Sensor Array for Simultaneous Angle and Displacement Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measuring devices for detecting the angle of rotation and displacement position of suction pipettes in assembly technology require separate sensors, which are costly and complex, or rely on expensive optical systems with precise grating production, limiting their accuracy and affordability.

Innovation Solution

A measuring device utilizing a rotary encoder with detectable elements arranged at equidistant intervals, a guide device for displacement, and a two-dimensional sensor array with individual detectors to decouple the measurement of angle and displacement, allowing for simultaneous detection with high accuracy and low manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two separate sensors are used for detecting rotation angle and linear displacement, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate measurement functions (rotation angle detection and linear displacement detection) into a single sensor system. A sensor array with multiple sensors arranged in a specific pattern detects signals from a rotating encoder disk, simultaneously providing both angular position and axial displacement information through signal evaluation, thereby reducing the number of separate sensors needed while maintaining measurement reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor array is designed to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously. The same array of sensors and encoder disk combination can detect both the rotational angle and the linear displacement along the axial direction, making the system universal for measuring both degrees of freedom without requiring separate dedicated sensors for each parameter

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If an optical measuring system with grating cylinder is used for simultaneous detection, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous detection precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive optical grating cylinder with a simpler encoder disk that can be manufactured more economically. The encoder disk with detectable elements arranged in a pattern is less complex to produce than a precision optical grating, reducing manufacturing costs while the sensor array maintains adequate measurement precision for the application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical/optical grating cylinder system with a simplified encoder disk and sensor array system. Instead of relying on complex optical gratings and expensive optical sensors, the invention uses a mechanically simpler encoder disk with detectable elements and a corresponding sensor array, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while achieving the required measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If a rotary encoder with sensor array is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor system complexityVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional sensor arrangements to a two-dimensional sensor array configuration. Multiple sensors are arranged in rows and columns on a plane, allowing simultaneous detection of rotational position and axial displacement through spatial signal variations. This dimensional expansion enables precise measurement of both degrees of freedom while keeping the system relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor array is divided into multiple individual sensors arranged in specific rows and columns, with each sensor contributing to the overall measurement. The evaluation unit processes signals from individual sensors to determine both rotational angle and axial position, achieving high measurement precision through segmented detection rather than requiring a single complex sensor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP1798523B1Measuring device for simultaneously determining a rotation angle and a displacement position
Publication Date: 2008.05.07 SIEMENS AG
  • EP1798523B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1798523B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The device has a sensor array (130) including individual detectors (131) that are arranged in a level parallel to a swivel pin (111), where the level has a certain distance to an outer edge of a speed sensor (120). An evaluation unit (150) is connected with the detectors and is arranged such that an angle of rotation and a shifting position of an object are determined from a signal of the detectors. A measuring signal of the detectors is measured and evaluated during screwing up of the sensor, where the detectors are arranged next to difference longitudinal sections of the swivel pin.