Signal Measuring Device with Switching Unit for Stable Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional signal measuring devices are unable to stably measure continuously varying process signals, such as those from resistance temperature sensors or thermocouples, and require increased size with the number of process signals, limiting their application.
Innovation Solution
A signal measuring device with one input circuit unit, a signal switching unit, and a switching command unit that allows for open/close switching and stable measurement time settings for each detection unit, enabling the measurement of multiple continuously varying process signals while downsizing the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If one input circuit unit is used for multiple process signals, then device size is reduced, but measurement stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching between multiple detection units using a switching unit that connects each detection unit to the single input circuit unit in turn. This periodic connection allows one input circuit unit to handle multiple process signals sequentially, reducing device size while maintaining measurement stability through controlled timing
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit outputs a switching command signal before the measurement command signal, preliminarily connecting the appropriate detection unit to the input circuit unit. This preliminary switching action ensures that the input circuit unit is properly connected to the correct detection unit before measurement begins, maintaining measurement stability despite using a single input circuit unit
2Volume of moving object
If conventional scanning switch is used, then device size is reduced, but measurement capability is limited to ON/OFF signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the input circuit unit and signal processing unit to handle various types of process signals including continuously varying signals from resistance temperature detectors, thermocouples, and transmitters. The switching unit universally connects different detection units to this single input circuit unit, enabling one circuit unit to measure multiple signal types, thus improving versatility while maintaining compact size
Solution Approach 2:
The signal processing unit is designed to process different signal parameters including voltage, current, and resistance variations. By changing the processing parameters according to the detected signal type, the system can accurately measure continuously varying process signals while using the same single input circuit unit structure
Data Source
AI summary
This signal measuring device includes: one input circuit for receiving a process signal from each of first through Mth detection units; a signal switching unit for performing open/close switching between each detection unit and the input circuit; a signal processing unit connected to the input circuit and for processing the process signal; and a switching command unit for outputting, to the signal switching unit, a switching command signal that corresponds to an open/close time set such that one of the plurality of the detection units is connected to the input circuit, the switching command unit outputting, to the signal processing unit, a measurement command signal that corresponds to a stable measurement time which is set for each of the plurality of the detection units and after which the process signal inputted from each of the plurality of the detection units to the input circuit is stably measurable.