Sensor Assignment in Electrochemical Converter Arrays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for managing and monitoring arrays of electrochemical converters, such as accumulators, face challenges in accurately assigning measurement signals and switching signals to the correct components, especially as accumulators age unevenly, leading to potential errors in data collection and unreliable monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A method using unique identification features and a measuring arrangement with sensors attached to electrochemical converters to determine their spatial and electrical arrangement, allowing for reliable and automated assignment of measurement sensors, even after changes or maintenance, by utilizing serial numbers, data transmission times, and reception times to create a precise image of the array configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual assignment methods are used to assign measurement sensors to accumulators, then initial setup is simple, but assignment errors occur when accumulators are replaced or repositioned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement data accuracyVSAvoidassignment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs sensor-to-accumulator assignment using identification features and data transmission timing, eliminating the need for manual assignment. The measurement data collector autonomously determines which sensor corresponds to which accumulator based on unique identifiers and temporal characteristics of data transmission, ensuring reliability without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical assignment processes with an automated electronic identification system. Instead of physically tracking or manually recording sensor-accumulator pairings, the system uses electronic identification features, serial numbers, and data transmission timing to automatically establish and maintain correct assignments.

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

2Measurement precision

If unique identification features are used for each accumulator, then sensor assignment accuracy improves, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor assignment precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses identification features that can be copied or replicated on each accumulator, such as serial numbers or electronic identifiers. These identification copies allow the measurement data collector to distinguish between individual accumulators without requiring complex or expensive unique physical characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes可变 parameters such as data transmission time and reception time as unique identifiers for accumulators. Instead of relying solely on permanent physical identification features, the system can use temporal characteristics of data transmission that naturally vary between different accumulators in the array, providing differentiation without additional manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If accumulators are monitored individually, then monitoring reliability improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring reliabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple monitoring functions into a single integrated measurement data collector that handles identification, data collection, and assignment determination for all accumulators. This centralized approach maintains individual monitoring capability while reducing overall system complexity compared to distributed independent monitoring units for each accumulator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement data collector is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple accumulators simultaneously. It can identify, track, and monitor data from any number of accumulators using the same identification and assignment mechanisms, eliminating the need for accumulator-specific monitoring hardware and reducing system complexity.

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

4Measurement precision

If automated assignment determination is implemented, then assignment accuracy improves, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassignment accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assignment determination during system startup or initialization phases. By establishing sensor-to-accumulator mappings before actual monitoring begins, the system avoids repeated real-time assignment calculations during operation, reducing processing time during critical monitoring periods while maintaining high assignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses rapid identification methods such as reading serial numbers or using pre-assigned identification features that can be quickly retrieved. Instead of performing complex real-time analysis to determine assignments, the system skips lengthy calculation processes by utilizing pre-stored identification data and temporal characteristics that provide immediate assignment information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentEP3715889B1Method for determining the components and their arrangement in an array and measuring arrangement in which the method can be carried out
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 RP TECHN
  • EP3715889B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3715889B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3715889B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The claimed method deals with the assignment of measuring sensors (7, 7I, 7II, 7III, 7IV) or monitoring modules of electrochemical converters, which serve, for example, to measure a voltage, a temperature, a current, a concentration and/or a resistance, or a group of these electrochemical converters, e.g., accumulators (3, 3I, 3II, 3III, 3IV), in an array of objects to be measured (3, 3I, 3II, 3III, 3IV, 12, 12I, 12II, 12III, 12IV). The method can be executed at a centralized location (1, 23, 38, 50) to establish a correspondence between an arrangement of the sensors (7, 7I, 7II, 7III, 7IV) and a spatial and/or electrical arrangement of the objects to be measured (3, 3I, 3II, 3III, 3IV, 12, 12I, 12II, 12III, 12IV). Various measurements can be performed string by string or array by array.