Automated Signaling Range Verification Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for testing the signaling area of signal transmitters are time-consuming, costly, and unreliable, leading to potential safety risks due to the inability to ensure continuous functionality and perceptibility of signals in safety-critical applications.

Innovation Solution

A device that determines the actual signaling area of a signal generator and compares it to a predefined target area, using sensors and control devices to ensure the signal is perceptible within the required range, allowing for automated and remote monitoring and adjustment of signal strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual inspection methods are used to test signaling area, then reliability of signaling can be checked, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignaling functionality verificationVSAvoidinspection duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated optical measurement system. A measuring device with sensors and a control unit automatically determines the actual signaling area by detecting signal intensity distribution, eliminating the need for manual inspection while maintaining reliability verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The signaling device performs self-testing through the automated measurement system. The device independently determines its own signaling area characteristics without requiring external manual intervention, enabling continuous self-verification of functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual inspection is performed frequently to ensure signaling reliability, then safety can be maintained, but operational availability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignaling safetyVSAvoiddevice availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated measurement system enables continuous or periodic testing of the signaling area without interrupting the normal operation of the signaling device. The measuring device can operate independently while the signaling device remains functional, maintaining both safety verification and operational availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If the signaling area is not regularly inspected, then operational availability is maintained, but safety risks increase due to undetected structural changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational availabilityVSAvoidsignaling safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system provides continuous feedback about the actual signaling area characteristics. By comparing measured values with expected values, the system detects structural changes or obstructions that may compromise signaling safety, enabling timely intervention while maintaining operational availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Loss of time

If automated measurement systems are implemented, then inspection time is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection durationVSAvoidmeasurement system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring device is designed with multi-functionality, combining signal detection, area calculation, and comparison operations in a single integrated system. The control unit performs multiple functions including determining actual signaling area, comparing with target area, and generating alerts, reducing the need for separate specialized devices.

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

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

This solution provides a cost-effective, time-saving, and reliable method to ensure safe operation of signal transmitters by automatically checking and maintaining the signaling area, reducing the need for manual inspections and minimizing downtime.

Implementation Method 1

the device for signaling detection of the signal generator can preferably be installed in the signal generator during its manufacture or integrated into the signal generator... The at least one sensor can preferably be an optical or acoustic sensor for detecting an optical or acoustic signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical signal detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The at least one sensor can preferably be an optical or acoustic sensor for detecting an optical or acoustic signal, in particular at least one microphone or a light sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic signal detection: Acoustic Emission

Data Source

PatentEP4345789A1Device and method for testing a signaling range of a signal transmitter
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 PFANNENBERG GMBH
  • EP4345789A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4345789A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4345789A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

In order to provide a device for checking a signaling range of a signal transmitter, which enables a cost- and time-saving and reliable testing of the signaling range, a device (100) is proposed comprising a device for determining the signaling range of the signal transmitter (200), wherein the device (100) is configured to determine an actual signaling range (11a-11d) of the signal transmitter (200) and to check whether a predefinable target signaling range (10a-10d) of the signal transmitter (200) lies completely within the actual signaling range (11a-11d) of the signal transmitter (200) determined by means of the device.