Adaptive Sensor Power Control Through Dynamic Measurement Intervals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing industrial sensors consume excessive energy due to fixed time intervals and cyclic activation, leading to frequent battery replacement and maintenance needs.

Innovation Solution

A self-learning sensor with a control unit that analyzes data to select power-saving modes and adjust measurement intervals based on environmental factors and historical data, reducing unnecessary measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sensors are switched on cyclically or according to a fixed time interval, then measurement coverage is maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of measurement intervals based on detected changes in measured variables. Instead of fixed cyclic activation, the sensor adapts its measurement frequency: increasing intervals when variables are stable and decreasing intervals when changes are detected, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining measurement coverage when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from previous measurement results to control future measurement timing. By analyzing trends and stability of measured variables, the sensor determines optimal next measurement times, creating a closed-loop system that balances measurement coverage with energy savings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If measurement frequency is increased, then data accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement frequency is dynamically adjusted based on the stability of measured variables. When variables show significant changes, measurement frequency increases to capture accurate data. When variables remain stable, frequency decreases to save energy, maintaining data accuracy only when necessary

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If sensors operate continuously, then real-time monitoring is achieved, but battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time monitoringVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous operation, the sensor implements periodic measurement cycles with variable intervals. The period length adapts based on detected changes in measured variables, allowing real-time monitoring capability when needed while extending battery life through reduced operation during stable conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement interval duration is dynamically modified based on the rate of change of measured variables. When rapid changes occur, intervals shorten to provide real-time monitoring. When changes are slow or absent, intervals lengthen to conserve battery power

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4078094B1Sensor for generating power management data

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 VEGA GRIESHABER GMBH & CO

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AI summary

Sensor having a control unit configured to analyse data available to the sensor, in particular measurement data from the sensor, in order to generate power management data, wherein the power management data are configured to select a power-saving mode from a plurality of available power-saving modes of a radio module (103) of the sensor and/or to control the times of measurement intervals of the sensor and/or for the power management of the sensor.