Proximity Sensor Temperature Compensation With Per-Sensor Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for temperature compensation in proximity sensors of the same kind fail to account for variations in output signals due to manufacturing inconsistencies, leading to significant temperature drift.
Innovation Solution
A method involving capturing output signals at different temperatures and determining individual corrections for each sensor, using a golden sample to establish a temperature look-up table (LUT) for each sensor, allowing for precise temperature compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If identical temperature correction is applied to all proximity sensors of the same kind, then the manufacturing process remains simple and fast, but the output signals show considerable variation due to temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining individual temperature corrections for each proximity sensor during the manufacturing process. A correction value is calculated and stored in a memory element of each sensor before it leaves the production line. This preliminary calibration ensures that each sensor compensates for its specific manufacturing variations, thereby reducing output signal variation due to temperature changes while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If individual temperature correction is determined for each proximity sensor, then the output signal shows reduced temperature drift, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the temperature correction parameter individually for each sensor based on its specific characteristics. Instead of using a universal correction value, the system determines a unique correction parameter for each sensor that optimizes its temperature compensation. This approach reduces temperature drift while the automated process keeps the added complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling each proximity sensor to store and apply its own individual temperature correction value. The memory element within each sensor holds its specific correction parameter, allowing the sensor to autonomously compensate for temperature effects without requiring external intervention during operation. This distributes the complexity across individual sensors rather than requiring complex centralized control.
3Measurement precision
If individual temperature correction is determined for each proximity sensor, then the output signal shows reduced temperature drift, but the manufacturing process becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the temperature correction determination as a preliminary action during manufacturing, calculating and storing the correction value for each sensor before final assembly. This upfront calibration ensures accurate temperature compensation while allowing the correction process to be integrated into the existing manufacturing workflow, minimizing its impact on overall production speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or manual calibration processes with an automated electronic determination and storage system. By using electronic computation to calculate correction values and storing them in memory elements, the system achieves precise individual temperature compensation without requiring time-consuming manual adjustments or complex mechanical calibration equipment.
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
Significantly reduces temperature drift in proximity sensor output signals to ±0.5% relative maximum, improving sensor accuracy and consistency across multiple sensors.
Implementation Method 1
A proximity sensor may e.g. include a coil for emitting a magnetic field for detecting the proximity of an external object
Data Source
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AI summary
The method for setting temperature compensation for a plurality of proximity sensors of the same kind (60), each including a memory, comprises the steps of: S1) arranging the proximity sensors in a temperature control chamber (61); S2) capturing the output signal of each proximity sensor at different temperatures; S3) based on the output signal captured, determining for each proximity sensor an individual correction as a function of the temperature, the individual correction serves for determining a corrected output signal, which has a reduced drift with regard to temperature changes; and S4) storing for each proximity sensor information on the individual correction determined in the memory (25).