Single Cell Battery Detection Device with Integrated Signal Transmission

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery-operated object detecting devices require separate batteries for warning and low battery signal transmitting units, leading to complex replacement processes and high costs due to different battery lifetimes and channel requirements in receiving devices.

Innovation Solution

A battery-operated object detecting device with a single electric cell-driven detecting unit that includes a low battery detecting circuit and a wireless transmitting device, eliminating the need for separate batteries and reducing channel requirements by integrating a voltage changing circuit and dummy electric cell for simplified structure and low-cost operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate batteries are used for warning signal transmitting unit and low battery signal transmitting unit, then each unit can operate independently, but the device complexity and replacement cost increase due to different battery lifetimes and multiple channel requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent operation of transmitting unitsVSAvoidmultiple batteries and channels
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the warning signal transmitting unit and low battery signal transmitting unit into a single integrated transmitting device. This single device uses one battery to transmit both warning signals and low battery signals through the same communication channel, eliminating the need for separate batteries and reducing system complexity while maintaining independent operation capability through software-controlled signal prioritization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated transmitting device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can transmit both warning signals and low battery signals using the same hardware components. The device universally handles different signal types through a single battery-powered transmitter, reducing the number of components needed while maintaining full functionality

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

2Reliability

If different batteries are employed in warning signal transmitting unit and low battery signal transmitting unit, then each unit has dedicated power supply, but battery replacement becomes complicated and uneconomic due to different lifetimes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvededicated power supply for each unitVSAvoidbattery replacement process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power supply system into a single battery that serves both the warning signal transmitting unit and the low battery signal transmitting unit. This eliminates the need for separate battery replacements and simplifies maintenance operations, while the system maintains reliable power supply through centralized battery management and voltage monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate transmitting units with different batteries are used, then each unit can be optimized for its specific function, but the channel requirements and receiving device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction-specific optimizationVSAvoidchannel requirements in receiving device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal transmitting device that handles both warning signals and low battery signals through a single communication channel. The receiving device is simplified to process both signal types through a unified reception system, reducing channel requirements while maintaining the ability to optimize handling of different signal types through software processing

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

Data Source

PatentEP2592607B1Battery-operated object detecting device
Publication Date: 2015.10.28 OPTEX CO LTD
  • EP2592607B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2592607B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2592607B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A battery-operated object detecting device (D) includes a detecting unit (U) adapted to be driven by an electric cell (12) mounted thereon, and a transmitting device (20) driven by the electric cell (12) in the detecting unit (U) for wireless transmitting at least a low battery signal being indicative of a reduction in voltage of the electric cell (12). An electric power sharing unit (30) for outputting a supply voltage to the transmitting device (20) includes a voltage changing circuit (32) for changing, based on a low battery detection result from a low battery detecting circuit (13), to a voltage necessary for causing a low battery determining circuit (21) of the transmitting device (20) to change the supply voltage from the electric cell (12) to a voltage for determining a low battery state.