Sensor Circuit Assembly Reducing Wiring Complexity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In automation technology, the extensive cabling required for connecting position sensors, resistance sensors, and switching sensors to control systems is cumbersome due to their spatial distance, often leading to complex wiring and limited space for multiple sensor interfaces on position sensors.
Innovation Solution
A sensor circuit arrangement that combines a resistance sensor, switching sensors, and auxiliary resistors to form a total resistance, where the switching state of the sensors and resistance value can be determined by measuring the total resistance, allowing for simplified cabling and evaluation using a device with a housing and connection means for the auxiliary resistors and sensors, connected to an evaluation unit for bidirectional data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor interfaces are provided on the position sensor, then sensor data transmission is enabled, but the housing space requirement increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (position sensor, resistance sensor, switching sensor) into a single integrated sensor unit. The position sensor housing incorporates both the position sensing element and the resistance sensor, eliminating the need for separate housings and interfaces. This merging reduces the total housing space required while maintaining full sensor functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The position sensor housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses the position sensing mechanism, accommodates the resistance sensor, and provides electrical interfaces for both sensor types. This multi-functional design allows a single housing structure to support multiple sensor interfaces without proportionally increasing space requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are arranged at a large spatial distance from the control, then monitoring coverage is improved, but cabling complexity and wiring effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensors into a single integrated unit that can be positioned remotely from the control system. By combining the position sensor, resistance sensor, and switching sensor into one housing, the patent reduces the number of separate cable connections required, thereby simplifying cabling while maintaining the ability to monitor multiple parameters at distant locations.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate sensors are used, then measurement capability is improved, but wiring effort and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensing functions into a single manufactured unit. The position sensor housing is designed to accommodate both the position sensor and the resistance sensor, along with their respective electrical connections. This integrated manufacturing approach reduces wiring effort during installation while preserving the measurement capabilities of all sensor types.
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
This solution reduces wiring complexity by enabling the determination of sensor states and resistance values through total resistance measurement, facilitating efficient communication and monitoring of sensor data without the need for multiple sensor interfaces, particularly advantageous in automation and machine tool applications.
Implementation Method 1
Sensors that are used here are often resistance sensors, i.e. sensors in which the electrical resistance changes depending on the environmental variable to be measured. Typical examples of this are platinum measuring resistors for temperature measurement.
Implementation Method 2
A sensor circuit arrangement with a resistance sensor, at least one switching sensor and at least one auxiliary resistor which form a circuit with a total resistance, the total resistance on the one hand from the resistance value of the auxiliary resistor in combination with the switching state of the switching sensor and on the other hand from the resistance value of the Resistance sensor is dependent
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sensor circuit arrangement comprising a resistance sensor (RT), at least one switching sensor (S1, S10, S20, S30), and at least one auxiliary resistor (R1, R10, R20, R30), which form a circuit with a total resistance (RG), wherein the total resistance (RG) depends, on the one hand, on the resistance value of the auxiliary resistor (R1, R10, R20, R30) in combination with the switching state of the switching sensor (S1, S10, S20, S30), and, on the other hand, on the resistance value of the resistance sensor (RT). The invention further relates to a method and a system for sensor evaluation.