Wireless Interface in Sealed Battery Compartment for Calipers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable measuring instruments face limitations in data processing and transmission capabilities due to restrictive connectors that compromise ergonomics, increase dust and water vulnerability, and reduce autonomy, with existing solutions either requiring specialized connectors or reducing instrument accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A communication interface integrated within a sealed compartment of the instrument, allowing for bidirectional wireless or wired data transmission without modifying the instrument's appearance or handling, using a dedicated power source to maintain autonomy and reduce power consumption, and enabling data processing, storage, and correction within the instrument.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a connector is added to enable data transmission, then data processing and transmission capabilities are improved, but the instrument's ergonomics deteriorate and it becomes vulnerable to dust and water

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidergonomics

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The communication interface is nested within the existing battery compartment of the measuring instrument. The interface unit fits inside the sealed compartment, utilizing the available internal space without requiring external connectors that would compromise ergonomics or sealing integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A wireless communication module serves as an intermediary between the measuring instrument and external devices. This eliminates the need for physical connectors while maintaining data transmission capability, thus preserving both ergonomics and environmental sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a connector is added to enable data transmission, then data processing and transmission capabilities are improved, but the instrument's vulnerability to dust and water increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoiddust and water vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery compartment maintains its sealed structure with flexible sealing elements that prevent dust and water ingress. The communication interface is accessed through this sealed enclosure, preserving protection against environmental harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If an integrated communication interface is added, then data processing capabilities are improved, but the instrument's volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing capabilityVSAvoidinstrument volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery compartment serves multiple functions: it houses both the battery and the communication interface. This multi-functional design allows the interface to be integrated without requiring additional external space, thus avoiding volume increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If the main battery powers the communication interface, then device complexity is reduced, but the instrument's measuring autonomy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply structureVSAvoidmeasuring autonomy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into two independent parts: the main battery for the measuring circuit and a separate rechargeable battery for the communication interface. This segmentation allows each subsystem to operate independently, preventing the interface from consuming power needed for measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The communication interface has its own rechargeable battery that can be independently charged and managed. This self-service power supply allows the interface to operate without impacting the main battery's autonomy for measurement functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9728079B2Instrument for measuring dimensions equipped with an interface and corresponding interface

Publication Date: 2017.08.08 TESA SA(CH)

AI summary

Electronic measuring instrument equipped with a removable intelligent processing and radio communication interface. The interface allows managing additional features such as bidirectional communication of commands and measurement data with printers, computers or other external devices, as well as the transmission of instructions or measurement programs to the instrument. The radio interface may be connected with several measuring instruments such as callipers, micrometers, comparators or height gauges. It is integrated into the lid of the battery compartment of the instrument, so that it can be installed and removed easily and without impairing the seal. The cover also includes an extra battery for the processing and radio transmission interface.