Portable Measuring Device Autocalibration via RFID Tags

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current portable metrology instruments require manual entry of metrology parameters, which is prone to errors and time-consuming, especially when dealing with unique calibration gauges, and existing solutions are not easily applicable or suitable for precision metrology.

Innovation Solution

A portable measuring device with a logic circuit and reader that automatically reads individual metrology information from an accessory or calibration gauge, using RFID or optically-readable tags, to convert raw signals into accurate measure values, enabling autocalibration and autoconfiguration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual entry of metrology parameters is used, then the device can operate with basic functionality, but the process is prone to errors and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of parameter entryVSAvoidtime for parameter entry
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical entry system (keyboard input) with an automatic electronic reading system using RFID or optical tags. The reader automatically retrieves metrology parameters from tags attached to accessories or calibration gauges, eliminating manual typing and reducing both time consumption and error rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing accessories and calibration gauges to automatically provide their own identification and metrology parameters through embedded tags. The measuring device autonomously reads and applies these parameters without requiring user intervention for data entry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If manual entry of metrology parameters is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the operation becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of parameter inputVSAvoidtime for parameter input
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical entry system (keyboard input) with an automatic electronic reading system using RFID or optical tags. The reader automatically retrieves metrology parameters from tags attached to accessories or calibration gauges, eliminating manual typing and reducing both time consumption and error rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing accessories and calibration gauges to automatically provide their own identification and metrology parameters through embedded tags. The measuring device autonomously reads and applies these parameters without requiring user intervention for data entry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If a pre-stored database is used for automatic identification, then parameter retrieval is faster, but the database must be updated for each new accessory model

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of parameter retrievalVSAvoiddatabase maintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying on a centralized database that requires global updates, the patent distributes the metrology parameters directly to each accessory and calibration gauge via embedded tags. Each tag contains locally stored, specific parameters for that particular accessory or gauge, eliminating the need for centralized database maintenance and updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces RFID or optical tags as intermediaries between the accessories/calibration gauges and the measuring device. These tags carry the metrology parameters and serve as a portable, self-contained information carrier that eliminates the need for a centralized database system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Extent of automation

If RFID or optically-readable tags are used on accessories, then automatic parameter retrieval is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of parameter retrievalVSAvoidcomplexity of reading system
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs universal RFID or optical tagging technology that can be applied to various types of accessories and calibration gauges. The reader device uses standard reading mechanisms that work across different accessory types, achieving automation without proportionally increasing complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11566889B2Portable measuring device with autocalibration and autoconfiguration
Publication Date: 2023.01.31 TESA SARL
  • US11566889B2 patent drawing
  • US11566889B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A portable measuring device having: a measuring apparatus comprising a logic circuit and a reader, an accessory interchangeably connectable to the measuring apparatus and storing individual metrology information relative to the accessory in a form compatible with the reader, wherein the measuring apparatus is configured, while it is connected to the accessory, to: read the individual calibration information with the reader; acquire, using the accessory, a signal dependent from a metrology-related property of an object; convert the signal into a measure value in the logic circuit, using the individual metrology information of the accessory; output the measure value.