Sensor Assembly Frequency Control for Noise Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor arrangements for agricultural distribution machines face interference from scattered and reflected signals, particularly when using multiple sensors, which complicates continuous measurement and increases noise levels.

Innovation Solution

The method involves operating each transmitter-detector combination with a unique, fixed or variable transmission frequency, differing by at least 0.05 V in supply voltage, to minimize interference by ensuring distinct frequency ranges for each sensor, thereby reducing noise and enhancing measurement accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple sensors are used for continuous measurement, then measurement coverage and reliability are improved, but signal interference and noise levels increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns different transmission frequencies to each transmitter-detector combination by varying the supply voltage. This parameter differentiation allows multiple sensors to operate simultaneously without mutual interference, as each sensor operates in a distinct frequency range while maintaining continuous measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If transmitters operate at the same frequency, then device complexity is reduced, but detector signals become contaminated by interfering signals from other transmitters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency configuration complexityVSAvoiddetector signal accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each transmitter-detector combination is assigned a locally unique transmission frequency through individual supply voltage control. This local differentiation ensures that while the overall system remains simple, each component operates with distinct characteristics that prevent signal contamination and maintain high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If transmission frequency is varied to reduce interference, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidfrequency control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically manages frequency differentiation through individual supply voltage control of each transmitter, without requiring complex external frequency coordination. The transmitters self-regulate their operating frequencies based on their assigned voltage levels, simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 approach effectively reduces noise and interference in sensor measurements, ensuring low-noise and interference-free data collection, even in environments with external influences like temperature, by ensuring each sensor operates in a distinct frequency range, thus improving the signal-to-noise ratio and measurement accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

the signals used by the sensor arrangement, such as electromagnetic waves or ultrasound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the signals used by the sensor arrangement, such as electromagnetic waves or ultrasound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasound: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 3

the dependence of the transmitter frequency on the supply voltage is also highly reproducible due to low manufacturing tolerances

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency-voltage dependence: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

signals used by the sensor arrangement, such as electromagnetic waves or ultrasound, are not only scattered or reflected by a multitude of objects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 5

signals used by the sensor arrangement, such as electromagnetic waves or ultrasound, are not only scattered or reflected by a multitude of objects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3187034B1Method for controlling and/or regulating a sensor assembly and sensor assembly
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 AMAZONEN WERKE H DREYER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3187034B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3187034B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Method for controlling and/or regulating a sensor arrangement for detecting at least one parameter, such as the position, speed and/or other parameters, of at least one moving object, comprising at least two transmitter-detector combinations (1, 2) for detecting electromagnetic waves (S1, S2), preferably radar beams, or sound waves, wherein the transmitter frequency of at least one transmitter (1.1, 2.1) is adjusted such that the signal-to-noise ratio of at least one detector (1.2, 2.2) is increased and/or the noise of at least one detector signal is reduced, wherein, to reduce the noise level of at least one detector signal, each of the at least two transmitter-detector combinations (1, 2) is operated with an individually different, fixed or variable transmitter frequency.