Measuring Device Parameterization via High-Impedance Data Cable

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measuring devices require a special interface design or additional cables for parameterization, limiting versatility and increasing operating expenses when needing to adapt to different applications.

Innovation Solution

Employing existing data cables with a tri-state or disable function to facilitate parameterization by operating them at high impedance for parameter exchange between the measuring device and evaluating unit, allowing parameterization without additional hardware or cables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If special designs for interfaces or additional cables are used for parameterization, then parameterization can be achieved, but device complexity and operating expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameterization capabilityVSAvoidinterface design

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing data cable is designed to perform multiple functions: normal data transmission and parameterization. By utilizing the tri-state function of the cable, the system can switch between these functions without requiring separate dedicated cables or special interface designs, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining parameterization capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The parameterization function is merged with the existing data transmission infrastructure. Instead of creating separate parameterization cables or interfaces, the invention combines both functions into the existing data cable system, eliminating redundant components and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If special designs for interfaces or additional cables are used for parameterization, then parameterization can be achieved, but operating expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameterization capabilityVSAvoidoperating expenses

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The data cable serves dual purposes as both a data transmission medium and a parameterization channel. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to purchase and maintain separate parameterization cables or special interface equipment, thereby reducing operating expenses while preserving full parameterization capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing data cable infrastructure serves itself by performing both data transmission and parameterization functions. The system utilizes its own existing resources rather than requiring external dedicated components, reducing operational costs and simplifying maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If data cable is operated at low impedance continuously, then measured data can be transmitted, but parameterization signals cannot be received

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmissionVSAvoidparameterization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The data cable operates in periodic cycles, alternating between low-impedance mode for data transmission and high-impedance mode for parameterization. This periodic switching allows the system to perform both functions sequentially using the same cable, maintaining productivity while enabling adaptability for parameterization when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The impedance state of the data cable is made dynamic rather than static. The cable can switch between low-impedance and high-impedance states based on operational requirements, allowing the system to adapt between data transmission and parameterization modes as needed, thereby maintaining both productivity and versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If data cable is operated at high impedance, then parameterization signals can be received, but measured data cannot be transmitted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameterization capabilityVSAvoiddata transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic switching between high-impedance parameterization mode and low-impedance data transmission mode. During brief high-impedance intervals, parameterization signals are received, while during the majority of operational time in low-impedance mode, measured data transmission continues uninterrupted, thus balancing adaptability requirements with productivity maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The cable's impedance characteristic is made dynamically controllable, allowing temporary transitions to high-impedance state for parameterization tasks while quickly returning to low-impedance state for normal data transmission. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain high productivity overall while providing adaptability when parameterization is required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8874401B2Process and device for the parameterization of measuring device

Publication Date: 2014.10.28 SICK AG

AI summary

In a measuring device, the measured data of a data recording component (10) are transmitted to an evaluating component via an output device (12). Parameters of the measuring device are stored in a memory (18). For the purpose of parameterization, parameters from the evaluating component can be stored in the memory (18) over a data cable for transmitting the measured data. To this end, the output device (12) for this data cable (Z) is operated at high impedance.