Modular Sensor Expansion Architecture for Space-Constrained Functions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices in industrial environments lack the ability to be easily expanded with additional functions without significant modification or space constraints, limiting their functionality and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A modular sensor device design featuring a sensor base unit and stackable expansion modules with mechanical and communication interfaces, allowing for the attachment of various modules such as display units, power sources, and data transmission protocols, enabling cost-efficient and flexible configuration of additional functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional functional units are integrated into the existing sensor or display and control unit, then the functionality is enhanced, but modification of the existing sensor or special design is required which increases complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a sensor base unit and separate display and control unit that can be independently designed and manufactured. The sensor base unit contains the process variable determination unit, while the display and control unit is a separate module that interfaces with the sensor through a wire interface, eliminating the need to modify the existing sensor design.
Solution Approach 2:
The display and control unit is designed as a universal module that can interface with different sensor base units through standardized wire interfaces. This allows the same display and control unit to work with multiple sensor types, enhancing versatility without requiring sensor modification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional functional units are integrated into the sensor or display and control unit, then functionality is enhanced, but space constraints may prevent subsequent integration
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the sensor base unit from the display and control unit, the invention eliminates space constraints within the sensor housing. The display and control unit can be designed with adequate space for additional functional units without affecting the compact sensor base unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The display and control unit is positioned as a separate module connected via wire interface, moving the functionality from the constrained 3D space of the sensor housing to an external dimension, thereby eliminating internal space constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wire interface is used for power supply and data exchange between sensor and display and control unit, then additional functions are enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wire interface is designed as a universal connection that simultaneously handles power supply and data exchange between the sensor base unit and display and control unit. This multi-functional interface reduces system complexity compared to separate connections for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device for process variable determination in an industrial environment, comprising a sensor base and a first expansion module. The sensor base includes circuitry that determines the process variable, a first mechanical interface for mechanically accommodating a first expansion module and a first communication interface to the first expansion module for transmitting measurement and/or control data. In this case, the first expansion module has a second mechanical interface to the sensor base, a third mechanical interface for mechanically accommodating a second expansion module, a second communication interface to the sensor base for transmitting measurement and/or control data, and a third communication interface to the second expansion module for transmitting measurement and/or control data.