Oscillatory Circuit Phase Control With Low-Current Signal Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oscillatory systems, particularly those using electromechanical transducers, face challenges in achieving a universal applicability and efficient control of phase shift between transmission and received signals with minimal electrical current consumption, as they are often specific to particular geometries and require high electrical current for digital PLL excitation.

Innovation Solution

A method that samples the received signal at discrete points in time, compares voltage values with desired values, and adjusts the transmission signal frequency based on deviations to maintain a predetermined phase shift, allowing for digital control and adaptability to different oscillatory systems with reduced electrical consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a digital PLL is used to excite the oscillatory system, then the phase control precision is improved, but the electrical current consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase control precisionVSAvoidelectrical current consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical hardware-based digital PLL circuit with a software-implemented phase control algorithm. The control method samples the received signal at discrete points, compares voltage values with desired values, and adjusts frequency through digital computation rather than dedicated hardware circuits, thereby reducing electrical current consumption while maintaining phase control precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters by using software-based digital signal processing instead of hardware-based PLL circuits. By implementing phase control through sampled voltage comparisons and frequency adjustments via software algorithms, the system achieves the same control precision with lower energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If analog oscillatory circuit components are specially matched to a particular oscillatory system, then the oscillation stability is improved, but the adaptability to different oscillatory systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoscillation stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different oscillatory systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal software-based control method that can be applied to different oscillatory systems without requiring hardware reconfiguration. The control algorithm adapts to various systems by adjusting control parameters through software, enabling a single hardware platform to serve multiple oscillatory systems while maintaining stable oscillation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual model of the oscillatory system through software simulation and digital signal processing. By implementing the control logic in software rather than hardwired hardware, the system can be copied and adapted to different oscillatory configurations through software reconfiguration, maintaining stability across different applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If the phase shift control is implemented with hardware resources, then the control reliability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidelectronics unit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex hardware resources with software-based control logic. The phase shift control is implemented through digital signal processing algorithms that sample, compare, and adjust frequencies using software, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements while maintaining control reliability through programmable error handling and validation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables universal applicability and efficient control of phase shift with minimal electrical current consumption, allowing for a space-saving electronics unit and adaptability to various oscillatory systems, ensuring reliable oscillation frequency adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

The electromechanical transducer unit is, for example, a piezoelectric drive, which excites an oscillatable unit to execute mechanical oscillations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9252787B2Method for control of phase in an oscillatory circuit

Publication Date: 2016.02.02 ENDRESS & HAUSER GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A method for the control of a phase shift between a transmission signal and a received signal of an electromechanical transducer unit to a predetermined value in an oscillatory circuit. The received signal is sampled at discrete points in time predetermined based on the transmission signal. Sampled voltage values are compared with desired values, which the received signal assumes at the respective points in time, when the predetermined phase shift is present, and, in the case of a deviation of a voltage value from its desired value, based on the sign of the deviation, the frequency of the transmission signal is decreased or increased.