Smart Sensor Module With Dual Connectors For Signal Pass-Through
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing the varying characteristics and attributes of different sensor types and models is challenging, as existing technologies lack standardized methods for connecting sensors to external devices and enabling additional functionalities such as communication and feedback mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A smart sensor module that connects to sensors using two connectors, allowing for multiple operating states, including a pass-through state for signal transmission and alternate states for communication, indicator activation, and data retrieval, by varying voltage, current, or polarity applied by the external device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a smart sensor module is introduced to provide multiple operating states and communication functionality, then sensor versatility and functionality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smart sensor module is designed with a universal interface that supports multiple operating states (pass-through, communication, indicator) through a single standardized connector assembly. The module can function as a simple signal pass-through device or as an intelligent communication device, eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The module is divided into distinct functional sections: a sensor interface section, a communication interface section, and an indicator section. Each section can be independently controlled and activated, allowing the system to achieve multiple functionalities while maintaining manageable complexity through modular organization.
2Ease of operation
If standardized connectors are used to simplify sensor integration, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to provide multiple operating states becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized connector assembly incorporates dynamic switching capabilities that allow the electrical connection configuration to change based on operating mode. The same physical connector can dynamically reconfigure signal paths between sensor, communication interface, and indicator components through controllable switches or reconfigurable circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
A controller acts as an intermediary component within the connector assembly that manages the transition between different operating states. The controller receives signals from the external device and routes them appropriately to either the sensor, communication interface, or indicator, enabling multiple functions through a single standardized connection.
3Loss of information
If additional communication and feedback mechanisms are added to sensors, then information availability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface and sensor interface are merged into a single integrated module with shared connectors. The same physical connection provides both the sensor's analog signal output and the communication interface, eliminating the need for separate communication hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The module incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller can send signals back to the external device through the same connector assembly used for sensor input. This bidirectional communication enables status reporting and control without requiring additional separate communication channels, maintaining information flow while managing complexity through reuse of existing connections.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of the present disclosure describe smart sensor technology. In an example, a smart sensor module may connect to a sensor using two connectors. Similarly, an external device may connect to the smart sensor module using two connectors, such that, in a pass-through operating state, a signal from the sensor is passed through the smart sensor module to the external device, thereby causing the smart sensor module to appear as an ordinary sensor and enabling the external device to sense the signal from the sensor. In another example, the smart sensor module may have an alternate operating state, wherein additional functionality is enabled, including, but not limited to, communication with a controller, activation of a light emitting diode (LED) or other indicator, or the retrieval and/or storage of information. The operating state may be selected based on the manner in which the external device connects to the smart sensor module.