Sensing Instrument Frequency Sorting Circuit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing instruments using quartz resonators face challenges in adapting to different substances due to fixed oscillation frequencies, making it difficult to select the appropriate frequency for various substances, and the separation of oscillator circuit units from the instrument main body complicates the measurement method, especially when oscillation frequencies change.
Innovation Solution
A sensing instrument with a piezoelectric resonator that includes an oscillator circuit unit and an instrument main body with a frequency sorting circuit, band-pass filters, and a switching unit, allowing for the selection of the appropriate oscillation frequency by detecting signal levels and controlling the measuring unit to measure frequency changes based on the adsorption of a sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the oscillation frequency of the quartz resonator is fixed to one frequency, then the instrument structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different substances requiring different frequency ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic frequency selection mechanism where the oscillation frequency is no longer fixed but can be changed based on the substance being sensed. The system provides capability to select oscillation frequency from multiple frequencies (e.g., at least two oscillation frequencies) to match the requirements of different substances, making the instrument adaptable while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular design.
2Ease of manufacture
If the oscillator circuit unit is separated from the instrument main body, then the design is modular and cost-effective, but the measuring method becomes complicated when oscillation frequencies change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a frequency information transmission mechanism as an intermediary between the oscillator circuit unit and the instrument main body. The oscillator circuit unit transmits its oscillation frequency information to the instrument main body, enabling the main body to automatically select the appropriate reference frequency and measurement parameters. This intermediary communication channel resolves the complexity issue while preserving the benefits of modular separation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple oscillation frequencies are used for different substances, then adaptability improves, but the instrument cost and space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the oscillator circuit unit to be universally applicable across multiple frequency ranges. Instead of requiring separate instruments for different frequency ranges, a single oscillator circuit unit can operate at multiple frequencies (e.g., at least two oscillation frequencies). This multi-functionality approach enables frequency selection capability while avoiding the cost and space increase that would result from having separate instruments for each frequency range.
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
Enables the determination of the correct oscillation frequency for the substance being sensed, allowing for precise measurement and adaptability across different substances, while maintaining a modular and cost-effective design by separating the oscillator circuit unit from the instrument main body.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing sensor including a piezoelectric resonator changing in natural frequency by the adsorption of a sample
Implementation Method 2
an adsorption layer for adsorbing a substance to be sensed is formed on a front surface of the quartz resonator
Data Source
AI summary
In adopting a structure in which an oscillator circuit unit and an instrument main body including a measuring unit are separately formed in a sensing instrument measuring the concentration of or determining the presence/absence of a substance to be sensed by using a quartz sensor, the present invention has an object to enable the instrument main body side to know an oscillation frequency of the connected oscillator circuit unit. A plurality of band-pass filters having pass characteristics corresponding to oscillation frequencies of the oscillator circuits respectively are provided in the instrument main body side to sort frequency signals, it is determined whether or not levels of the sorted frequency signals are equal to or higher than a threshold value, and a switching unit is controlled so as to connect a channel having a signal level equal to or higher than the threshold value to the measuring unit, and a reference frequency used in the measuring unit, for instance, is selected according to the frequency of the frequency signal corresponding to this channel.