Sensor Orientation Detection via Integrated Gravity Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors require significant hardware and software resources for parameterization, including external units and communication interfaces, which complicates their setup and increases complexity.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a gravity sensor within the sensor to automatically select and activate sensor functions based on its spatial orientation, eliminating the need for external parameterization devices and communication interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external parameterization devices and communication interfaces are used, then sensor parameterization can be achieved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor determines its own installation orientation using an integrated gravity sensor and automatically selects the appropriate sensor function based on the detected orientation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external parameterization devices, communication interfaces, and manual configuration, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual parameterization with switches or external units is used, then sensor functions can be configured, but the setup process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor performs automatic orientation detection and function selection immediately upon power-up or during installation, before the sensor begins its normal operation. This preliminary automatic configuration eliminates the need for time-consuming manual setup processes while maintaining full adaptability of sensor functions to different installation scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If communication interfaces and external units are required for parameterization, then sensor can be configured, but the sensor requires additional hardware components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for external parameterization devices, communication interfaces, and manual configuration hardware by implementing an integrated gravity sensor that enables automatic self-determination of installation orientation and automatic selection of sensor functions. This extraction reduces the quantity of hardware components while preserving full parameterization capability.
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
Enables simple and hardware-software efficient parameterization of sensors, allowing them to be installed in various positions with optimized sensor functions without additional equipment, and ensures fail-safe operation in safety-related applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one gravity sensor (9a, 9b) is integrated into the sensor (1), with measurement signals from the gravity sensor (9a, 9b) indicating its spatial orientation relative to the direction of gravity (F)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~3b
Figure 4a~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor for detecting objects in a monitoring area, comprising sensor components designed for object detection and an evaluation unit in which an object detection signal is generated based on output signals from the sensor components. At least one gravity sensor (9a, 9b) is integrated into the sensor. The measurement signals of the gravity sensor (9a, 9b) indicate its spatial orientation relative to the direction of gravity (F). At least one sensor function is selected in the sensor based on the measurement signals. The invention further relates to a method for operating a sensor.