Ultrasonic Component Identification via Acoustic Reflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for identifying and determining the presence or characteristics of replaceable components in host systems, such as military aircraft and medical infusion pumps, are unreliable, especially under high-stress conditions, due to the use of optical or electromagnetic systems that fail to accurately detect and authenticate components.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a piezoelectric transducer that emits ultrasonic waves to a pattern of grooves on the replaceable component, with the waves being reflected back to determine an identification code, allowing for the detection and authentication of components, including the use of elastomeric materials to create an acoustic pathway for ultrasonic signal transmission and reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If optical or electromagnetic systems are used to identify replaceable components, then identification capability is provided, but reliability deteriorates under high-stress conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification reliabilityVSAvoidhigh-stress environment effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical or electromagnetic identification systems with an ultrasonic acoustic system. The ultrasonic transducer emits acoustic waves that interact with the replaceable component's physical structure (grooves, surfaces, materials), providing identification through acoustic reflections and transmissions. This mechanical/acoustic approach is more reliable under high-stress conditions including extreme temperatures, vibration, and electromagnetic interference that plague optical and electromagnetic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple transducers are used to improve identification accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidtransducer system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a single ultrasonic transducer that performs multiple functions: it acts as both transmitter and receiver of ultrasonic waves, and through signal processing techniques, it can identify different replaceable component types, detect their presence, and authenticate them. This multi-functional approach achieves high identification accuracy without requiring multiple separate transducers, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The ultrasonic transducer operates in periodic pulse mode, emitting ultrasonic waves in successive pulses with intervals between them. During each pulse, the transducer transmits; during intervals, it listens for reflections. This periodic operation allows a single transducer to both transmit and receive signals sequentially, achieving accurate identification without requiring simultaneous multiple transducers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If manual inventory methods are used, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinventory speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasonic identification system enables the host system to automatically identify, inventory, and track replaceable components without human intervention. The system self-services by emitting ultrasonic signals, processing the acoustic responses, and generating identification data automatically. This automation dramatically increases inventory productivity compared to manual methods while the added complexity remains manageable due to the simplicity of the ultrasonic transducer and signal processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 quick and accurate identification of replaceable components, reducing the need for manual inventory and ensuring the authenticity of components, particularly in high-stress environments, while minimizing costs by using a single ultrasonic transducer and reducing the complexity of existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

A system utilizing a piezoelectric transducer that emits ultrasonic waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

with the waves being reflected back to determine an identification code

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

including the use of elastomeric materials to create an acoustic pathway for ultrasonic signal transmission and reception

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic wave propagation: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS9690956B2Ultrasonic identification of replaceable component for host system

Publication Date: 2017.06.27 PIEZOTECH LLC

AI summary

A system, method and device are provided for detecting the presence of, and/or obtain information about, a replaceable component for a host system. A host system has an ultrasonic transducer or transducer pair that detects the presence of, and/or obtains information about, a replaceable component for a host system through receipt or non-receipt of an ultrasonic signal. The replaceable component includes a key or other feature that either allows the transmission or reflection of a transmitted ultrasonic signal, or which does not allow the reception or reflection of the transmitted ultrasonic signal, depending on the host configuration.