Autonomous Radar Sensor With Timed Activation for Low-Power 3D Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multidimensional radar systems in process automation are highly energy-consuming and require external power sources, leading to high installation and maintenance costs, and wireless data transmission is limited by energy-saving IoT technologies.
Innovation Solution
A self-sufficient radar sensor with integrated energy storage and a permanently operated clock, utilizing switching arrangements to activate components only at predetermined times, enabling wireless communication and minimizing power consumption by deactivating components between measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If external energy source is used to supply radar sensor, then sufficient energy for operation is provided, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy storage device (battery) directly into the radar sensor housing, merging two previously separate systems (power supply and sensing) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for external power connections, reducing installation complexity and maintenance costs while ensuring continuous energy supply for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar sensor becomes self-sufficient by incorporating its own energy storage device, allowing it to operate autonomously without external power sources. The sensor performs its own power management, activating components only when needed and maintaining operation independently, which simplifies installation and reduces maintenance requirements.
2Reliability
If radar components are continuously operated, then measurement functionality is always available, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic activation of radar components based on predetermined time schedules stored in memory. The control circuit activates the radar chip and associated components only at scheduled intervals rather than continuously, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining measurement availability when needed. The switching arrangement enables rapid activation and deactivation of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of radar components based on requirements. The control circuit selectively activates only the necessary components (radar chip, antenna, evaluation circuit) during measurement periods and deactivates them during idle periods, creating a dynamic power management system that balances measurement availability with energy conservation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If switching arrangement is used to activate components, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit performs multiple functions: it manages the switching arrangement for component activation, stores and retrieves predetermined time schedules from memory, controls the radar chip operation, and evaluates measurement results. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control circuit, the patent reduces overall device complexity despite the addition of the switching arrangement.
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 radar sensor achieves energy-efficient operation, reducing power consumption and installation costs while providing precise multi-dimensional measurements wirelessly, suitable for factory and logistics automation.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first radar chip for contactless level measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A radar sensor for sensing the level of a product or the topology of the surface of a product having a continuously operated clock that closes a power supply line to the processor at a predetermined time to activate the processor. Thereupon, the processor controls the switching arrangement to activate the radar chip.