Accelerometer Apparatus Low Power Structural Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatus for detecting and recording structural accelerations, such as those caused by seismic activity, are large, expensive, and require frequent maintenance, limiting their widespread use due to high power consumption and short operational periods.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus comprising a processor, accelerometer, and non-volatile memory device that operates in a reduced power state until accelerations exceed a threshold, switching to full operation for data storage and then returning to low power, using a microSD card for data storage and potentially including wireless communication for autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing apparatus for detecting and recording structural accelerations are used, then acceleration detection and recording capability is provided, but the apparatus are large, expensive, and require frequent maintenance due to high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus dynamically adjusts its operational state based on detected acceleration events. The processor transitions between active state (when acceleration exceeds threshold) and sleep state (during normal conditions), allowing the system to maintain reliability for extended monitoring while dramatically reducing average power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic sampling of acceleration data with event-triggered activation. Instead of continuous operation, the apparatus periodically checks for acceleration events and only activates full processing and storage functions when events are detected, enabling extended operational periods between maintenance while maintaining detection capability.
2Loss of information
If existing apparatus operate continuously to ensure no acceleration events are missed, then complete acceleration recording is achieved, but maintenance frequency increases and operational period between maintenance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus pre-sets acceleration thresholds and sampling parameters before deployment. The system is configured with predetermined thresholds that trigger data capture, eliminating the need for continuous monitoring while ensuring that significant events are captured. This preliminary configuration enables the apparatus to operate autonomously for extended periods without maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus autonomously manages its own operation by automatically detecting acceleration events, triggering data capture sequences, and managing power states without external intervention. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain complete acceleration recording while extending operational periods between maintenance cycles.
3Reliability
If the processor and memory device operate continuously, then data storage capability is maintained, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments its operational states into active processing mode and sleep mode. The processor and memory device are separated in function during operation - the accelerometer continues minimal monitoring in sleep state while the processor and memory remain in low-power states, activating only when acceleration events trigger data capture. This segmentation maintains data storage availability while minimizing processor power consumption.
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
The solution provides a low-maintenance, cost-effective, and long-lasting apparatus capable of extended operation, enabling efficient recording of structural accelerations without the need for frequent maintenance, with data stored securely on a microSD card and potentially transmitted wirelessly.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus comprises an accelerometer, a processor and a non-volatile computer memory device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method of operating an apparatus for detecting and recording accelerations experienced by a structure (100) is provided, the apparatus comprising an accelerometer (4), a processor (3) and a non-volatile computer memory device. The method comprises the steps of: i. operating the processor (3), accelerometer (4) and computer memory device in a reduced power state; ii. in response to detecting an acceleration having a magnitude which is greater than a first preselected threshold magnitude, switching the accelerometer (4) to a fully operational state and storing accelerometer data in a buffer; iii. switching the processor (3) and computer memory device to a fully operational state; iv. operating the processor (3) to store the accelerometer data from the buffer in the computer memory device; v. switching the processor (3) and computer memory device to a reduced power state until the accelerometer signals (4) that further data is available, and storing any further accelerometer data in the buffer; vi. repeating steps iii) to v) until a predetermined time has elapsed since the accelerometer (4) last detected an acceleration having a magnitude which is greater than a second preselected threshold magnitude. An apparatus (100) for detecting and recording accelerations experienced by a structure is also described.