Redundant Capacitive Sensing with Parallel Signal Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitive detection devices for robots are costly, cumbersome, and sensitive to mutual disturbances, requiring multiple electrodes and complex isolation methods, which limits their sensitivity and reliability in detecting objects at greater distances.
Innovation Solution
A redundant capacitive detection device with a single measurement electrode and two independent calculation modules operating in parallel, providing redundant detection signals while reducing the number and size of electronic components, and using a guard electrode to enhance detection range and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pairs of electrodes are used for redundant detection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple electrodes into a single measurement electrode by implementing redundant calculation modules that independently process the same measurement signal. This combining approach maintains detection reliability through multiple independent calculation paths while avoiding the complexity of multiple physical electrode pairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates functional copies of the calculation process rather than physical copies of electrodes. Two independent calculation modules copy the detection algorithm to process the same measurement signal, providing redundant detection capability without requiring multiple electrode pairs.
2Reliability
If multiple pairs of electrodes are used for redundant detection, then reliability is improved, but the device becomes more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single electrode structure, using redundant calculation modules instead of multiple electrodes. This significantly reduces the physical volume of the detection device while maintaining reliability through computational redundancy.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If isolation means are used between electrode pairs, then mutual disturbances are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from multiple electrodes and concentrates it in a single electrode. By removing the need for multiple electrode pairs, the harmful mutual disturbances between electrodes are eliminated without requiring any isolation structures.
4Device complexity
If a single measurement electrode is used with redundant calculation modules, then device complexity is reduced, but detection sensitivity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The redundant calculation modules independently process the measurement signal and can cross-validate their results. This feedback mechanism ensures detection sensitivity is maintained by verifying measurements through multiple independent calculation paths, compensating for the use of a single electrode.
5Reliability
If redundant detection is implemented, then reliability is improved, but the number of electronic components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the redundancy function into the calculation domain rather than requiring redundant physical components. By implementing redundant calculation modules that share the same measurement electrode and signal path, the system achieves reliability improvement without proportionally increasing the quantity of electronic components.
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 enables simpler, less expensive, and less bulky detection with high sensitivity at greater distances, ensuring reliable object detection and reducing the risk of malfunctions by providing redundant signals and improved spatial resolution.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a signal, called measurement, relating to a capacitor, called electrode-object, between each detection electrode and said object
Implementation Method 2
detection device with high sensitivity allowing detection of objects at greater distances... capacitive detection can be carried out with high sensitivity and at a greater distance
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a capacitive sensing device (100) for sensing an object relative to a sensing surface, comprising: - at least one capacitive sensing electrode (102), and - an electronic detection unit (106) comprising an electronic measurement unit (108), for: ・ polarising said at least one sensing electrode (102) at an alternating excitation potential (VG) different to a ground potential (118), and ・measuring a measurement signal relative to an electrode/object capacitance; characterised in that the electronic detection unit (106) further comprises, for said electronic measurement unit, at least two separate calculation modules (124, 126), functioning in parallel, and providing two separate detection signals for a same measurement signal originating from the electronic measurement unit (108).