Automated Multimeter Calibration via Motorized Switch and Optical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The calibration verification of multimeters is a time-consuming and error-prone process due to the manual selection of measurement magnitudes and reading of values, requiring high operator precision and prolonged working time.
Innovation Solution
An automatic unit for multimeter calibration verification, featuring a motorized selector assembly and optical device with image processing, automates the selection of measurement magnitudes and reading of values, reducing operator intervention and increasing precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation is used for selecting magnitude and reading values, then device complexity is low, but productivity is reduced and measurement precision is compromised due to operator errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated system comprising a motorized rotary switch for magnitude selection and an optical device (camera) with image processing for reading display values. This substitution eliminates operator intervention in data collection, thereby increasing productivity and measurement precision while introducing controlled device complexity through standardized automation components.
2Measurement precision
If manual reading and data collection is performed, then device complexity is minimal, but measurement precision deteriorates due to operator errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an optical device (camera) to capture an optical copy of the multimeter display and employs image processing to extract numerical values from this copy. This approach eliminates direct human reading errors while maintaining measurement precision through automated optical recognition and digital processing of display values.
3Productivity
If automated selection and reading is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified automated system: the motorized rotary switch serves both as a magnitude selector and a position indicator, while the optical device performs both capture and reading functions. This multi-functionality approach increases productivity through automation while managing device complexity by consolidating operations into integrated components rather than separate systems.
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
This solution significantly speeds up the calibration verification process, reduces operator errors, and enhances precision by automating the selection and reading of measurement values, thereby improving the efficiency of the calibration verification process.
Implementation Method 1
a motorised selector assembly (11), which is connected to a control unit (12) and adapted, in use, to cooperate... with a multimeter (2) to select the magnitude to be measured, in response to an external control from control unit (12)
Implementation Method 2
an optical device with image processing, automates the selection of measurement magnitudes and reading of values
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2~3
AI summary
An automatic unit (1) for verifying the calibration of a multimeter (2), which is provided with a rotary switch (6) mobile between a plurality of selection positions corresponding to corresponding measurable magnitudes, and a display (5) for displaying the measured values; the unit (1) being provided with a motorised shaft (17) angularly couplable to the switch (6) to displace the switch (6) between the selection positions according to predetermined sequence of advancements in response to an external control; and a detector device (28,29) for automatically reading and recording the measured values.