Selectable Sensor Modules for Flexible Signal Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor integration systems are inflexible, complex, and costly due to their fixed architectures and inability to dynamically select and configure sensor modules based on specific system requirements.
Innovation Solution
A diverse modular sensor integration system with selectable sensor modules, comprising a system controller, system sensors, and a plurality of modular sensor modules that can receive input signals, convert them to required output signals, and transmit these to the system controller, allowing for flexible and scalable architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each sensor is directly connected to the system controller, then the system can accommodate specific sensor signal characteristics, but the system complexity and inflexibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensor modules as intermediary components between sensors and the system controller. Each sensor module contains sensor-specific signal processing circuitry that converts various sensor signal types into a standardized format for the controller, eliminating the need for the controller to directly handle diverse sensor interfaces while maintaining full sensor compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system architecture is segmented into independent sensor modules, each handling a specific sensor type. This modular segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by dividing it into discrete, manageable units rather than requiring a monolithic controller design that handles all sensor types simultaneously
2Device complexity
If a single sensor module handles multiple sensor types, then the system architecture is simplified, but signal processing capabilities are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensor module is designed with specialized signal processing circuitry optimized for its specific sensor type. This local quality approach ensures that each module has the precise processing capabilities needed for its sensor while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular design, rather than requiring a single complex module to handle all sensor types
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed sensor modules are permanently connected to the controller, then some flexibility is provided, but dynamic selection and configuration capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor modules are designed with dynamic selection capability through multiplexing circuitry that allows the system controller to selectively activate and configure different sensor modules based on real-time system requirements. This dynamic approach enables the system to scale and adapt flexibly rather than being constrained by fixed permanent connections
Data Source
AI summary
A diverse sensor integration system includes a system controller, at least one system sensor, and a plurality of selectable sensor modules. Each selectable sensor module is operably connected between the system controller and the system sensor. The selectable sensor modules receive an input signal with a set of first characteristics from the system sensor and convert it into an output signal with a set of second signal characteristics required by the system controller. The output signal is then transmitted to the system controller. This integration system allows for the seamless integration of different types of sensors into a single system, providing flexibility and adaptability to meet various system requirements.