Measuring Device External Signal Detection Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measuring devices for machine tools and hand-held devices face interference from external signals such as UMTS transmitters and radar signals, which can disrupt measurement accuracy and reliability.

Innovation Solution

The proposed measuring device incorporates an external signal detection unit with a pulse signal detector and a continuous signal detector, utilizing ultra-wideband technology and a signal decoupling unit to identify and mitigate interference from external signals, allowing the measuring unit to adapt its operating mode or switch off when external signals are present, thereby ensuring interference-free measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the measuring unit transmits measurement signals in the same frequency range as external signals (e.g., UMTS, radar), then the measurement capability is maintained, but the reliability of measurement deteriorates due to interference and overload

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidexternal signal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a pulse signal detector that performs preliminary detection of external pulsed signals (such as radar) in the frequency range before the measuring unit transmits its measurement signal. This advance detection allows the system to identify potential interference sources and adjust or delay transmission accordingly, preventing overload and ensuring reliable measurements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the frequency range for external signals and uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust the measurement signal transmission. When external signals are detected, the system modifies its transmission behavior (timing, power, or frequency selection), creating a closed-loop control that maintains measurement reliability while coexisting with external communications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the measuring device uses ultra-wideband signals for measurement, then the measurement precision is improved, but the susceptibility to external signal interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Before transmitting ultra-wideband measurement signals, the pulse signal detector performs preliminary scanning of the frequency spectrum to identify external pulsed signals. This advance detection allows the system to select time windows or frequency sub-bands free from external interference, enabling ultra-wideband measurements to maintain their high precision while avoiding overload from external signals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its ultra-wideband signal transmission parameters (frequency, time, power) based on real-time detection of external signals. This dynamic adaptation allows the measuring device to exploit available spectral opportunities while avoiding interference, maintaining measurement precision in the presence of external communications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the device continuously monitors for external signals to prevent interference, then the reliability is improved, but the productivity decreases due to additional detection time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidmeasurement efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous monitoring, the system employs periodic pulse signal detection at strategically chosen intervals before measurement transmission. This periodic approach maintains reliability by detecting external signals at critical moments while minimizing the time spent on detection, thus preserving measurement efficiency and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 configuration effectively protects the measuring device from external signal interference, maintaining measurement accuracy and safety standards by adapting to external signals, such as those from air traffic control, and reducing the risk of signal weakening or overload.

Implementation Method 1

The measuring unit preferably has an ultra-wideband unit, which is provided for an ultra-wideband measurement, the ultra-wideband unit transmitting and/or detecting an ultra-wideband signal. An 'ultra wide band signal (or ultra wide band signal or UWB signal)' is to be understood in particular as an electromagnetic signal which has a useful frequency range with a center frequency in the frequency range from 1 GHz to 15 GHz and a frequency bandwidth of at least 500 MHz.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltra-wideband electromagnetic signal transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The pulse signal detection unit is preferably realized by means of a diode circuit such as a Schottky diode circuit and/or a tunnel diode circuit.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiode circuit detection: Diode

Implementation Method 3

The measuring device has a signal decoupling unit, which is provided for dividing a received signal from the antenna unit, as a result of which an advantageous forwarding of the received signal to different detectors, in particular a pulse signal detector and/or a continuous signal detector, and/or sensors of the measuring unit can be achieved.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal decoupling:

Data Source

PatentEP2195618B1Measuring device
Publication Date: 2017.05.31 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2195618B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2195618B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2195618B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a measuring device, especially for a machine tool and/or a manual measuring device, comprising a measuring unit (12a-d) that is adapted to measure and an external signal recognition unit (14a-d). The invention is characterized in that the external signal recognition unit (14a-d) is adapted to recognize an external signal during and/or prior to a measurement of the measuring unit (12a-d).