Passive sensor device and passive sensor system

Abstract

Disclosed are a passive sensor device and a passive sensor system wherein the passive sensor device comprises: a sensing control module configured to operably perform health detection on a device to be detected and generate a health status detection result; the energy collection module is mounted on the main body of the to-be-detected equipment and is configured to convert collected vibration energy from the to-be-detected equipment into alternating current energy; and the power management module is configured to receive the alternating current energy from the energy collection module, convert the alternating current energy into direct current energy and supply power to the passive sensor equipment based on the direct current energy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of detection and control, and more specifically to a passive sensor device and a passive sensor system. Background Art

[0002] With the widespread application of detection technology in civil and commercial fields, detection control, especially sensor systems and sensor equipment, are facing higher requirements.

[0003] Current sensor devices, such as predictive health management sensors for motors, generally include two types: wired sensors and battery-based wireless sensors. For wired sensors, special wiring is required to connect to an external independent power source, which makes them inconvenient to install; although battery-based wireless sensors can solve the wiring problem, they involve another problem: the battery life is limited (usually 3-5 years), and there is a situation of power loss, which requires the battery to be replaced or replaced with a new sensor from time to time.

[0004] Therefore, a passive sensor device is needed that can realize good sensor detection function without complicated wiring for power supply and without the need to consider battery exhaustion and replacement of batteries or sensors. Moreover, the sensor device can realize self-power supply through energy conversion without the need for additional external power supply. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a passive sensor device and a passive sensor system. The passive sensor device provided by the present invention can realize self-power supply through energy conversion on the basis of realizing good sensor detection control, without the need to set up an additional external power supply, so that it is formed into a passive sensor device without complex power supply wiring and without the need to consider battery exhaustion and regular battery replacement.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a passive sensor device is proposed, comprising: a sensing control module, which is configured to operably perform a detection process on a device to be detected and generate a detection result; an energy collection module, which is installed on the main body of the device to be detected and is configured to convert the collected vibration energy from the device to be detected into alternating current energy; a power management module, which is configured to receive alternating current energy from the energy collection module, convert the alternating current energy into direct current energy, and supply power to the passive sensor device based on the direct current energy.

[0007] In some embodiments, the power management module includes: a rectifier module, which is configured to convert the AC power energy into a first DC power energy; a regulator module, which is configured to receive the first DC power energy from the rectifier module and perform voltage regulation on the first DC power energy to generate a second DC power energy; an energy tracking module, which is configured to receive the second DC power energy from the regulator module and charge the energy storage element based on the second DC power energy; and a charging management module, which is configured to use the DC power energy in the energy storage element to power the passive sensor device.

[0008] In some embodiments, the charging management module is further configured to: detect the current charge value of the energy storage element; compare the current charge value of the energy storage element with a preset charge threshold, and send a power compliance signal to the sensing control module when the current charge value is greater than the preset charge threshold.

[0009] In some embodiments, the sensing control module is pre-configured to be in a low-power operating mode, and the sensing control module is also configured to: receive a power compliance signal from the charging management module; and switch from the low-power operating mode to the normal operating mode in response to the power compliance signal, and the power consumption of the normal operating mode is higher than that of the low-power operating mode.

[0010] In some embodiments, the sensing control module includes: a sensor module, which is configured to operably detect the performance status of the device to be detected and generate a detection signal; a controller module, which is configured to operably receive the detection signal and determine the detection result of the device to be detected based on the detection signal.

[0011] In some embodiments, in the low-power operating mode, the controller module is configured to be in a sleep mode, and the sensor module is configured to be in a no-power mode; and wherein, upon receiving a power compliance signal, the controller module and the sensor module switch to the low-power operating mode.

[0012] In some embodiments, when the controller module and the sensor module are in a low-power operating mode, when the controller module receives a detection trigger event, the controller module and the sensor module are configured to switch from the low-power operating mode to a high-power operating mode.

[0013] In some embodiments, the detection trigger event includes at least one of a periodic trigger signal from a controller module, an abnormal detection signal from a sensor module, and a detection request signal from an external device.

[0014] In some embodiments, in the high-power working mode, the controller module is configured to determine a detection result of the device to be detected based on the detection signal, and send the detection result.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a passive sensor system is proposed, comprising: a passive sensor device as described above; a gateway device, which is configured to receive detection results from the passive sensor device and send the detection results to an external device; an external device, which includes at least one of a cloud platform and a user device, and is configured to receive detection results from the gateway device and display or store the detection results; and wherein the gateway device is further configured to: receive instruction information from the external device, and send the instruction information to the passive sensor device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work. The following drawings are not deliberately scaled according to the actual size, and the focus is on illustrating the main purpose of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a passive sensor device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a case where the energy collection module 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a piezoelectric transducer;

[0019] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a power management module 130 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0020] Figure 4 A flow chart showing a passive sensor device 100 for a motor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a passive sensor system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work also fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] As shown in this application and claims, unless the context clearly indicates an exception, the words "a", "an", "an" and / or "the" do not refer to the singular and may also include the plural. Generally speaking, the terms "include" and "comprise" only indicate the inclusion of the steps and elements that have been clearly identified, and these steps and elements do not constitute an exclusive list. The method or device may also include other steps or elements.

[0024] Although the present application makes various references to certain modules in the system according to the embodiments of the present application, any number of different modules can be used and run on the user terminal and / or server. The modules are only illustrative, and different aspects of the system and method can use different modules.

[0025] Flowcharts are used in the present application to illustrate the operations performed by the system according to the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that the preceding or following operations are not necessarily performed accurately in order. On the contrary, various steps may be processed in reverse order or simultaneously as required. Meanwhile, other operations may also be added to these processes, or a certain step or several steps of operations may be removed from these processes.

[0026] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a passive sensor device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the passive sensor device refers to a sensor device that can achieve good self-power supply through energy conversion without the need for an additional external power supply.

[0027] Reference Figure 1 The passive sensor device 100 , for example, includes: a sensing control module 110 , an energy collection module 120 , and a power management module 130 .

[0028] The sensing control module 110 is configured to operably execute a detection process on the device to be detected and generate a detection result.

[0029] The device to be detected refers to the target device to be detected. The device to be detected may be, for example, a motor, a lathe, a gear grinder, etc., or the corresponding device to be detected may be determined according to actual needs. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited by the specific device type of the device to be detected.

[0030] The detection process refers to the process of detecting the current performance status of the device to be detected. The detection process may, for example, include collecting multiple data related to the performance status of the device to be detected, and generating a detection result based on further processing of the data. The detection result may, for example, include one or more result parameters such as a working status detection result, a remaining service life status detection result, an abnormal fault status detection result, and a healthy status detection result. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited by the specific composition of the detection process and the specific content of the detection result.

[0031] The energy collection module 120 is intended to realize the conversion process of other energy into electrical energy. Specifically, the energy collection module 120 can be installed on the main body of the device to be detected, and is configured to convert the vibration energy collected from the device to be detected into alternating current energy.

[0032] For example, when the device to be detected is a motor device, the energy collection module 120 can be installed on a spindle bearing bracket of the motor device, or on a heat sink of the motor device, so as to better collect the vibration energy of the motor device.

[0033] For example, the energy collection module may be a piezoelectric transducer or a magnetoelectric transducer, so as to convert the vibration energy from the device to be detected into alternating current energy based on a piezoelectric / magnetoelectric conversion method. Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a case where the energy collection module 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a piezoelectric transducer. Figure 2 The energy conversion process will be described in more detail.

[0034] Reference Figure 2 , wherein the energy collection module 120 is, for example, a piezoelectric transducer, and the piezoelectric transducer includes a connecting structure 121, a cantilever beam 122, and a mass block 123. The connecting structure 121 is configured to be fixed to the main body of the device to be detected, one end of the cantilever beam 122 is arranged on the connecting structure, and the other end of the cantilever beam extends in a direction away from the connecting structure, and the cantilever beam is, for example, made of a piezoelectric material. And wherein, a mass block 123 is provided at the other end of the cantilever beam, and the mass block is intended to enhance the vibration amplitude of the cantilever beam, so that more vibration energy can be collected. Specifically, when the device to be detected is working (for example, the motor is in operation), the cantilever beam made of piezoelectric material will vibrate accordingly and generate electrical energy (here, AC energy).

[0035] However, it should be understood that the above only provides an example of using a piezoelectric transducer to achieve energy conversion. According to actual conditions, piezoelectric transducers or magnetoelectric transducers of other structures, compositions or types can be selected to achieve the conversion of vibration energy into alternating current energy. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited by the specific energy conversion method and the specific type of the transducer component.

[0036] The power management module 130 is configured to receive the AC power energy from the energy collection module 120 , convert the AC power energy into DC power energy, and supply power to the passive sensor device 100 based on the DC power energy.

[0037] It should be understood that the power management module can, for example, rectify the AC power energy obtained in the energy collection module based on the rectifier module to obtain DC power energy. And the power management module can, for example, further set a regulator module, an energy tracking module, etc. to further adjust the DC power energy and maximize the obtained electric power.

[0038] It should be understood that the process of supplying power to the passive sensor device 100 can be described in more detail. For example, when the power in the power management module is low (e.g., less than or equal to a preset power threshold), the DC power in the power management module is only used to power a portion of the modules in the passive sensor device; after the power in the power management module increases and reaches a preset standard (e.g., greater than a preset power threshold), the DC power in the power management module can be used to power each module in the passive sensor device.

[0039] Based on the above, in the present application, by setting the sensor device as a passive sensor device, specifically, on the basis of setting it to have a sensing control module that performs a detection process on the device to be detected and generates a detection result, the sensor device is further set to include an energy collection module and a power management module, so that the vibration energy collected from the device to be detected can be converted into AC energy via the energy collection module installed on the main body of the device to be detected, and the AC energy can be converted into DC energy via the power management module, and the passive sensor device is powered based on the DC energy. Compared with current wired sensors and battery-based wireless sensors, the passive sensor device in the present application can achieve good and reliable self-power supply (especially powering the sensing control module) through energy conversion, without the need to additionally set up an external power supply, without the need to set up complex power supply wiring, and also avoids the problem of needing to replace batteries or sensors from time to time.

[0040] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a power management module 130 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Reference Figure 3 In some embodiments, the power management module 130 includes, for example: a rectifier module 131 , a regulator module 132 , an energy tracking module 133 and a charging management module 134 .

[0042] The rectifier module 131 refers to a module for implementing the rectification process of alternating current to direct current, which can be, for example, a rectifier component or a rectifier circuit. The rectifier module 131 is configured to convert the alternating current energy into a first direct current energy. It should be understood that, according to the specific amplitude of the vibration energy, the voltage value range of the alternating current energy can vary, for example, within the range of 0.2V to 10V.

[0043] The regulator module 132 is configured to receive the first DC power energy from the rectifier module 131, and perform voltage regulation on the first DC power energy to generate the second DC power energy. It should be understood that the first DC power energy and the second DC power energy in the present application are intended to distinguish two DCs with different DC voltages, and are not intended to limit them.

[0044] For example, the regulator module adjusts the voltage of the first DC power energy with a larger voltage value (the DC voltage is, for example, 10V) to obtain the second DC power energy (the DC voltage is, for example, 3.3V) adapted to the sensor device. However, it should be understood that the above only provides an example of voltage regulation. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific voltage values ​​corresponding to the first and second DC power energies.

[0045] The energy tracking module 133 is configured to receive the second DC power energy from the regulator module 132 and charge the energy storage element based on the second DC power energy.

[0046] Specifically, since the electric power generated by the energy harvesting module is relatively small, it cannot directly power the passive sensor device (especially its sensing control module). Therefore, the electric energy will be stored in the energy tracking module until the electric energy is sufficient for the detection control process.

[0047] For example, the energy tracking module can be configured to adjust the timing logic and duty cycle of the switch on and off of the charging circuit in the energy tracking module accordingly based on the voltage value of the second DC energy, so as to enable the energy storage element to be charged with the best charging efficiency. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited by the specific charging method and charging circuit composition of the energy tracking module.

[0048] It should be understood that the energy storage element may be, for example, a low leakage rechargeable battery or a super capacitor. However, it should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited by the specific composition of the energy storage element.

[0049] The charging management module 134 is configured to use the DC power in the energy storage element to power the passive sensor device. It should be understood that, as mentioned above, the process of powering the passive sensor device 100 can be, for example, when the power in the energy storage element is low (for example, less than or equal to a preset power threshold), the DC power in the energy storage element is, for example, only used to power a portion of the modules in the passive sensor device; after the power in the energy storage element increases and reaches a preset standard (for example, greater than a preset power threshold), the DC power in the energy storage element can be used to power each module in the passive sensor device.

[0050] Based on the above, in the present application, by setting the power management module to further include a rectifier module, a regulator module, an energy tracking module and a charging management module, the power management module can perform a good rectification and voltage adjustment process on the AC power energy obtained by energy conversion, and charge the corresponding energy storage element based on the adjusted voltage, so that electricity can be further accumulated in the energy storage element, and finally the electricity accumulated in the energy storage element is used to power the passive sensor device, thereby realizing a good and reliable self-power supply process and ensuring that the passive sensor has a good and stable energy source.

[0051] In some embodiments, the charging management module 134 is further configured to: detect the current charge value of the energy storage element; compare the current charge value of the energy storage element with a preset charge threshold, and send a power compliance signal to the sensing control module when the current charge value is greater than the preset charge threshold.

[0052] The current power value of the energy storage element refers to data characterizing the power currently stored in the energy storage element. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited by the specific method of detecting the current power value.

[0053] The preset power threshold refers to the threshold data pre-set by the sensor device or the user, which is intended to divide the storage state of the power in the energy storage element. For example, exceeding the preset power threshold indicates that the current power value in the energy storage element is high, which can, for example, support the sensor device, especially the sensing control module to perform various functions in the normal working mode (such as the detection process of the device to be detected, etc.). Being lower than the preset power threshold indicates that the current power value in the energy storage element is insufficient, which cannot support the sensor device, especially cannot support the sensing control module to perform functions in the normal working mode, and can only support the sensing control module to maintain the operation of the core functions in the low power working mode (such as the operation of the core controller module in the sensing control module).

[0054] The power reaching standard signal is intended to indicate that the current power value of the energy storage element reaches a preset standard, for example, indicating that the current power value of the energy storage element reaches a standard that supports the sensing control module to operate in a normal working mode.

[0055] It should be understood that the power compliance signal may be, for example, a character signal, or a text signal, or a binary coded signal. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited by the specific composition and expression form of the power compliance signal.

[0056] Based on the above, in the present application, the charging management module is set to detect the current charge value of the energy storage element, and when the current charge value is greater than the preset charge threshold, a power compliance signal is sent to the sensing control module, so that the current charge status can be flexibly and efficiently transmitted to the sensing control module, which is beneficial for the sensing control module to flexibly adjust its working mode based on the charge status, thereby realizing efficient utilization of the electricity.

[0057] In some embodiments, the sensing control module 110 may be pre-configured to be in a low-power operation mode, for example.

[0058] For example, during the initialization or startup phase of the passive sensor device, the sensing control module 110 is in a low-power working mode through manual settings by the user or pre-setting by the system. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited by a specific pre-configuration method.

[0059] The low-power working mode means that the sensing control module only operates with the minimum power required to maintain its basic functions. Specifically, for example, when the sensing control module includes a sensor module and a controller module, in the low-power working mode, the sensor module will be configured to not be powered on (not connected to electricity), and the power in the energy storage element is only supplied to the controller module, and the controller module is, for example, only configured to perform necessary functions such as hardware reset, and does not receive other signals and data except the power management module (charging management module), and does not communicate with the outside world. In this low-power action mode, the current of the entire passive sensor device is, for example, below 5uA.

[0060] However, it should be understood that the above only provides an example of a low-power operation mode and its current level, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0061] The sensing control module 110 is also configured to: receive a power compliance signal from the charging management module 134; and switch from a low power operation mode to a normal operation mode in response to the power compliance signal, wherein the power consumption of the normal operation mode is higher than that of the low power operation mode.

[0062] It should be understood that the normal working mode refers to the mode in which the sensing control module performs conventional functions, such as executing its detection process, detecting the performance status of the device to be detected and generating a detection signal, etc. It should be understood that, according to actual conditions, the normal working mode of the sensing control module may further include multiple sub-modes, such as a low-power working mode, a high-power working mode, etc., which correspond to different functions and also generate different energy consumptions, which will be described in more detail below and will not be repeated here.

[0063] Based on the above, in the present application, the sensing control module is pre-configured to be in a low-power working mode, and in response to the power reaching standard signal, it switches from the low-power working mode to the normal working mode with higher power consumption, so that the working mode and power consumption of the sensing control module can be flexibly adjusted according to the level of converted power. When the converted power is low, the core functions of the passive sensor device can be well maintained and power can be saved. When the converted energy is sufficient, the functions of the passive sensor can be further enriched, thereby achieving a balance between power consumption and function.

[0064] In some embodiments, the sensing control module 110 includes: a sensor module 111 and a controller module 112 .

[0065] The sensor module 111 is configured to operably detect the performance status of the device to be detected and generate a detection signal.

[0066] For example, the sensor module may be an integrated sensor circuit, or may include multiple discrete sensor components. For example, it may include vibration, temperature, magnetic field, and noise acquisition subcircuits, etc. And the process of detecting the performance state of the device to be detected may be achieved, for example, by collecting multiple performance signals that characterize the performance of the device to be detected, such as collecting its vibration signal, temperature signal, rotation speed signal, magnetic field signal, etc., or it may be based on the comparison of the sampled signal with the preset signal threshold on the sensor module side, and based on the comparison, a normal / abnormal detection signal (for example, characterizing whether the performance is in a normal state) is generated, and the normal / abnormal detection signal is sent to the controller module. However, it should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited by the specific composition of the sensor module.

[0067] The controller module 112 is configured to operably receive the detection signal and determine a detection result of the device to be detected based on the detection signal.

[0068] For example, the controller module can perform calculations based on the detection signal, a neural network algorithm or a comprehensive function, and generate a final detection result. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited by the specific manner in which the controller module generates the detection result.

[0069] It should be understood that, according to actual conditions, for example, in different working modes, the sensor module and the controller module can perform different operations. For example, in a low-power working mode, the sensor module, for example, only performs a low-precision detection process, that is, performs detection at a lower sampling rate and low bandwidth, for example, only samples one or several core data signals or only analyzes and generates a normal / abnormal detection signal based on one or several core data, and for example, only sends an abnormal detection signal indicating that the corresponding data signal is in an abnormal state to the controller module. And in the low-power mode, the controller module will not further analyze and process the signal from the sensor module. For example, in a high-power working mode, the sensor module performs a high-precision detection process, performs detection at a higher sampling rate and high bandwidth, and sends all detection signals (for example, including data signals and / or normal / abnormal detection signals) to the controller module, and the controller module further processes and generates detection results based on the detection signal.

[0070] Based on the above, in the present application, by setting the sensing control module to include a sensor module and a controller module, the sensing control module can operably implement the detection process of the device to be detected based on actual conditions, and determine the corresponding detection result based on the detection signal, thereby achieving good and reliable detection of the device to be detected.

[0071] In some embodiments, when the sensing control module includes a sensor module and a controller module, the aforementioned working mode can be described in more detail, for example.

[0072] For example, in the low-power operation mode, the controller module is configured to be in a sleep mode, and the sensor module is configured to be in a power-off mode.

[0073] The sleep mode refers to a mode in which the controller module operates with the lowest power consumption. At this time, the controller module is configured, for example, to only receive signals (power compliance signals) from the power management module, but not receive signals from other modules or external devices, and does not communicate with other modules or external devices.

[0074] The sensor module is in the non-power-off mode, which means that the sensor module is not connected to a power source and is completely unpowered (ie, consumes no power at all).

[0075] And wherein, when receiving a power reaching standard signal, the controller module and the sensor module switch to a low power working mode.

[0076] It should be understood that the low-power working mode and the high-power working mode described below are both types of normal working modes. The normal working mode refers to a working mode in which the controller module and the sensor module operate normally and realize corresponding functions. Among them, the low-power working mode refers to a working mode with lower power consumption in normal operation. In this working mode, some high-power consumption functions of the controller module and the sensor module are selectively disabled or not performed, and only their basic functions are performed, such as only low-precision detection processes, so as to achieve power saving. The high-power operation refers to a working mode with higher power consumption in normal operation. In this working mode, various functions of the controller module and the sensor module, especially high-power consumption functions, are executed, such as executing high-precision detection processes and stage processing processes.

[0077] For example, in the low-power working mode, as mentioned above, the sensor module, for example, only performs a low-precision detection process, that is, performs detection at a lower sampling rate and low bandwidth, for example, only samples one or several core data signals or only analyzes and generates normal / abnormal detection signals based on one or several core data, and for example, only sends an abnormal detection signal indicating that the corresponding data signal is in an abnormal state to the controller module. In the low-power mode, the controller module, for example, does not further analyze and process the signal from the sensor module, and does not send relevant signals to the external device.

[0078] Based on the above, in the present application, by setting in the low power working mode, the controller module is configured to be in the sleep mode, and the sensor module is configured to be in the power-off mode; when receiving the power reaching standard signal, the controller module and the sensor module switch to the low power working mode. In the case of insufficient power obtained through energy conversion, good power saving is achieved by not powering on the sensor module and making the controller module run in the most power-saving sleep mode. And when the power is relatively sufficient, the detection function is realized by making the controller module and the sensor module work normally in the low power working mode, thereby taking into account both function realization and power saving.

[0079] In some embodiments, when the controller module and the sensor module are in a low-power operating mode, when the controller module receives a detection trigger event, the controller module and the sensor module are configured to switch from the low-power operating mode to a high-power operating mode.

[0080] The detection trigger event refers to an event that triggers the sensing control module to operate at a higher power (eg, a high power mode) to achieve a high-precision detection process.

[0081] It should be understood that, according to actual needs, the detection trigger event can be, for example, an event pre-set by the user, or an event set during the initialization phase of the sensor device, or an event generated based on an abnormal alarm or signal detected by the sensor module, or an event determined by an external device instruction.

[0082] The high-power working mode refers to a working mode with higher power consumption in normal operation. In this working mode, various functions of the controller module and the sensor module, especially high power consumption functions, are executed. For example, in the high-power working mode, the sensor module performs detection at a higher sampling rate and high bandwidth, and sends all detection signals to the controller module. The controller module further processes and generates detection results based on the detection signals, and sends the detection results to the external device.

[0083] Based on the above, in the present application, when the controller module receives a detection trigger event, the controller module and the sensor module are configured to switch from the low-power operating mode to the high-power operating mode, so that based on actual needs, when more comprehensive or more energy-consuming functions need to be executed, the working states of the controller module and the sensor module can be switched in time, thereby flexibly and reliably realizing the corresponding functions.

[0084] In some embodiments, the detection trigger event includes at least one of a periodic trigger signal from a controller module, an abnormal detection signal from a sensor module, and a detection request signal from an external device.

[0085] The periodic trigger signal from the controller module refers to a signal set inside the controller module to trigger the execution of high-precision detection at fixed time intervals. For example, the controller module cyclically sends the periodic trigger signal at a time interval of every four hours.

[0086] The abnormal detection signal from the sensor module means that when the sensor module is in a low-power working mode, the sensor module is configured to perform a low-precision detection process (the amount of data collected in the detection process is small, the real-time nature of the collected data is low, and the power consumption is also very small), and perform preliminary abnormality discrimination based on the detected data signal (for example, compare it with a preset threshold). At this time, when the collected data signal (vibration / magnetic field / temperature / sound signal) is within the normal threshold range, the sensor module will not send any signal to the controller module. When the collected data signal exceeds the normal threshold range, the sensor module will send an abnormal detection signal to the controller module, which indicates that there is a major abnormality in the device to be detected at this time, and a high-precision detection process is required.

[0087] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited by the specific method of generating the abnormality detection signal.

[0088] The detection request signal from the external device refers to a high-precision detection request from an external device (for example, from an external device such as a gateway or a client).

[0089] It should be understood that, according to actual needs, the detection triggering event also includes, for example, a user manually operating a corresponding key or button of the sensor device to artificially start a related high-precision detection process.

[0090] Based on the above, in the present application, by setting the detection trigger event to include at least one of a periodic trigger signal from the controller module, an abnormal detection signal from the sensor module, and a detection request signal from an external device, the passive sensor device can adjust its working mode in a timely and efficient manner and achieve a high-precision detection process for the device to be detected based on different situations from external devices, different internal modules, and the device to be detected.

[0091] In some embodiments, in the high-power working mode, the controller module is configured to determine a detection result of the device to be detected based on the detection signal, and send the detection result.

[0092] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited by the specific calculation method of the controller module to determine the detection result based on the detection signal, nor are they limited by the specific communication method of sending the detection result.

[0093] In the present application, by setting up that the controller module can perform processing and solving processes, generate detection results and send them to the outside only in high-power working mode, the high-power consumption functions in the sensor equipment: large-scale data solving and data communication can be performed only when the system is at a higher power level and there is a need for high-precision detection, which is beneficial to achieve good and reliable detection while taking into account the reduction of power consumption.

[0094] Next, the above passive sensor device will be described in more detail in combination with specific implementation scenarios. Figure 4 A flow chart of a passive sensor device 100 for a motor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0095] Reference Figure 4 First, if the device to be detected is a motor, the passive sensor device 100 has, for example, the aforementioned Figure 1 The sensing control module 110, energy collection module 120, and power management module 130 shown can realize the functions described above. The power management module 130, for example, includes the rectifier module, regulator module, energy tracking module, and charging management module described above. In addition, the sensing control module 110, for example, includes a sensor module 111 and a controller module 112.

[0096] And wherein, when the motor is running normally, the passive sensor device is enabled. After the passive sensor device is enabled, the sensing control module 110 will be set to be in the low-power working mode as described above (the specific execution function of the working mode is as described above), and the energy collection module 120 (here, for example, a piezoelectric converter) installed on the main body of the motor converts the vibration energy from the device to be detected into AC energy. After the vibration energy is converted into AC energy, the AC energy will be input into the aforementioned power management module 130, so that the power management module is powered on and enabled to enter the operating state. Thereafter, the power management module 130 as described above converts the AC energy into DC energy, and supplies power to the sensing control module 110 based on the DC energy, so that the sensing control module 110 operates in the low-power working mode (in the low-power working mode, the controller module 112 is configured to be in a sleep mode, and the controller module 112 configures the sensor module 111 to be in a non-power mode, and the sensor module will not be connected to power).

[0097] And when the sensing control module 110 is operating in a low-power working module, the energy storage element in the power management module 130 will be further charged and accumulate energy. When its electric energy reaches a preset standard (for example, the current power value is greater than the preset power threshold), the charging management module 134 of the power management module 130 will send a power standard reaching signal to the sensing control module 110.

[0098] At this time, the sensing control module 110 in the low-power working mode will respond to the power reaching standard signal and switch from the low-power working mode to the low-power working mode in the normal working mode (the specific execution function of the working mode is as described above). At this time, the sensor module 111 performs a low-precision detection process, and the controller module 112 is configured to only receive the detection trigger event, but not receive other signals, and does not perform signal processing or send data to the outside.

[0099] The detection trigger event includes a periodic trigger signal from the controller module, an abnormal detection signal from the sensor module, and a detection request signal from an external device. When the sensing control module 110 (the controller module 112 inside it) receives one of the above three signals, the sensing control module 110 switches from the low-power working mode to the high-power working mode. Specifically, the controller module 112 switches from the low-power working mode to the high-power working mode, and switches the sensor module 111 to the high-power working mode. In this high-power working mode, the sensor module 111 will perform the above-mentioned high-precision detection process and send the corresponding detection signal to the controller module 112. The controller module 112 will determine the detection result of the device to be detected based on the received detection signal and the detection signal, and send the detection result to the external device.

[0100] In addition, after sending the detection result, the sensing control module 110 (e.g., its controller module) can, for example, communicate with the power management module 130 and send a power detection request signal (requesting the power management module 130 to detect the current power of the energy storage element again), and the power management module 130 detects the current power value of the energy storage element in response to the request signal; compares the current power value of the energy storage element with a preset power threshold, and sends a power compliance signal to the sensing control module when the current power value is greater than the preset power threshold. The subsequent process is the same as the above and will not be repeated here.

[0101] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a passive sensor system 200 is provided. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a passive sensor system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0102] Reference Figure 5 The passive sensor system 200 includes, for example: the passive sensor device 100 , the gateway device 110 , and the external device 120 as described above.

[0103] The passive sensor device 100 , for example, has the structure described above, and can perform the functions described above.

[0104] The gateway device 110 is configured to receive the detection result from the passive sensor device 100 and send the detection result to the external device 120. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited by the specific type of the gateway device and its specific communication method and communication protocol.

[0105] The external device 120 includes, for example, at least one of a cloud platform and a user device, and is configured to receive the detection result from the gateway device, and display or store the detection result.

[0106] In some embodiments, a master device among the external devices may also serve as a gateway device, which receives the detection result from the passive sensor device and further distributes the detection result to other external devices (slave devices).

[0107] The gateway device 110 is further configured to: receive instruction information from the external device 120 , and send the instruction information to the passive sensor device 100 .

[0108] For example, the instruction information may include the aforementioned detection request signal, or may also include other instruction signals or configuration signals for the passive sensor device.

[0109] Based on the above, the passive sensor system in this application includes the passive sensor device, gateway device, and external device as described above, so that the detection process of the device to be detected can be realized in a simple and convenient way, while solving the problem of cumbersome wiring or regular replacement of current active sensors. At the same time, by setting up two-way data transmission and reception between the gateway device, the external device, and the passive sensor device, the storage and display of the detection results can be well realized, and the control of the passive sensor device can be well realized.

[0110] Although in the above figure, each sub-part is presented as a separate module, those skilled in the art will understand that the above device modules can be implemented as separate hardware devices or integrated into one or more hardware devices. As long as the principles described in the present invention can be implemented, the specific implementation of different hardware devices should not be used as a factor to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0111] The present application uses specific words to describe the embodiments of the present application. For example, "first / second embodiment", "one embodiment", and / or "some embodiments" refer to a certain feature, structure or characteristic related to at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" or "an alternative embodiment" mentioned twice or multiple times in different positions in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, some features, structures or characteristics in one or more embodiments of the present application can be appropriately combined.

[0112] In addition, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various aspects of the present application may be illustrated and described by a number of patentable categories or situations, including any new and useful process, machine, product or combination of substances, or any new and useful improvements thereto. Accordingly, various aspects of the present application may be performed entirely by hardware, entirely by software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or by a combination of hardware and software. The above hardware or software may all be referred to as "data blocks", "modules", "engines", "units", "components" or "systems". In addition, various aspects of the present application may be represented as a computer product located in one or more computer-readable media, which includes computer-readable program code.

[0113] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and should not be interpreted in an idealized or extremely formal sense, unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0114] The above is an explanation of the present invention and should not be considered as a limitation thereof. Although several exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims. It should be understood that the above is an explanation of the present invention and should not be considered as being limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications to the disclosed embodiments and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A passive sensor device comprising: A sensing control module, which is configured to operably perform a detection process on the device to be detected and generate a detection result; An energy collection module, which is installed on the main body of the device to be detected and is configured to convert the vibration energy collected from the device to be detected into alternating current energy; The power management module is configured to receive the AC power energy from the energy collection module, convert the AC power energy into DC power energy, and supply power to the passive sensor device based on the DC power energy.

2. The passive sensor device according to claim 1, wherein: The power management module comprises: a rectifier module configured to convert the AC power energy into a first DC power energy; a regulator module, configured to receive the first DC power energy from the rectifier module, and perform voltage regulation on the first DC power energy to generate second DC power energy; an energy tracking module configured to receive a second DC power energy from the regulator module and charge the energy storage element based on the second DC power energy; A charging management module is configured to utilize the direct current energy in the energy storage element to power the passive sensor device.

3. The passive sensor device according to claim 2, wherein: The charging management module is further configured to: Detecting the current power value of the energy storage element; The current power value of the energy storage element is compared with a preset power threshold, and when the current power value is greater than the preset power threshold, a power reaching standard signal is sent to the sensing control module.

4. The passive sensor device according to claim 3, wherein: The sensing control module is pre-configured to be in a low power working mode, and the sensing control module is further configured to: Receiving a power reaching standard signal from the charging management module; In response to the power reaching standard signal, the low power operation mode is switched to the normal operation mode, and the power consumption of the normal operation mode is higher than that of the low power operation mode.

5. The passive sensor device according to claim 4, wherein: The sensing control module comprises: A sensor module, which is configured to operably detect the performance status of the device to be detected and generate a detection signal; The controller module is configured to operably receive the detection signal and determine a detection result of the device to be detected based on the detection signal.

6. The passive sensor device according to claim 5, wherein: In the low-power operation mode, the controller module is configured to be in a sleep mode, and the sensor module is configured to be in a non-power-on mode; And wherein, when receiving a power reaching standard signal, the controller module and the sensor module switch to a low power working mode.

7. The passive sensor device according to claim 6, wherein: In the case that the controller module and the sensor module are in a low-power operation mode, when the controller module receives a detection trigger event, the controller module and the sensor module are configured to switch from the low-power operation mode to a high-power operation mode.

8. The passive sensor device according to claim 7, wherein: The detection triggering event includes: At least one of a period trigger signal from the controller module, an abnormality detection signal from the sensor module, and a detection request signal from an external device.

9. The passive sensor device according to claim 7, wherein: In the high-power working mode, the controller module is configured to determine a detection result of the device to be detected based on the detection signal, and send the detection result.

10. A passive sensor system comprising: A passive sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; a gateway device configured to receive detection results from the passive sensor device and send the detection results to an external device; An external device, the external device comprising at least one of a cloud platform and a user device, and configured to receive the detection result from the gateway device, and display or store the detection result; And wherein, the gateway device is further configured to: receive instruction information from the external device, and send the instruction information to the passive sensor device.

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