Sensor Commonality Platform Using Adaptable Sensors

Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of multiple physical parameter sensors from different vendors into a unified system is complex and costly due to the lack of commonality in signal conditioning, communications, and control, leading to high development costs and total cost of ownership.

Innovation Solution

A sensor-centric platform is developed where multiple sensor types share identical core sensor electronics, with varying mechanical structures to accommodate different measurements, eliminating the need for individual translators and conditioning electronics, allowing for plug-and-play functionality and reduced complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensor types from different vendors are integrated into a unified system, then measurement capability and versatility are improved, but system complexity and integration cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal sensor interface that can accommodate multiple sensor types (force, pressure, torque, acceleration, etc.) from different vendors through a common mounting structure and signal conditioning system. The interface uses standardized electrical connections and a unified signal processing architecture that automatically adapts to different sensor outputs, eliminating the need for separate integration pathways for each sensor type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary signal conditioning circuitry that acts as a mediator between diverse sensor outputs and the control system. This intermediary layer includes voltage followers, buffer amplifiers, and standardized voltage dividers that normalize signals from different vendors before they reach the main processing unit, thereby simplifying the overall system integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensor types from different vendors are integrated into a unified system, then measurement capability and versatility are improved, but integration cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidintegration cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal sensor interface that can accommodate multiple sensor types (force, pressure, torque, acceleration, etc.) from different vendors through a common mounting structure and signal conditioning system. The interface uses standardized electrical connections and a unified signal processing architecture that automatically adapts to different sensor outputs, eliminating the need for separate integration pathways for each sensor type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs homogeneous signal conditioning approaches across all sensor types, using identical voltage follower circuits, buffer amplifiers, and voltage divider networks regardless of the sensor vendor or type. This standardization reduces component variety, simplifies manufacturing, and lowers integration costs while maintaining compatibility with diverse sensor inputs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

3Adaptability or versatility

If individual translators and conditioning electronics are used for each sensor type, then sensor compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor compatibilityVSAvoidelectronics complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of individual translators and conditioning electronics into a single integrated interface circuitry. Instead of having separate conditioning circuits for each sensor type, the system uses a unified architecture where voltage followers, buffer amplifiers, and signal normalization circuits are combined into a common interface that handles all sensor types through standardized pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal sensor interface that can accommodate multiple sensor types (force, pressure, torque, acceleration, etc.) from different vendors through a common mounting structure and signal conditioning system. The interface uses standardized electrical connections and a unified signal processing architecture that automatically adapts to different sensor outputs, eliminating the need for separate integration pathways for each sensor type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11022511B2Sensor commonality platform using multi-discipline adaptable sensors for customizable applications

Publication Date: 2021.06.01 KAIN ARON

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a sensor commonality platform comprising a plurality of adaptable sensors for customizable applications. Each adaptable sensor comprises a displacement structure for reacting to changes in a measurable physical property and a core sensor electronics module for measuring displacement of the displacement structure in response to the changes in the measurable physical property. At least one sensor has a displacement structure different than that of another sensor, with the core electronics being the same.