Sensor Arrangement With Functional Stage For Rate-Dependent Triggering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor arrangements in automation technology rely exclusively on comparison and switching values for producing switching signals, lacking the ability to incorporate additional functions, which necessitates complex programming and analog output modules.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a functional stage within the signal processing means that includes time derivatives or modified sensor signal values to produce comparison or switching values, allowing for the generation of binary switching signals with additional functions, such as rate-dependent triggering and position signals, through a comparator or memory stages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a sensor arrangement uses only comparison and switching values for producing switching signals, then the signal processing is simple, but additional functions cannot be incorporated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to incorporate additional functionsVSAvoidsignal processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functional stage and switching stage into a single integrated signal processing means. The functional stage processes the sensor signal to generate comparison values, while the switching stage compares these values to generate switching signals. This integration allows additional functions (time derivative, additive factors) to be incorporated without requiring separate analog output modules and complex external programming, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The signal processing means is designed with multi-functionality, where the functional stage can perform various operations (time derivative calculation, addition of factors) depending on the specific application requirements. This universal design enables the same device to produce different types of switching signals with additional functions without requiring multiple separate devices or complex reconfiguration, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex programming of analog sensor output signals is used to produce additional functions, then additional functions can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and difficult to program

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadditional functions capabilityVSAvoidprogramming complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex software programming with a hardware-based functional stage that performs signal processing operations physically. Instead of achieving additional functions through complex SPS programming, the functional stage uses circuitry to compute time derivatives and apply additive factors directly in the signal processing path. This substitution of mechanical/software complexity with hardware functionality simplifies operation while maintaining the ability to produce additional functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The signal processing means is designed to automatically perform the required signal processing functions without extensive external programming. The functional stage inherently computes time derivatives and applies factors as part of its operational design, allowing the system to serve itself by generating appropriate switching signals directly from the sensor input. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex user programming while achieving the desired additional functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a functional stage with time derivative is added to the signal processing means, then rate-dependent triggering is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverate-dependent triggering capabilityVSAvoidsignal processing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The functional stage computing the time derivative is merged with the existing switching stage structure. The output of the functional stage directly feeds into the switching stage's comparison function, combining multiple functions (derivative calculation and threshold comparison) into a unified signal processing path. This merging enables rate-dependent triggering capability while minimizing the increase in device complexity by avoiding separate discrete components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7693686B2Sensor arrangement with a sensor and a signal processing means

Publication Date: 2010.04.06 FESTO AG & CO KG

AI summary

A sensor arrangement comprises a sensor responsive to a measurement parameter as a sensor signal and a signal processing means for the sensor signal, the signal processing means having a switching stage for comparison of the sensor signal with a comparison or switching value and for producing a switching signal in a manner dependent on the comparison. A functional stage is present, which constitutes one function of the sensor signal, is comprised in the signal processing means, such function including a time derivative of the sensor signal or a sensor signal value modified by an additive factor, and the output signal of the functional stage forming the comparison of switching value for the switching stage.