Moisture Measurement Probe Timing for Cable Thermal Drift

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing moisture measurement devices suffer from accuracy deterioration due to thermal expansion of cables, which changes the error in propagation delay time measurements.

Innovation Solution

The device measures moisture based on reciprocating delay time and propagation transmission time, with probes isolated by an outer shell to maintain constant reciprocating delay time and reduce noise, using electromagnetic waves transmitted through a spacer and reducing noise reflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a measurement device is designed to be compact and easy to operate, then portability and user-friendliness are improved, but measurement precision and functionality are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement device integrates multiple measurement functions (distance, angle, tilt, vibration, acceleration) into a single compact unit. The housing contains multiple sensors and measurement mechanisms that can perform various measurement tasks, allowing one device to replace multiple separate instruments while maintaining portability and ease of operation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested structure where multiple measurement mechanisms are housed within a compact housing. The first housing contains the second housing, which in turn contains the third housing, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes space utilization. This nesting allows multiple measurement functions to be integrated into a compact form factor without compromising precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple measurement mechanisms are integrated into a single device, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement device is divided into multiple independent measurement mechanisms, each housed in separate compartments within the overall housing. The first measurement mechanism, second measurement mechanism, and third measurement mechanism are segmented and can be independently controlled and processed. This segmentation allows complex functionality to be managed through modular components, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single device is designed to perform multiple measurement functions including distance measurement, angle measurement, tilt measurement, vibration measurement, and acceleration measurement. The device can adapt to different measurement requirements through its multi-functional capabilities, allowing one universal device to replace multiple specialized instruments.

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

3Volume of moving object

If a compact housing is used to reduce device size, then portability is improved, but space for measurement mechanisms is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidmeasurement capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested housing structure where the second housing is positioned within the first housing, and the third housing is positioned within the second housing. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization by placing measurement mechanisms inside each other, allowing multiple functions to be accommodated within a compact overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement mechanisms are arranged in three-dimensional space within the compact housing, utilizing vertical and lateral dimensions efficiently. The first, second, and third measurement mechanisms are positioned at different levels and orientations, allowing maximum measurement capacity within a limited volume by exploiting spatial dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Accurate moisture measurement is achieved by stabilizing the reciprocating delay time and minimizing noise interference, ensuring precise moisture content determination.

Implementation Method 1

a distance measurement mechanism that measures a distance between the measurement device and a target object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an angle measurement mechanism that measures an angle between the measurement device and the target object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a tilt measurement mechanism that measures a tilt angle of the measurement device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitational sensing: Gravitation

Implementation Method 4

a vibration measurement mechanism that measures a vibration characteristic of the measurement device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration sensing: Vibration

Implementation Method 5

an acceleration measurement mechanism that measures an acceleration of the measurement device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInertial measurement: Inertia

Data Source

PatentEP3971560B1Measurement device, measurement system, and measurement method
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3971560B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3971560B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3971560B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a measurement device that measures an amount of moisture in a medium, accuracy of measurement of an amount of moisture is improved. A transmitter transmits an electrical signal including an incident wave to one of a pair of probes in which a cable has been embedded through the cable. A receiver receives a reflected wave obtained from reflection of the incident wave by the one of the pair of probes and a transmitted wave that has been transmitted through a medium between the pair of probes through the cable. A processing unit obtains a reciprocating delay time corresponding to a time over which the electrical signal reciprocates through the cable and measures an amount of moisture contained in the medium on the basis of the reciprocating delay time and a propagation transmission time corresponding to a time over which electromagnetic waves propagate and the electrical signal is transmitted through the medium and the cable.