Modular Sensor Architecture for Compact Placement and Easy Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensors face challenges in achieving small form factors and ideal placement due to the need for additional components to measure, amplify, convert, and transmit signals, and they often have limited lifespans requiring frequent replacement.
Innovation Solution
A modular sensor system comprising a sensor module, a power cable ribbon, and a component module that are detachable and communicable via the ribbon, allowing for flexible placement, easy replacement, and integration of components like strain gauges, amplifiers, and processors, enabling reduced form factor, increased ergonomics, and extended sensor life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional components (amplifiers, converters, processors) are integrated with the sensor to enable signal measurement, amplification, conversion, and transmission, then the sensor functionality and signal processing capability are improved, but the form factor increases and placement flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into separate modular components: a compact sensor module that can be placed at the ideal location, and a separate component module containing amplifiers, converters, and processors. These modules connect via a flexible cable, allowing the sensor to maintain small form factor while gaining full signal processing functionality through modular integration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the sensor is designed as an integrated unit with all components, then structural stability is improved, but component replacement frequency increases due to limited sensor life
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into a reusable component module and a replaceable sensor module. When the sensor element reaches the end of its operational life, only the sensor module needs to be replaced while the expensive component module with amplifiers and processors can be reused, thereby extending the overall system life and reducing replacement frequency.
3Volume of moving object
If the sensor module is made compact for small form factor, then placement flexibility is improved, but integration with additional components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible cable serves as an intermediary connection between the compact sensor module and the component module. This intermediary allows the sensor module to remain small and placeable in ideal locations while still enabling full integration with amplifiers, converters, and processors through the cable connection, resolving the conflict between compact size and integration capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a structure, and a computer system for a modular sensing unit. The structure comprises a sensor module, a power cable ribbon, and a component module, wherein the component module is in communication with and detachable from the sensor module via the power cable ribbon.