Position Encoder Collision Sensing With Integrated Event Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position measuring devices in automation technology lack effective methods to detect collision events, which can lead to component damage and unnoticed initial failures, requiring additional monitoring devices and cabling efforts.
Innovation Solution
A position measuring device integrated with a scale carrier, scanner, processor, interface, and collision sensors that generate and evaluate time characteristic measured values to determine collision events, eliminating the need for separate monitoring devices and reducing cabling efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate monitoring device is used to detect collision events, then collision detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cabling effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collision sensor and collision evaluation functionality directly into the position measuring device, merging previously separate monitoring functions with the existing position measurement system. This integration eliminates the need for separate monitoring devices and reduces cabling requirements while maintaining collision detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The position measuring device is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it continues to provide position measurement while simultaneously detecting collision events through integrated sensors and evaluation logic. This multi-functionality approach allows a single device to serve both position measurement and collision detection purposes
2Device complexity
If collision sensors are integrated into the position measuring device, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns at least one collision sensor specifically to the position measuring device, creating a modular integration approach. The collision sensor can be positioned at specific locations within the device structure, allowing for standardized manufacturing modules that can be assembled systematically
Solution Approach 2:
The collision sensor is nested within or integrated into the existing position measuring device structure. This nesting approach allows the collision detection functionality to be embedded within the familiar position measurement framework, leveraging existing manufacturing processes and structural elements
3Reliability
If collision events are not detected, then initial damage goes unnoticed, but implementing detection requires additional cabling effort
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit for collision detection is merged with the position measuring device's existing processor or control unit. This integration allows collision data to be processed and evaluated within the same device that performs position measurement, eliminating the need for separate evaluation hardware and associated cabling
Data Source
AI summary
A position measuring device includes a scale carrier with a measuring scale. A scanner is configured to generate position signals by scanning the measuring scale. A processor is configured to process the position signals into a digital position value. An interface is configured to communicate with downstream electronics. At least one collision sensor is assigned to the position measuring device, and is configured to generate analog or digital measured values from a time characteristic of which collision events are determinable. The measured values are fed to an evaluator configured to determine the collision events by evaluating the time characteristic of the measured values in a controller.