Wireless Sensor Function Interface Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic sensor-function interface systems lack flexibility and require rigid mechanical connections, making them inflexible and costly to install and expand, especially when the function interface is not directly needed at the measurement site.

Innovation Solution

A modular, wirelessly coupled electronic function interface and sensor system that allows for independent placement and easy adaptation to different conditions, enabling flexible use scenarios and cost-effective expansion of existing measuring systems without the need for extensive material or assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed mechanical connection between sensor and function interface is used, then installation simplicity is improved, but system flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidsystem flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate sensor unit and function interface unit that can operate independently. The sensor unit detects measurement values and transmits them wirelessly to the function interface unit, which processes the data and provides appropriate functions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables flexible configuration without requiring fixed mechanical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical connection system with a wireless communication system. The sensor unit transmits measurement values to the function interface unit via wireless signals (e.g., radio frequency communication), eliminating the need for physical cables or mechanical connectors. This substitution maintains connection reliability while significantly improving system flexibility and ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the function interface is positioned at the measurement site, then direct functionality is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirect functionalityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between the sensor unit and function interface unit. This intermediary enables data transmission without requiring direct physical proximity or complex installation infrastructure. The function interface unit can be positioned remotely from the measurement site while maintaining reliable data reception and processing capabilities, thereby reducing installation costs and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing measuring systems are expanded with additional functions, then system capability is improved, but time and material expenditure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem capabilityVSAvoidextension time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The function interface unit is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple types of measurement data and provide various processing functions through a single integrated unit. The unit can receive measurement values from different sensor types via wireless communication and automatically adapt to provide appropriate functions (e.g., alarm generation, data logging, display). This multi-functionality enables system expansion without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing time and material expenditure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240011814A1Functional interface for providing a function according to sensor measurement values, and sensor for providing measurement values to a functional interface

Publication Date: 2024.01.11 VEGA GRIESHABER GMBH & CO

AI summary

The invention relates to an electronic function interface for a sensor for detecting a measured quantity, the electronic function interface providing at least one predetermined function depending on sensor information and/or measurement values of the measured quantity detected by the sensor, wherein the function interface is configured as a unit that is constructionally independent of and segregable from the sensor and is coupled to the sensor in a wirelessly data-transmitting manner. The invention further relates to an electronic sensor for detecting a measured quantity, which cooperates with at least one constructionally independent electronic function interface in this manner, and the assembly of an electronic function interface and sensor that are coupled in such a manner.