Ultrasonic Sensor Partition Eliminates Dead Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic distance-measuring sensors suffer from a 'dead zone' where objects closer than a certain distance cannot be detected due to signal interference between generating and receiving modes, and they struggle to distinguish between reflections from distant barriers and the ground, leading to anisotropic beam designs.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic distance-measuring sensor employs two independent piezoelectric transducers within a single member with a partition and slot, allowing for non-interfering vibration generating and receiving surfaces, and a signal processing system with phase-differentiated signals to manage long and short-distance modes, eliminating the dead zone by ensuring distinct signal paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single ultrasonic transducer is used to generate and receive signals, then the device complexity is reduced, but a dead zone is created where objects closer than a certain distance cannot be detected due to signal interference between generating and receiving modes
Solution Approach 1:
The single ultrasonic transducer is segmented into two independent piezoelectric plates (first and second piezoelectric plates) with distinct generating and receiving functions. The first piezoelectric plate generates ultrasonic signals while the second piezoelectric plate receives reflected signals, eliminating the dead zone by preventing signal interference between transmission and reception modes.
2Area of stationary object
If the ultrasonic sensor detects a wide horizontal area, then the coverage area is improved, but the ability to distinguish between reflections from distant barriers and the ground is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The partition structure creates distinct local regions for different detection functions. The first piezoelectric plate is optimized for generating ultrasonic waves with wide horizontal coverage, while the second piezoelectric plate is optimized for receiving signals with improved vertical discrimination capability, allowing the system to maintain both wide coverage and accurate distance discrimination.
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 design enables accurate distance measurement without a dead zone and improved angle detection by maintaining independence between the transducers, preventing signal mixing and enhancing the sensor's ability to differentiate between reflections from objects and the ground.
Implementation Method 1
at least two piezoelectric plates for forming an independent ultrasonic generating/receiving source
Implementation Method 2
one ultrasonic emitter generates an ultrasonic signal, and the other ultrasonic sensor receives the ultrasonic signal for measuring distance
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic distance-measuring sensor assembly and an ultrasonic distance-measuring sensor thereof are disclosed. The ultrasonic distance-measuring sensor includes at least two piezoelectric actuators and a member. The member includes a side wall, at least two vibration generating/receiving surfaces and a partition. The vibration generating/receiving surfaces accommodate the piezoelectric actuators as sources. The side wall surrounds the vibration generating/receiving surfaces. The partition is disposed between the vibration generating/receiving surfaces and includes a slot. The slot is disposed between the vibration sending/receiving surfaces.