Wireless Metrology System for Gauge Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gauge measurement systems in industrial metrology require expensive data cables and limit operator mobility due to tethered connections, leading to cable wear and manual data acceptance/rejection, which are inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A wireless metrology system using ZigBee or other wireless network protocols for encrypted communication, enabling gauges to transmit measurements wirelessly and allowing operators to remotely accept or reject data through a central console, eliminating the need for physical proximity and reducing cable wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data cables are used to connect gauges to the computer, then data transmission is reliable, but cable wear increases and replacement costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical data cable connection with a wireless communication system. The gauge assembly includes a wireless transceiver that communicates with the computer via wireless signals, eliminating the physical cable that causes wear. This substitution maintains data transmission reliability while removing the mechanical wear problem entirely.
2Ease of operation
If the operator stays within close proximity to the computer, then data acceptance and rejection is possible, but operator mobility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless feedback device as an intermediary between the operator and the computer. This portable feedback device receives wireless signals from the gauge assembly and allows the operator to accept or reject measurements remotely without being near the computer. The feedback device acts as a mobile intermediary that maintains data acceptance capability while extending operator mobility.
3Loss of information
If data cables are used for measurement data transmission, then measurement data can be transmitted, but the system complexity increases due to cable management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data transmission function from the physical cable and implements it through wireless communication. The gauge assembly includes integrated wireless transceivers that handle data transmission independently, removing the cable management complexity from the system while preserving complete measurement data transmission capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gauges are moved along the part, then measurements can be taken at different locations, but the computer and gauges must be moved together on a cart
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the gauge assembly dynamically independent from the computer by implementing wireless communication. Each gauge assembly can move freely along the part and communicate measurements wirelessly to the computer, which remains stationary. This dynamic independence eliminates the need for a cart system while maintaining measurement location flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of communicating a gauge measurement may include receiving from a gauge a measurement signal representative of a measurement output by the gauge. The method may further include producing a communication signal including the received measurement. The method may further include wirelessly transmitting the communication signal according to a wireless network protocol. In some examples, a wireless metrology assembly may comprise an input/output controller operatively coupled to a first wireless network controller. The input/output controller may be configured to receive from a gauge a measurement signal representative of a measurement output by the gauge. The input/output controller may be configured to receive the measurement signal from the gauge when the wireless metrology assembly is operatively coupled to the gauge, and to produce a communication signal including the received measurement. The first wireless network controller may be configured to wirelessly transmit the communication signal according to a wireless network protocol.