Acoustic Sensor Communication via Structural Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of sensors in harsh, limited access environments like gas, steam, and wind turbines is hindered by the need for separate power and signal wire conduits, which are costly and not well-suited for hazardous conditions, and radio frequency wireless solutions are also expensive and ineffective in such environments.
Innovation Solution
A system where sensors attached to equipment components transmit signals as ultrasonic waves through the structure, which are then transduced into electrical signals at a base node and relayed via a wired connection to monitoring or control equipment, utilizing satellite nodes and a base node to aggregate and transmit data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power and signal wire conduits are installed for each sensor, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but installation cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power and signal transmission into a single wire conduit, eliminating the need for separate conduits for each sensor. The system uses a single wire to carry both power to the sensor and the signal back to the monitoring equipment, dramatically reducing installation complexity and cost while maintaining reliable communication in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The single wire conduit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical power to remote sensors, transmits sensor signals back to the monitoring system, and acts as a communication channel. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated conduits for each function, reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If radio frequency wireless communication is used, then wireless data transmission is achieved, but cost increases and performance deteriorates in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an acoustic intermediary (sound waves traveling through the structure) as a mediator between the sensor and the monitoring equipment. Instead of using direct electromagnetic wireless transmission that fails in harsh environments, the system converts signals into acoustic waves that propagate through the physical structure, providing reliable communication without the limitations of RF in hazardous conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If acoustic signaling through structure is used, then installation cost decreases and reliability improves, but signal transmission distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical signal transmission through wires with acoustic wave transmission through the structure itself. By utilizing the physical structure as an acoustic waveguide, the system achieves reliable signal transmission over distances without requiring extensive additional wiring infrastructure, thereby reducing installation costs while extending effective transmission distance.
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 reduces installation costs and enhances the reliability of sensor deployment in harsh environments by using existing sound-transmitting structures to convey data, allowing for efficient monitoring and control of equipment performance without the need for extensive wiring.
Implementation Method 1
transducing, via a transducer connected to the sensor, the sensor signal into an ultrasonic signal
Implementation Method 2
transducing the ultrasonic signal at the base node into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring equipment and transmitting data and/or signals from one or more satellite nodes to a base node for transmission to a monitor or controller for the equipment. The system may transmit high frequency acoustic signals from one or more satellite nodes embedded in the equipment through a structural component of the equipment to the base node, eliminating the need to hardwire the satellite nodes in harsh environments.