Position Determination Device Self-Diagnosis via Code Track Test Values

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for determining position, length, or angle face malfunctions due to mechanical assembly errors, wear, and environmental influences like light reflections and variable temperatures, making reliable functional checks complex and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

The evaluation unit determines test values based on detected code tracks to perform a simple and reliable self-diagnosis, allowing for real-time functional checks during operation by using predefined relationships between code tracks and selecting specific signal areas or points for data reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If extensive data recording and comparison with reference signals is performed for function checking, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and data processing requirements increase sharply

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction check reliabilityVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential information needed for function checking from the complex signal data. Instead of recording and comparing extensive data sets, the system extracts key test values from the code track signals that are sufficient to detect malfunctions, thereby reducing data processing complexity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary function checking during the normal operation of the device by continuously monitoring code track signals. Test values are determined in advance during operation, allowing malfunctions to be detected before they affect productivity, eliminating the need for complex post-operation analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If function checking is performed only after assembly based on tolerance compliance, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability is insufficient due to un detected malfunctions during service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction check simplicityVSAvoiderror-free functioning certainty
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous function checking during the entire service life of the device by monitoring code track signals in real-time. This continuous monitoring ensures that malfunctions are detected immediately when they occur, providing continuous assurance of error-free functioning rather than relying on single-point-in-time checks after assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs self-diagnosis by using its own internal code track signals to check its own function. The evaluation unit determines test values from the code track signals generated during normal operation, allowing the device to monitor its own health without requiring external test equipment or complex operational procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If real-time function checking during operation is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time detection capabilityVSAvoidevaluation unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by determining only the specific test values needed for function checking from the code track signals, rather than processing all available data. This selective extraction of essential information enables real-time monitoring with minimal computational overhead, achieving reliability improvement without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 approach enables quick and accurate detection of malfunctions, reducing the need for extensive data comparison and providing a comprehensive diagnostic program, ensuring high reliability and precision in position determination.

Implementation Method 1

with optical reading devices, light reflections can have a negative effect on the detection of the code tracks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a readout device attached to the second part for detecting the first and second code tracks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3865827B1Position, length or angle determination device
Publication Date: 2022.04.27 SICK AG
  • EP3865827B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3865827B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3865827B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A device for determining position, length, or angle comprises a first and a second part, which are movable relative to each other; a first and second code track attached to the first part; a reading device attached to the second part for detecting the first and second code tracks; and an evaluation unit configured to determine a relative position between the first and second parts based on the first and second code tracks detected by the reading device. The evaluation unit is further configured to determine at least one test value for functional verification of the device based on the detected first and second code tracks.