Proximity Sensor Array With Parallel Plug-In Modular Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proximity sensor arrangements are not space-saving and robust, leading to challenges in installation and maintenance, particularly in limited spaces, and fail to provide uniform sensitivity around the perimeter for detecting approaching objects.
Innovation Solution
A proximity sensor arrangement with a base and carrier that uses plug-in connections parallel to the surface, allowing for a compact design, where the carrier and circuit board have complementary contact surfaces, and the measuring and shield electrodes are strategically positioned for stability and interference protection, enabling easy assembly and replacement of sensors without wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the carrier is plug-connected to the base in a direction perpendicular to the surface, then the electrical connection is simple, but the installation space requirement increases and sensitivity uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the plug-in direction from perpendicular to parallel with the base surface. This dimensional change allows the proximity sensors to be distributed uniformly around the perimeter of the base, achieving consistent sensitivity in all directions while reducing the installation space height requirement.
2Ease of manufacture
If the proximity sensor is integrated into the carrier with mechanical plug-in connection, then the assembly work is minimized, but the replacement capability for defective sensors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the proximity sensor system into a modular carrier unit that can be independently removed and replaced. The carrier with integrated proximity sensors functions as a complete replaceable module, allowing defective sensors to be replaced by simply swapping the entire carrier without complex wiring work.
3Device complexity
If the measuring electrode is exposed without shield electrode, then the sensor structure is simple, but the detection precision deteriorates due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shield electrode as an intermediary element between the measuring electrode and the external environment. This shield electrode, connected to ground potential, acts as a protective barrier that redirects electromagnetic interference away from the measuring electrode, thereby improving detection precision without significantly complicating the sensor structure.
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 minimizes assembly work, ensures robustness against vibrations, provides uniform sensitivity, and allows for easy identification of approaching objects by distributing sensors around the perimeter, enhancing detection range and precision.
Implementation Method 1
the proximity sensor has a measuring electrode and a shield electrode
Implementation Method 2
one of the contact surfaces can be designed as an electrically conductive spring which, when the carrier is plugged in, pushes onto a complementary contact surface and, by being elastically deformed in the process, contributes to the frictional connection of the plug-in connection
Implementation Method 3
contributes to the frictional connection of the plug-in connection
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a proximity sensor arrangement (1) comprising a substrate (2), a circuit board (4) carrying contact surfaces (35, 37) which is mounted on a surface (3) of the substrate (2) and at least one support (5) which carries contact surfaces (36, 38) complementary to the contact surfaces (35, 37) of the circuit board (4) and at least one proximity sensor (7) with a measuring electrode (8) and a shield electrode (9) extending between measuring electrode (8) and surface (3). In order to bring the contact surfaces (35, 36, 37, 38) of the circuit board (4) and of the support (5) into contact, the substrate (2) and support (5) are plug-connected in a plugging direction (R, L) running parallel to the surface (3) of the substrate (2).