Dual-Channel Probe Communication for Measurement Continuity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional measurement apparatuses risk losing information and interrupting measurement sequences due to insufficient power supply capacity, leading to incomplete data acquisition and useless measurement data even after power restoration.

Innovation Solution

A measurement system with a dual communication unit setup, where a more reliable optical wireless communication unit provides real-time power supply information, ensuring continuity of measurement by prioritizing power to critical communication signals during low power conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the measurement apparatus uses a single communication unit for transmitting measurement data and power supply information, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of communication is compromised when power supply capacity becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication unit is segmented into a first communication unit for measurement data and a second communication unit for power supply information. This segmentation allows each communication unit to be optimized for its specific function, ensuring that critical power supply status information can be transmitted reliably even when power is insufficient for full measurement operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically allocates power to different communication units based on available power supply capacity. When power is sufficient, both communication units operate normally. When power becomes insufficient, the system prioritizes the second communication unit to maintain transmission of power supply information, ensuring continuous monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the measurement apparatus prioritizes power supply to measurement communication functions, then measurement data acquisition is maintained, but power supply information transmission may be interrupted leading to loss of critical status data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement data acquisitionVSAvoidpower supply status information
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The second communication unit acts as an intermediary that transmits power supply status information independently of the measurement data communication channel. This ensures that even when power is insufficient for complete measurement operations, critical information about power status is still transmitted to the external device, enabling proper system management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary transmission of power supply status information through the second communication unit before power depletion occurs. This allows the external device to anticipate power issues and take preventive actions, such as saving measurement data or adjusting power allocation, before complete power loss occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Duration of action of moving object

If the measurement apparatus uses a single power storage unit, then the device complexity is minimized, but the duration of operation during power insufficient conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation duration during low powerVSAvoidpower storage structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power storage system is segmented into a main power storage unit for general operations and a secondary power storage unit specifically for the second communication unit. This segmentation ensures that when the main power unit is depleted, the secondary unit can maintain operation of the critical power supply information transmission function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different power storage units are allocated to different functional requirements. The main power storage unit supports high-power measurement operations, while the secondary power storage unit is optimized for low-power continuous operation of the status information transmission, ensuring each component has appropriate power characteristics for its function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3587996B1Measurement system
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 DMG MORI CO LTD
  • EP3587996B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3587996B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3587996B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A measurement apparatus (10) includes: a measuring probe (21); a power supply unit (30) provided to the measuring probe (21); a first communication unit (41) supplied power from the power supply unit (30) and configured to perform communication of a type-1 signal via first communication means, the type-1 signal containing information regarding measurement performed in the measuring probe (21); and a second communication unit (46) supplied power from the power supply unit (30) and configured to perform communication of a type-2 signal via second communication means, the type-2 signal containing information regarding power supply performed in the power supply unit (30), the second communication means being more reliable than the first communication means. The measurement apparatus and a measurement system both having this configuration are capable of ensuring continuity of measurement performed with the measuring probe.