Position-Measuring Device Internal Configuration Memory

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Solution Overview

Problem

Position-measuring devices require frequent configuration changes for different applications, which often necessitate accessing external data sources and device-specific programming units, increasing complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a memory with stored data and instructions for activating multiple configurations within the device, allowing for reprogramming using a universal programming unit without external data sources, and enabling configuration changes without device-specific instructions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple configurations are stored in external data sources requiring device-specific programming units, then configuration flexibility is improved, but device complexity and programming cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidprogramming complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A universal programming unit is designed that can program multiple different position-measuring devices through automatic device recognition. The programming unit includes a processor that automatically detects the connected device type and selects appropriate configuration data, eliminating the need for device-specific programming units and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining configuration flexibility

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

Solution Approach 2:

The position-measuring device automatically recognizes its own device type and the connected programming unit type, and self-selects the appropriate configuration data from storage. This automatic recognition and selection process eliminates manual intervention and complex programming procedures, allowing users to simply connect devices and select configurations without dealing with programming complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If device-specific programming units are used for reprogramming, then programming accuracy is improved, but cost and operational simplicity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogramming accuracyVSAvoidreprogramming simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The programming unit is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can accurately program multiple types of position-measuring devices. The processor automatically identifies the device type and applies the correct configuration protocols, maintaining programming accuracy across different device types while eliminating the need for multiple device-specific programming units

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

Solution Approach 2:

The universal programming unit acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple position-measuring devices. It handles the complex device recognition and configuration selection processes, presenting a simplified interface to users while ensuring accurate programming through automatic device-type-appropriate configuration selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If external data sources are required for configuration changes, then configuration data completeness is improved, but system complexity and access requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration data completenessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration data storage is merged directly into the position-measuring device's memory system. Multiple configurations are stored within the device itself, eliminating the need for external data sources and reducing system complexity. The device can autonomously access and switch between stored configurations without requiring external data sources or additional access equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11796313B2Position-measuring device
Publication Date: 2023.10.24 DR JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
  • US11796313B2 patent drawing
  • US11796313B2 patent drawing
  • US11796313B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A position-measuring device includes a measuring transducer configured to carry out a position measurement. The position-measuring device has at least one memory having stored parameter data defining an active configuration under which the position-measuring device is operable. The at least one memory further has data and instructions useable to activate at least one further configuration under which the position-measuring device is operable.