification tags of target components due to limited sensing ranges, which can lead to incomplete or unreliable locking mechanisms, potentially allowing unauthorized access to hazardous areas.

Innovation Solution

The use of multiple antenna coils in both the target component and the interlock switch system, ensuring that the electronic identification tags can be detected consistently regardless of the insertion location, by maintaining a homogeneous electric field strength across all possible insertion points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single antenna coil is used in the interlock switch system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sensing range and reliability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing reliabilityVSAvoidantenna coil configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The target component is divided into multiple antenna coils (first antenna coil and second antenna coil) positioned at different locations. Each antenna coil can independently sense electronic IDs, ensuring that at least one coil can detect the tag regardless of insertion position, thereby improving sensing reliability without requiring a single complex omnidirectional antenna.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple antenna coils are nested within the target component structure, with each coil positioned to cover specific insertion angles. This nested arrangement allows the system to maintain compact form factor while providing comprehensive sensing coverage through multiple overlapping detection zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If multiple antenna coils are used in the target component, then the sensing coverage is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection consistencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The detection function is segmented across multiple antenna coils with distinct positional responsibilities. This segmentation allows each coil to be a simple, standardized component that is easy to manufacture, while the collective arrangement provides comprehensive detection coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each antenna coil is positioned to provide optimal sensing for specific insertion locations or angles. This local optimization approach allows each individual coil to be simple and inexpensive, while the strategic placement ensures overall system reliability across all possible insertion positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sensing range is extended to cover all insertion points, then the operational versatility is improved, but the electric field homogeneity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion position flexibilityVSAvoidelectric field uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing space is segmented into multiple zones, each covered by a dedicated antenna coil. This segmentation allows the system to achieve broad operational versatility through multiple specialized coils rather than attempting to create a single homogeneous field that would require excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of attempting to create uniform field strength across all directions with a single antenna, the system uses multiple antennas positioned at different spatial locations and orientations. This dimensional approach to field distribution achieves comprehensive coverage while allowing each individual antenna to maintain its own optimized field characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution enhances the reliability and consistency of the interlock switch's ability to detect and verify the electronic identification of target components, ensuring safe operation by maintaining a uniform sensing range and preventing unauthorized access to hazardous areas.

Implementation Method 1

The interlock switch may include a first antenna coil that may receive one or more signals from one or more antenna coils within a sensing range of the first antenna coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10210682B2Systems and methods for improving a sensing ability of an interlock switch system

Publication Date: 2019.02.19 ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECH INC

AI summary

A system for improving a sensing ability of an interlock switch system may include an interlock switch and a target component. The interlock switch may include a first antenna coil that may receive one or more signals from one or more antenna coils within a sensing range of the first antenna coil. The target component may include an actuator that may interface with the interlock switch. The target component may also include at least two antenna coils. Each of the at least two antenna coils may then include an electronic identification (ID) associated with the target component.