Remote Position Sensor Configuration via Web Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for configuring and monitoring position sensors are time-consuming and costly, requiring significant effort and on-site maintenance, especially in applications like motor feedback systems and mobile machines.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing an online database with a web server and Internet-enabled or mobile phone-enabled communication, allowing configuration data to be decoupled from the configuration unit and accessed remotely, with password protection for secure access, enabling wireless data transmission and remote maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a configuration unit is connected to the position sensor via a data connection for on-site configuration, then the position sensor can be configured and monitored, but the effort and time required for construction and implementation increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration and monitoring capabilityVSAvoidtime for construction and implementation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a web server as an intermediary component that enables remote configuration of the position sensor. Instead of directly connecting the configuration unit to the sensor via physical data connections, the web server mediates the communication through a network interface, allowing configuration access from any location without requiring complex on-site infrastructure setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The web server provides universal access to the position sensor configuration through standard web protocols, enabling any device with a web browser to configure the sensor remotely. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for specialized configuration hardware and allows configuration from various locations, significantly reducing implementation time and effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a configuration unit is connected to the position sensor via a data connection, then the position sensor can be configured, but the cost and complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidsystem construction and implementation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The web server acts as a mediator that simplifies the system architecture by providing a standard web-based interface for configuration. This eliminates the need for complex proprietary communication protocols and specialized configuration hardware, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full configuration capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the configuration interface through the web server, allowing users to access and configure the position sensor remotely via standard web browsers. This virtual interface replicates the configuration functionality without requiring physical connection to the sensor, thereby reducing hardware complexity and system cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If configuration data is stored locally in the configuration unit, then configuration can be performed on-site, but continuous monitoring and remote access become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveon-site configurationVSAvoidremote access and continuous monitoring capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from local, on-site configuration to a distributed, network-based configuration model by introducing the web server. This dimensional change enables configuration access across different physical locations and time periods, allowing users to remotely configure the sensor and continuously monitor its status without being constrained by the physical presence at the sensor's location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a web server and online database are implemented, then remote configuration and continuous monitoring are enabled, but the initial setup requires some configuration effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote access capabilityVSAvoidinitial setup effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The web server and online database are designed to provide self-service configuration capabilities, where the system automatically handles data transmission, storage, and retrieval without requiring complex manual setup. The web interface allows users to independently configure the position sensor and monitor its status without needing specialized technical expertise or extensive initial configuration effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3140621B1System for configuring and monitoring a sensor
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 FRABA
  • EP3140621B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A system for configuring and monitoring a position sensor (2) which functions to determine a location position, angular position, rotational speed, and/or speed of a machine component, comprising at least one position sensor (2) and a configuration unit (1) for configuring and monitoring the position sensor (2), wherein the configuration unit (1) is connected via a first data connection (12) to the position sensor (2). The configuration unit (1) is connected via a second data connection (14) to at least one operating device (3).