Integrated User Interface for Submersible Multi-Parameter Sonde
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional submersible multi-parameter sondes lack integrated user interfaces to provide status and diagnostic information without requiring external accessories, compromising watertight seals.
Innovation Solution
An integrated user interface with a liquid crystal display and 3-axis digital accelerometer, housed in a clear, watertight housing, allows users to control and monitor sonde functions without external connections, including sensor calibration and data logging, by detecting orientation and tapping motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional multi-parameter sondes use only small LEDs for status indication, then the device maintains simplicity and watertight integrity, but the amount of useful status information provided to users is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display functionality directly into the sonde housing by creating a watertight display module that integrates the LCD screen, accelerometer, and control electronics within the sealed housing. This eliminates the need for external displays or accessories while providing comprehensive status information, thus combining multiple functions (display, control, sensing) into a single integrated unit that maintains watertight integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display module serves multiple functions: it displays status information, provides diagnostic data, enables user control of sonde functions, and acts as a interface for configuration. The accelerometer both detects orientation for display orientation and detects tapping motions for user input, demonstrating multi-functionality that addresses information needs without adding external components.
2Loss of information
If external accessories are connected to obtain status information, then comprehensive diagnostic data can be accessed, but the watertight seal of the sonde is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The display and control functions are merged into the sonde housing itself, creating an integrated user interface that provides comprehensive diagnostic information without requiring external connections. The watertight housing encapsulates all necessary components (LCD, accelerometer, electronics), eliminating the need to breach the seal for information access while maintaining complete watertight integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the sonde is equipped with an integrated display and control interface, then user control and status monitoring are improved without external connections, but the device complexity and housing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display module, accelerometer, and control electronics are merged into a single integrated assembly housed within the sealed housing. This integration provides comprehensive user control and status monitoring capabilities while consolidating components into one unit, managing complexity through integration rather than adding separate external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The accelerometer performs dual functions: it detects sonde orientation to properly orient the display output and detects tapping motions to provide user input control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, managing device complexity by having components serve multiple purposes.
4Loss of time
If remote sondes can self-monitor and self-control, then response time to malfunctions is reduced, but the sonde requires integrated electronics that increase power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The sonde is equipped with an integrated user interface that enables self-monitoring and self-control capabilities. The display continuously shows status information without external connections, and the accelerometer detects user interactions for local control of sonde functions. This self-service capability eliminates response delays associated with retrieving external controllers, allowing immediate monitoring and control even in remote locations.
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
Enables users to rapidly assess and control sonde status and functions, including deployment readiness and sensor readings, without compromising the watertight integrity, even in remote locations, reducing downtime due to malfunctions or oversight.
Implementation Method 1
a display module, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD)
Implementation Method 2
a 3-axis digital accelerometer electronically connected to the central processing unit (CPU) of a submersible multi-parameter sonde
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are multi-parameter sonde systems having a unique integrated user interface for ease of set-up and control, service and maintenance, even in the field and without accessory controllers. The necessary components, such as central processing unit, display and accelerometer are positioned in a water-tight housing, with the display configured for convenient observability and readability. A plurality of sensors provide electronic signals to the CPU, such as by a measurement subsystem. Upon a controlled change in orientation or a force application to the sonde, the display via the accelerometer provides a desired output display configuration.