Sensor Assembly Dynamic Protective Field Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor arrangements for danger zone monitoring, such as in vehicles, require complex configuration and selection of protective fields to adapt to changing environmental conditions, leading to increased hardware and software complexity, and high computational effort, especially in safety-critical applications.

Innovation Solution

A sensor arrangement with a safety distance sensor and an acceleration sensor that dynamically adjusts protective fields based on movement status, using acceleration signals to determine speed, path, and direction, allowing for adaptive and fail-safe monitoring without external controller intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple protective fields are configured in advance to adapt to different environmental conditions, then the adaptability of the monitoring system is improved, but the configuration time and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of protective field monitoringVSAvoidhardware and software complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic protective field configuration by continuously monitoring acceleration signals from the movable unit and automatically adjusting protective field parameters in real-time. Instead of using pre-configured static protective fields, the system dynamically calculates and adapts protective field dimensions, position, and shape based on current movement state, eliminating the need for multiple pre-stored protective field configurations and reducing configuration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes protective field parameters (such as dimensions, position, and shape) based on acceleration signals and derived movement variables. By continuously adjusting these parameters according to the actual movement state of the movable unit, the system achieves adaptability without requiring multiple pre-configured protective fields, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If external control systems select and verify protective fields to ensure safety, then the reliability of the monitoring system is improved, but the computational effort and control system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefail-safe operation of protective field selectionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The safety distance sensor performs self-verification of protective field configuration by internally comparing the configured protective field parameters with the actual movement state derived from acceleration signals. The sensor autonomously determines whether the protective field is appropriately configured for the current movement condition, eliminating the need for external control systems to perform verification, thereby reducing control system complexity while maintaining fail-safe operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously comparing the actual movement state (derived from acceleration signals) with the protective field configuration and automatically adjusting the protective field parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable and safe protective field selection while reducing computational effort compared to external verification systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If pre-configured protective fields are used for different movement states, then the adaptability is improved, but the selection time and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to changing environmental conditionsVSAvoidresponse speed of protective field adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts protective field parameters in real-time based on continuous monitoring of acceleration signals and derived movement variables. Instead of selecting from pre-configured protective fields, the system continuously calculates and updates protective field parameters according to the current movement state, enabling rapid adaptation without the time delay associated with selecting from multiple pre-stored configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary calculation of protective field parameters based on acceleration signals and movement variables, so that when environmental conditions change, the protective field is already prepared or can be rapidly adjusted. This preliminary action enables faster response compared to selecting from pre-configured protective fields, as the system maintains readiness to adapt to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 rapid and safe adaptation of protective fields to changing conditions, reducing complexity and computational effort while ensuring fail-safe operation, improving the efficiency and reliability of danger zone monitoring systems.

Implementation Method 1

An acceleration sensor is arranged on the movable unit. Depending on acceleration signals from the acceleration sensor or variables derived therefrom, protective fields for the protective field monitoring of the safety distance sensor are specified

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration sensing: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

the light beam's travel time from the transmitter unit to the object and back to the receiver unit is evaluated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP4471377A1Sensor assembly
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 LEUZE ELECTRONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4471377A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4471377A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4471377A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a sensor arrangement (1) with a safety distance sensor (4) arranged on a movable unit (2), by means of which protective field monitoring is carried out. An acceleration sensor (5) is arranged on the movable unit (2), wherein, depending on acceleration signals from the acceleration sensor (5) or quantities derived therefrom, protective fields (7, 7') are specified for the protective field monitoring of the safety distance sensor (4) and/or an analysis or control of the movable unit is carried out. A vehicle (2) has two non-steered wheels (3a) and one steered wheel (3b). d denotes the distance of the acceleration sensor (5) to the imaginary pivot point (P) when the vehicle (2) is cornering. The safety distance sensor (4) and the acceleration sensor (5) are integrated in a sensor housing (6).The accelerometer is advantageously designed as a three-axis accelerometer, enabling the detection of accelerations in all three spatial directions. The safety distance sensor can incorporate application-specific special cases for calculating or defining the protective field. The computer unit can use the acceleration signals from the accelerometer to determine shock and/or vibration data from the moving unit. Based on specific shock and/or vibration data from a vehicle, information about the ground conditions on which the vehicle is traveling can be determined. Specifically, landmarks in the form of local elevations in the ground can be detected, as these generate defined shock or vibration profiles. Furthermore, if the positions of the landmarks or other markers are determined, this information can be provided to the vehicle's navigation system.