Modular Radiometric Measuring Device With Independent Expansion Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiometric measuring devices lack flexibility in terms of expandability and power supply, limiting their functionality and adaptability to various applications.

Innovation Solution

A modular system for radiometric measuring devices comprising a base module with a sensor arrangement, signal evaluation unit, and control unit interface, along with an expansion module that provides additional function groups and an independent energy supply, enabling flexible expansion and enhanced functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the radiometric measuring device is designed as a fixed integrated system, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability and expandability to various applications are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring device is divided into modular components: a base module containing essential functions (sensor array, signal evaluation unit, basic power supply) and separate expansion modules that can be coupled to the base module via the expansion module interface. This segmentation allows the system to be configured flexibly for different applications while maintaining a simple base structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base module is designed with a universal expansion module interface that can accommodate various types of expansion modules (additional sensors, different signal processing capabilities, communication interfaces). This universal interface design enables the same base module to serve multiple applications by simply changing the expansion module.

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

2Use of energy by moving object

If the base module is powered exclusively via the control unit interface, then the power supply structure is simple, but the energy availability is limited when expansion modules are added

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy availabilityVSAvoidpower supply structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into a basic power supply unit integrated in the base module (powered via control unit interface) and an additional independent power supply unit that can be coupled to the base module. This segmentation allows the system to scale power availability according to functional requirements without redesigning the entire power supply architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion modules are designed to be self-powered through the independent power supply interface, allowing them to operate independently without drawing power from the base module's limited supply. This self-service approach enables expansion modules to provide additional functionality without being constrained by the base module's power budget.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If expansion modules are integrated into the base module, then the system functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity and difficulty of modification increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveexpandabilityVSAvoidmodification difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Expansion modules are designed as separate, self-contained units that couple to the base module via a standardized interface. This segmentation allows expansion modules to be added, removed, or swapped without modifying the base module's internal structure, significantly reducing modification difficulty while maintaining enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion module interface is designed to nest additional functional modules onto the base module structure. The base module serves as the core, with expansion modules nested onto it, creating a hierarchical structure where each level can be independently configured and modified without affecting the core functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 modular system allows for flexible expansion of radiometric measuring devices, enabling advanced signal processing, increased energy availability, and compatibility with diverse interfaces, thereby enhancing their functionality and adaptability to various applications.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor array (101) which is designed to generate a measurement signal UM, such as an analog or digital signal, depending on radiation, for example gamma or neutron radiation, that strikes the sensor array (101)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3349047B1Module system for a radiometric measuring device
Publication Date: 2020.12.23 BERTHOLD TECH
  • EP3349047B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Modular system for a radiometric measuring device (1000), comprising: - a base module (100), with - a sensor arrangement (101) configured to generate a measurement signal depending on radiation incident on the sensor arrangement (101), - a signal evaluation unit (102) electrically coupled to the sensor arrangement (101) and configured to determine a measured quantity depending on the measurement signal, - a control unit interface (103), wherein the base module (100) can be coupled to at least one control unit (300) for data exchange via the control unit interface (103), wherein the base module (100) is configured to be supplied with electrical energy exclusively via its control unit interface (103) in a basic operating state, and - an expansion module interface (104), and - an expansion module (200) configured separately from the base module (100), with - a base module interface (201),wherein the base module interface (201) can be coupled to the expansion module interface (104) for data exchange and/or energy exchange and/or measurement signal exchange, - a number of functional groups (202-207), and - a power supply interface (208) which can be coupled to a power supply unit (400) separate from the base module (100) and the expansion module (200), wherein energy provided via the power supply interface (208) serves to power the expansion module (200).