Safety Sensor Clock Scaling for Overheating Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensors face overheating issues due to high packing densities of electronic components, leading to malfunctions, which existing cooling solutions attempt to address but result in increased size and cost.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a variable operation mode for sensors, where the computer unit's clock rate is reduced, and non-essential components are temporarily deactivated to manage energy usage and heat generation, avoiding the need for additional cooling devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling devices are installed in the sensor to dissipate heat, then the heat dissipation capability is improved, but the sensor size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the clock rate of the computer unit variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the clock rate based on the operating mode (normal or energy-saving mode) and temperature conditions, allowing the system to adapt its heat generation to match cooling capabilities without adding physical cooling devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the computer unit by adjusting the clock rate between different levels. In energy-saving mode, the clock rate is reduced to generate less heat, while in normal mode, it operates at full speed. This parameter adjustment allows the sensor to manage thermal load without requiring additional cooling infrastructure.
2Temperature
If cooling devices are installed in the sensor to dissipate heat, then the heat dissipation capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs self-service by using its own control unit to monitor and adjust its operational state based on temperature conditions. The control unit automatically switches between normal and energy-saving modes, and adjusts clock rates, without requiring external cooling devices or additional manufacturing complexity. This self-regulation eliminates the need for costly cooling infrastructure.
3Loss of energy
If the clock rate of the computer unit is reduced to decrease power loss, then the heat generation is reduced, but the processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the clock rate based on operational needs and temperature conditions rather than maintaining a fixed rate. The control unit can switch between high clock rates for fast processing and low clock rates for energy efficiency, optimizing the balance between processing speed and power consumption in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic switching between normal mode and energy-saving mode, with the control unit monitoring temperature and operational state to determine when to adjust the clock rate. This periodic adjustment allows the system to alternate between high-performance and low-power states, achieving both fast processing when needed and reduced power loss when cooling is sufficient.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor (1) with sensor components configured for detecting objects (7), an evaluation unit (6) configured for evaluating sensor signals from the sensor components, and interface components configured for input and/or output of signals. At least one computing unit is provided which can be operated at a variable clock rate. Additionally or alternatively, components of the sensor (1) are only activated intermittently.