Sensor Parameter Selection via Mechanical Input Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensors have limited adjustability to various applications due to the restricted number of input variants achievable with mechanical setting elements, such as jumpers and switches, which limits their functionality and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A sensor with a selector unit and input interface featuring mechanical setting elements that allow the selection of preconfigured parameter sets, enabling a larger range of device configurations and improved adaptability to different applications through parameterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical setting elements (jumpers, switches) are used for configuration, then the sensor can be adjusted to different applications, but the number of input variants and device configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical setting elements with a communication interface that allows electronic parameter assignment. Instead of using physical jumpers and switches, the sensor receives parameter sets digitally through the communication interface, enabling unlimited configuration options without adding physical complexity to the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the ability to assign different parameter sets to the sensor through electronic means. By changing parameter values digitally via the communication interface, the sensor can be reconfigured for different applications without any physical modification or mechanical switching, thus expanding adaptability while maintaining simple device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more mechanical setting elements are added to increase input variants, then more device configurations become possible, but the device complexity and design effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the communication interface multi-functional by using it for both operational communication and configuration purposes. The same interface that the sensor uses for its primary function is also utilized for receiving parameter assignments, eliminating the need for separate configuration hardware and reducing design effort while enabling unlimited device configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating physical hardware variants for different configurations, the patent uses digital copying of parameter sets. Multiple configuration profiles can be stored and assigned electronically, allowing the same physical device to be copied into different functional states without any physical duplication or additional design effort.
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
The solution significantly expands the sensor's adjustability and adaptability to various applications by allowing users to select and assign parameter sets, enhancing its functionality and flexibility without requiring additional manual settings, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional mechanical setting elements.
Implementation Method 1
the optical sensor has only a light beam-emitting transmitter and a light beam-receiving receiver as sensor components
Implementation Method 2
a light beam-receiving receiver as sensor components
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor for detecting objects within a monitoring range, with sensor components and an evaluation unit (9). An object detection signal is generated in the evaluation unit (9) in dependence upon sensor signals from sensor components. A selector unit and an input interface (11) with mechanical setting element are provided, wherein a selection of a parameter set is made in the selector unit (10) from a number of preconfigured parameter sets in dependence upon a setting configuration of the mechanical setting element of the input interface. The selected parameter set is adopted for the functioning of the sensor.