Multi-field Zone Proximity Sensor Free Space Wave Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proximity sensors have limited measuring ranges and flexibility in design and installation due to their dependence on waveguide principles, which restricts their ability to accurately measure distances beyond 20 millimeters and limits their structural shape and installation positions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-field zone proximity sensor that emits and receives electromagnetic waves as free space waves, allowing for independent selection of operating frequencies and flexible structural designs, enabling accurate distance measurement across various field regions and installation scenarios without the need for waveguide guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If waveguide principle is used for proximity sensing, then measuring precision is improved within 20mm range, but measuring range is limited and cannot extend beyond 20mm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating principle from waveguide mode to free space electromagnetic waves, enabling the sensor to operate across multiple field zones (reactive near field, radiative near field, and far field) and extend the measuring range from 20mm to 400mm while maintaining measurement precision through frequency-independent operation
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor achieves multi-field zone capability (reactive near field, radiative near field, and far field) through a single antenna structure, allowing it to measure distances across all three field regions without requiring separate sensor types or complex switching mechanisms
2Measurement precision
If waveguide wave is guided in housing, then distance determination is accurate within limited range, but structural shape flexibility and installation flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the waveguide function from the housing structure by placing the antenna directly in the housing without requiring the housing to serve as a waveguide, thereby decoupling the operating frequency from housing dimensions and enabling flexible structural shapes and installation positions
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor enables dynamic adaptation to different installation scenarios through flexible housing shapes and various antenna configurations (planar, cylindrical, conical), allowing the same sensing principle to work across diverse structural requirements and mounting positions
3Ease of operation
If waveguide wave is guided in housing, then distance measurement is enabled, but housing must serve dual purpose as waveguide and enclosure, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the waveguide function from the housing structure by placing the antenna directly in the housing without requiring the housing to serve as a waveguide, thereby decoupling the operating frequency from housing dimensions and enabling flexible structural shapes and installation positions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the waveguide function (performed by the antenna structure) from the enclosure function (performed by the housing), allowing independent optimization of each component and simplifying the overall device design while maintaining measurement capabilities
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 sensor achieves a significantly expanded measuring range up to 400 millimeters, increased precision, and flexibility in structural design, allowing for precise distance determination and recognition of multiple objects, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and resistance to moisture absorption.
Implementation Method 1
the antenna structure is set up for emitting an electromagnetic transmission free space wave and for receiving an electromagnetic reflection wave reflected on an object
Implementation Method 2
Determining the distance between the object and the sensor takes place using a reflection factor which is determined based on the transmission wave and the reflection wave
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-field zone proximity sensor (10) for measuring a distance (1) of an object (22) from the multi-field zone proximity sensor (10) The multi-field zone proximity sensor (10) has a housing (12) that includes an antenna structure (14) that is arranged in or close to a side (19) of the housing (12). The antenna structure (14) is set up for emitting an electromagnetic transmission free space wave (20) and for receiving an electromagnetic reflection wave (24) reflected on the object (22). The multi-field zone proximity sensor (10) has sensor electronics (16) which are set up to determine the distance (l) of the object (22) from the multi-field zone proximity sensor (10) based on the received reflection wave (24).