Redundant Capacitive Sensing Layout With Low Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitive detection devices for robots are costly, bulky, and prone to mutual interference, requiring multiple electrodes and complex isolation methods to ensure redundant detection, which is not efficient for detecting objects at a distance.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive detection device with two independent detection channels per location, using a single measurement electrode for each channel, which are electrically isolated and share the same alternating potential, allowing for simultaneous redundant detection with improved sensitivity and spatial resolution, and optionally incorporating guard electrodes for enhanced detection range and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pairs of electrodes are used for redundant detection, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the detection system into two independent detection channels, each with its own measurement electrode and detection electronics. This segmentation allows redundant detection while maintaining simplicity, as each channel operates independently and can be implemented with minimal components.
Solution Approach 2:
Each measurement electrode serves dual purposes: it functions as both a measurement electrode for capacitive detection and as a reference electrode for the other channel. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of electrodes needed while maintaining detection reliability through redundancy.
2Reliability
If multiple pairs of electrodes are used for redundant detection, then detection reliability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into two independent channels that can share common components such as the detection surface and signal processing electronics. This segmentation enables redundancy without proportionally increasing device volume, as the two channels are integrated within the same physical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the two detection channels by having them share common infrastructure including the detection surface, signal conditioning circuits, and processing electronics. Only the measurement electrodes and immediate associated electronics are duplicated, significantly reducing the overall device size compared to fully separate redundant systems.
3Reliability
If multiple pairs of electrodes are used for redundant detection, then detection reliability is improved, but mutual interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the source of mutual interference by using only single electrodes per channel instead of electrode pairs. This removes the capacitive coupling between adjacent electrodes that causes interference, while maintaining redundancy through independent channels with separate electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system uses an intermediary approach by introducing independent detection electronics for each channel that process signals separately before combination. This intermediary processing stage isolates the channels from each other, preventing mutual interference while maintaining the benefits of redundant detection.
4Reliability
If electrode pairs are used for redundant detection, then detection reliability is improved, but sensitivity for distant object detection decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical/electrical configuration of electrode pairs with a single electrode system that uses capacitive coupling to the object. This substitution allows for greater detection sensitivity at distances because it eliminates the fixed geometric constraints and interference patterns of paired electrodes, enabling more flexible and sensitive field distribution.
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 provides a simpler, less costly, and less bulky detection system with increased sensitivity and spatial resolution, ensuring reliable object detection at greater distances with reduced interference and enhanced robustness through independent detection channels and guard electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
measure a signal relative to a capacitance, called electrode-object capacitance, between said first measurement electrode and said object
Implementation Method 2
polarize said first measurement electrodes at an alternating potential, called excitation potential, different from a ground potential
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitive detection device includes a set of several detection electrodes for each carrying out capacitive detection at a detection location. Each detection electrode is formed by at least a first measurement electrode and a second measurement electrode. The device also includes first detection electronics forming, with the first measurement electrodes, a first measurement channel, independent from a second measurement channel formed by second detection electronics with the second measurement electrodes.Therefore, for each detection location, the detection device carries out at least two redundant and independent detection operations.