Sensor Adaptor for Signal Conversion and Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor measurement systems are often specialized for specific types of sensors, making it difficult to switch between different sensor types without modifying the measurement instrument or changing the sensor, which limits flexibility in monitoring operational environments.
Innovation Solution
A sensor adaptor system that includes a conversion circuit and an output circuit, capable of receiving an input characteristic from one type of sensor and generating a pulse width signal to simulate the output of a different type of sensor, allowing the system to interface with various sensors and measurement instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurement instruments are specialized for particular sensor types, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensor adaptor as an intermediary device between the specialized measurement instrument and different sensor types. The adaptor contains conversion circuits that translate signals from various sensor types (thermocouples, RTDs, thermistors) into the specific signal format required by the measurement instrument, enabling the instrument to work with multiple sensor types without modifying the instrument itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor adaptor is designed with universal functionality to interface with multiple sensor types through a single device. It includes configurable conversion circuits that can be programmed to handle different sensor characteristics and output formats, making one adaptor capable of working with various sensor types while maintaining the specialized measurement instrument's precision.
2Reliability
If measurement instruments are configured for specific sensor types, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor adaptor serves as a mediator that handles the complexity of sensor-instrument matching. Operators can simply connect any sensor type to the adaptor, which automatically or manually converts the signal to the appropriate format for the measurement instrument, eliminating the need for operators to understand complex sensor-instrument compatibility requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor creates a standardized interface layer that copies or translates different sensor output formats into a universal format that the measurement instrument expects. This copying mechanism allows operators to use familiar measurement instruments with different sensor types without requiring reconfiguration of the instrument itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensor types are changed, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two distinct functional parts: the specialized measurement instrument that maintains its original precision and reliability, and the sensor adaptor that handles the variability of different sensor types. This segmentation isolates the complexity within the adaptor module, which can be easily replaced or reconfigured without affecting the measurement instrument.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing the sensor adaptor as an intermediary layer, the complexity of handling multiple sensor types is contained within a separate, modular component. The measurement instrument itself remains simple and unchanged, while all the complexity of signal conversion and adaptation is managed by the adaptor's configurable conversion circuits.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic adaptor assembly and method having a conversion circuit coupled to an input and configured for receiving an input characteristic of an input device coupled to the input and generating a pulse width signal having a pulse width that varies in response to the received input characteristic, and an output circuit coupled to an output and to the conversion circuit and configured for receiving the pulse width signal and providing a characteristic at the output that varies in response to the pulse width of the pulse width signal, wherein the output characteristic corresponds to a characteristic of a synthesized device that is different from the input device.