Universal Current Regulator for Multi-Sensor Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring devices for physical quantities like temperature and acceleration become cluttered with complex circuitry due to the need for selecting and powering different sensors, which complicates the measurement process.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a direct voltage source and a current regulator to supply sensors with a constant direct current, allowing for accurate measurement of physical quantities without the need for additional components or complex circuitry to select the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If switches and programmed modules are added to select and power different sensors, then the device can measure multiple physical quantities, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal current supply circuit that can automatically adapt to different sensor types (accelerometer, temperature sensor, pressure sensor) without requiring manual switching or complex control logic. The circuit measures the resistance of each sensor and automatically adjusts the supply current accordingly, allowing one circuit to serve multiple sensor types through intelligent adaptation rather than dedicated circuits for each sensor type.
2Measurement precision
If a resistance temperature detector is supplied with high precision constant current, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but the current regulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The current supply circuit automatically measures the resistance of the temperature sensor and self-adjusts the supply current to the precise level required for accurate measurement. This self-calibrating mechanism eliminates the need for external precision current sources or complex regulation circuits, as the system performs its own configuration based on the sensor's characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit incorporates resistance measurement and feedback control to automatically determine the appropriate current level for each sensor. By measuring the sensor resistance and using this information to regulate the supply current, the system achieves precise temperature measurement without requiring pre-configured precision current sources or complex external regulation.
3Device complexity
If an accelerometer is supplied with constant current with wide tolerance, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using fixed tolerance current sources for different sensor types, the patent implements a dynamic current supply that automatically adapts to each sensor's requirements. The circuit measures the sensor resistance and adjusts the current in real-time, transforming a static, simplified approach into a dynamic, adaptive system that maintains simplicity while achieving precision.
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 approach enables accurate measurement of physical quantities such as temperature and acceleration without cluttering the measuring device with complex electronics, allowing for easy replacement of sensors and improved precision with a tolerance of less than or equal to 0.2% for the current regulation.
Implementation Method 1
Piezoelectric accelerometers, for example, have the property of becoming electrically charged when subjected to deformation. As the piezoelectric phenomenon works in both directions, accelerometers also deform when they are electrically charged which allows an electrical voltage proportional to the acceleration to be collected.
Implementation Method 2
These sensors can be configured to measure a temperature usually using a typical resistance value of 1000 ohm at 0° C. The current flowing through the resistor generates a voltage to be measured to determine the temperature. It is based on the fact that the electrical resistance of platinum varies with temperature.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for measuring a level of a physical condition includes a sensor configured to sense the physical condition and to produce an electrical output indicative of the sensed physical condition, the sensor having an input and an output, a direct voltage source connected to the sensor input, a current regulator connected in an electrical path between the direct voltage source and the sensor input, and a voltmeter connected in parallel with the sensor such that a voltage detected by the voltmeter is indicative of the level of the sensed physical condition.