Sensor Power Management Through Adaptive Measurement Intervals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensors in industrial environments consume excessive power due to cyclic on-off operation and fixed time patterns, leading to inefficient energy usage and frequent 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 various factors, including energy requirements, communication needs, and environmental conditions, reducing unnecessary measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If sensors are switched on cyclically or according to a fixed time pattern to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement accuracy and responsiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system dynamically adjusts the measurement interval based on detected changes in the measured variable. When changes are detected, the measurement interval is reduced to maintain accuracy; when no changes are detected, the interval is extended to save energy. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between energy saving and measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the time parameter (measurement interval) based on the state of the measured variable. By monitoring whether the measured variable has changed since the last measurement, the system adapts the measurement frequency, thereby optimizing the balance between power consumption and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If measurement intervals are reduced to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If sensors operate continuously to maintain responsiveness, then measurement responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveresponsivenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from previous measurements to determine future measurement timing. By evaluating whether the measured variable has changed since the last measurement, the system intelligently adjusts the next measurement interval, ensuring responsiveness when needed while conserving energy during stable conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Use of energy by moving object

If power saving modes are used to reduce energy consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcontrol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system performs self-service by automatically determining optimal measurement intervals based on its own measurements and the detected state of the measured variable. The control unit autonomously adjusts power management parameters without external intervention, reducing the complexity burden on the overall system while achieving energy savings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12452785B2Sensor for generating power management data

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 VEGA GRIESHABER GMBH & CO

AI summary

Sensor having a control unit, configured to analyze data available to the sensor, in particular measurement data of the sensor, for generating power management data, the power management data being configured to for select a power saving mode from a plurality of available power saving modes of a wireless module (103) of the sensor and/or for controlling the times of measurement intervals of the sensor and/or for power management of the sensor.