Multi-Distance Proximity Sensing With Fewer Comparators

Solution Overview

Problem

Current proximity sensors require a large number of comparators to provide outputs based on multiple distances, increasing their size and cost, as they can only indicate proximities relative to a single distance.

Innovation Solution

The proposed proximity sensor system uses n comparators to detect 2n−1 distances and provide 2n proximity outputs, reducing the number of comparators needed by implementing a FAVCO sub-system, a target monitor, a health monitor, and an output current controller to achieve multiple-distance proximity sensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional proximity sensors use multiple comparators to detect multiple distances, then the sensing capability is improved, but the device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple-distance sensing capabilityVSAvoidnumber of comparators

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal comparator that can perform multiple comparison functions by dynamically changing its reference voltage. The comparator is configured to compare the input signal against different reference voltages corresponding to different distance thresholds (first threshold voltage for first distance, second threshold voltage for second distance). This multi-functional approach allows a single comparator to replace what would traditionally require multiple comparators, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining multiple-distance sensing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the reference voltage parameter of the comparator to enable detection of multiple distances. By varying the reference voltage (first threshold voltage, second threshold voltage) that the single comparator uses for comparison, the system can detect different proximity distances. This parameter change approach allows one comparator to achieve what would otherwise require multiple comparators with fixed reference voltages, resolving the contradiction between sensing capability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If traditional proximity sensors use multiple comparators to provide multiple proximity outputs, then the measurement precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproximity detection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal comparator that can perform multiple comparison functions by dynamically changing its reference voltage. The comparator is configured to compare the input signal against different reference voltages corresponding to different distance thresholds (first threshold voltage for first distance, second threshold voltage for second distance). This multi-functional approach allows a single comparator to replace what would traditionally require multiple comparators, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining multiple-distance sensing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the reference voltage parameter of the comparator to enable detection of multiple distances. By varying the reference voltage (first threshold voltage, second threshold voltage) that the single comparator uses for comparison, the system can detect different proximity distances. This parameter change approach allows one comparator to achieve what would otherwise require multiple comparators with fixed reference voltages, resolving the contradiction between sensing capability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10317248B2Multiple-distance proximity sensor systems

Publication Date: 2019.06.11 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

An apparatus comprises: a first comparator configured to: receive an input proximity signal indicating a proximity of a target device, receive a second reference signal associated with a second distance, make a first comparison of the input proximity signal to the second reference signal, and provide a first output proximity signal based on the first comparison; and a second comparator configured to: receive the input proximity signal, receive the first output proximity signal, make a second comparison of the input proximity signal using the first output proximity signal, and provide a second output proximity signal based on the second comparison.