Position Sensing Head with Redundant Resonators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position sensors face challenges in high temperature and harsh environments, require complex electronics, and often use ferromagnetic materials, which limits their size and reliability, especially when multiple sensors are deployed for redundant measurements.
Innovation Solution
A simplified sensing head with a resonant oscillator and a conductive movable target, allowing for a compact design that operates at high temperatures and uses a single wire for signal transmission, enabling dual or triple redundant measurements without complex external electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple identical sensors are deployed for redundant measurements, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing elements (at least two resonators) into a single sensor housing, allowing redundant measurements to be obtained from one integrated device rather than requiring multiple separate sensors. This merging approach maintains measurement reliability while simplifying installation and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it provides redundant position measurements through multiple resonators while also being self-calibrating. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate calibration procedures and external calibration equipment, reducing installation complexity.
2Measurement precision
If specialized signal conditioning electronics are used for each sensing element, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the signal processing functionality directly into the sensing head, where the resonators themselves provide the measurement signals. This eliminates the need for separate external signal conditioning electronics for each sensing element, reducing device complexity while maintaining precision through the resonant frequency measurement method.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is self-calibrating through the interaction of multiple resonators, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment and complex calibration procedures. The resonators automatically adjust and calibrate each other, providing precise measurements without requiring specialized external electronics.
3Manufacturing precision
If ferromagnetic materials are used in the sensing element, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the sensor size increases and adaptability to harsh environments decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from ferromagnetic to non-ferromagnetic conductive materials for the resonators and target. This parameter change allows the sensor to operate in harsh environments including high temperatures and areas with strong magnetic fields, while maintaining manufacturing precision through the resonant frequency measurement approach that does not rely on ferromagnetic properties.
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
The solution enables high-temperature operation, reduced size, and improved reliability with simplified electronics, allowing for accurate position measurement in harsh environments using a single wire for signal transmission, and standardized calibration of external equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing element configured as a section of a coupled slow-wave structure, used as a resonator
Implementation Method 2
coupled with an electrically conductive movable target
Data Source
AI summary
A position sensing head combines a sensing element and a simplified electronic module to enable operation with one wire, in addition to a circuit common, for providing power and transmitting a signal, while separating the sensing head from signal conditioning circuits by over 10 meters. The simplicity of the electronic module allows the use of basic electronic components that operate at more than 225° C. The signal is a variable frequency impressed onto the one wire, which can be read by a frequency meter. Another signal, such as a position or temperature, can be impressed onto the one wire at the same time as the first signal. The second signal is of a different frequency range so that it will not interfere with the first. A demodulator circuit can separate the two signals. The sensing element construction allows for locating up to three active elements measuring the same target.