Wireless Sensor Self-Configuration via Machine Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless measuring sensors attached to machine tools require manual configuration, leading to complexity and susceptibility to errors during initial commissioning and replacement, as they lack a control panel and require manual entry of access data for data transmission systems.

Innovation Solution

A method where a motion program is automatically generated for the machine component, modulating access data into the movement of the machine axes, allowing the wireless sensor to decode and connect to the machine-side communication interface, and self-identification of the sensor's mounting position is performed through vibration measurement analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless sensors are permanently mounted on the machine without manual configuration, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for automated identification and configuration systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor configuration effortVSAvoidautomated configuration system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor performs self-configuration by automatically receiving and processing access data transmitted through machine component movements. The sensor autonomously decodes the modulated signals and configures its communication parameters without requiring manual intervention or additional programming devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual configuration operations with a mechanical vibration-based communication system. Access data is transmitted by modulating machine component movements, which generate vibrations that the sensor detects and decodes, substituting the mechanical act of manual data entry with an automated physical transmission process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual configuration of access data is required for wireless sensors, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to susceptibility to configuration errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration systemVSAvoidconfiguration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor autonomously receives and processes access data through automated decoding of modulated machine movements, eliminating human intervention and the associated errors in data entry, network selection, and host pairing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes bidirectional communication where the sensor receives access data from the machine and can subsequently transmit measurement data back to the machine, ensuring proper configuration through feedback verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If access data is transmitted through machine component movements, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase for vibration detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission processVSAvoidvibration measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent intentionally generates mechanical vibrations by moving machine components according to a motion program to encode and transmit access data. The sensor detects these controlled vibrations, and the system design ensures that the vibration characteristics are sufficient for reliable decoding while performing within normal machine operational parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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 significantly reduces manual effort and errors in sensor configuration, enabling automatic and accurate connection of wireless sensors to the machine's communication interface, simplifying the initial setup and replacement processes.

Implementation Method 1

a motion program for the machine component is started on the machine, which moves the machine component in a defined manner along the machine axes. The access data for a machine-side communication interface are modulated into this motion program. The wireless sensor measures the vibrations introduced into the machine by moving the machine axes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3375215B1Method for transmitting machine access data to a wireless measurement sensor of the machine, and measurement sensor and machine therefor
Publication Date: 2020.09.30 TRUMPF WERKZEUGMASCHINEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3375215B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for transmitting data for accessing a communications interface (4) of a machine (1) to a wireless measurement sensor (5) fastened to the machine (1). According to the invention, a machine component (2) of the machine (1) which influences the measurement signal (10) of the measurement sensor (5) is controlled in an information-specific manner for the wireless transmission of access data from the machine (1) to the measurement sensor (5), and as a result, information-specific measurement signals (10) are generated at the measurement sensor (5), and the measurement signals (10) from the measurement sensor (5) itself are evaluated as access data.