Resonance Cable Compensation for Sensor Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods struggle to effectively compensate for errors caused by cable/harness effects in resonant-based sensors, particularly when cable type or length changes, as these sensors are sensitive to shifts in resonance due to cable capacitance, and existing solutions are not easily adaptable or user-friendly.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for resonance-based cable compensation that determines and adjusts for cable capacitance using a configuration with a resonant circuit, digital logic, and switches to generate resonance signals, allowing for compensation of equivalent cable capacitance, enabling accurate frequency determination and adjustment to mitigate errors introduced by varying cable lengths and types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional compensation methods are used with fixed cable type and length, then compensation accuracy is improved, but adaptability to different installations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompensation accuracyVSAvoidadaptability to different installations
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurement of cable capacitance by applying a test signal and measuring the resonant frequency shift before normal operation. This preliminary action allows the system to automatically determine cable characteristics and adjust compensation parameters accordingly, enabling accurate compensation across different cable configurations without requiring manual calibration for each installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If cable capacitance is not compensated, then system complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidsensor measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the resonant frequency of the sensor-cable system and compares it against expected values. When a frequency shift indicating cable capacitance effect is detected, the system automatically adjusts the compensation parameters or triggers a recalibration. This feedback mechanism enables precise compensation while keeping the user interface simple and the overall system manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If manual calibration for each cable configuration is required, then compensation precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompensation precisionVSAvoidease of installation and operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs cable capacitance measurement and compensation parameter calculation without requiring manual intervention. The microcontroller applies test signals, measures resonant frequency shifts, and computes the appropriate compensation values autonomously. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual calibration procedures while maintaining high compensation precision, significantly improving ease of installation and operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach enables precise compensation for cable-related errors, allowing a single sensor design to be used across multiple installations with different cable configurations, improving system accuracy and reducing the need for specific calibration constants for each installation, thereby enhancing the reliability and flexibility of resonant-based sensor systems.

Implementation Method 1

A logic component, namely digital logic 116, is operatively connected to control switch 102 to selectively apply voltage pulses across the first and second terminals 104 and 112 to generate a resonance signal in cable 108

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP2821806B1Resonance based cable compensation
Publication Date: 2022.06.01 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP
  • EP2821806B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2821806B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2821806B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A system (100; 200) for resonance based cable compensation includes a first switch (102) with a first terminal (104) for connecting a first connection (106) of a cable (108; 208) having a resonant circuit (110; 210) on an end of the cable (108; 208) opposite the first switch (104). The system (100; 200) also includes a second terminal (112) for connecting a second connection (114) of a cable (108; 208) that has its first connection (106) connected to the first terminal (104). A logic component (116; 216) is operatively connected to control the first switch (102) to selectively apply voltage pulses across the first and second terminals (104; 112) to generate a resonance signal in a cable (108; 208) connected to the terminals (104; 112) in order to compensate for equivalent cable capacitance.