Sensor Processing Part Identification Recognition for Fluid Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensors for measuring fluid parameters face issues with costly electronics that need replacement due to wear, requiring recalibration and loss of historical data when sensing parts are exchanged, and are not suitable for field work without a separate analyzer.

Innovation Solution

A sensor design with a processing part that includes identification recognition means to differentiate sensing parts based on approval level, allowing full, limited, or basic functionality and data output, and integrates data processing and recognition in a single processor to save costs and space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the sensing part and processing part are releasably connected to allow replacement of worn sensing parts, then the costly electronics can be reused, but the sensing part needs to be recalibrated each time when connected to another processing part and historical data is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement of sensing partVSAvoidrecalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The identification means in the sensing part and identification recognition means in the processing part establish the connection and retrieve calibration data before the sensing part is actually used for measurement. This preliminary recognition action ensures that calibration parameters are transferred automatically when the sensing part is coupled to the processing part, eliminating the need for manual recalibration and preventing loss of historical data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of repair

If the sensing part and processing part are releasably connected to allow replacement of worn sensing parts, then the costly electronics can be reused, but the sensing part needs to be recalibrated each time when connected to another processing part

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement of sensing partVSAvoidrecalibration operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic calibration data retrieval and transfer through the identification means and recognition means. When a sensing part is coupled to a processing part, the processing part automatically recognizes the sensing part's identification, retrieves the corresponding calibration parameters from stored data, and configures itself without requiring manual recalibration operations by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If sensors are designed with integrated electronics in the sensor itself for field work, then the sensor does not require a separate analyzer, but the entire sensor including costly electronics must be replaced when worn

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield work capabilityVSAvoidreplacement of electronics
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is divided into two separable parts: a sensing part that contains the electrode and identification means, and a processing part that contains the electronics including data processing unit, memory, power supply, and communication interface. This segmentation allows the durable processing part to be reused while only the worn sensing part needs replacement, combining field work capability with cost-effective maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If the processing part is dedicated to a specific sensing part with calibration parameters stored in memory, then the sensor functionality is optimized, but the sensing part cannot be exchanged with another sensing part without recalibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor functionalityVSAvoidsensing part exchangeability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The processing part is designed with universal capability to work with different sensing parts through the identification means system. The processing part can recognize multiple sensing parts, retrieve their specific calibration parameters from stored data, and automatically configure itself for each sensing part type, thus maintaining optimized functionality while enabling exchangeability between different sensing parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3602023B1Sensor and processing part for a sensor
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 YOKOGAWA PROCESS ANALYZERS EURO BV
  • EP3602023B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3602023B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a sensor for measuring a fluid parameter. The sensor comprises a sensing part for supplying a measurement data signal and a processing part releasably connected to the sensing part. The processing part comprises an identification recognition means capable of recognizing a presence of an identification means in the sensing part. Accordingly in the sensor a particular sensing part used may be recognized so that full functionahty can be maintained when exchanging a recognized sensing part and more limited functionality is available when the sensing part is not recognized.