Autonomous Signal Producing Unit for Complex Control via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous, low-power signal producing units are limited in their ability to generate comprehensive and complex signals, restricting their application in controlling electronic devices beyond simple on/off functions due to insufficient electrical energy production.
Innovation Solution
The development of an autonomous, low-power signal producing unit that incorporates a stator and rotor generator with a signal processing circuit, utilizing multiple signal producing elements such as rotary components to generate signals based on movement speed, acceleration, direction, and position, enabling the production of more complex output signals and allowing the use of standard communication protocols like Bluetooth and ZigBee.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a simple electromagnetic energy transducer with a static coil and permanent magnet is used, then the device can be powered autonomously with low power consumption, but it can only generate simple radio signals for basic on/off control functions
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a generator unit for energy harvesting, a signal processing circuit for signal generation, and a communication module for wireless transmission. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, enabling complex control functions while maintaining low overall power consumption through efficient energy management.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal processing circuit is designed to generate multiple types of control signals for different electronic devices, making the device universally applicable. The same low-power generator powers various communication protocols (radio frequency, infrared, visible light communication), enabling diverse control functionalities without requiring additional power sources for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the generator produces only limited electrical energy, then the device maintains low power consumption and autonomous operation, but it cannot support sophisticated signal processing and multiple communication protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The device operates in periodic cycles, alternating between low-power sleep mode and active signal transmission mode. The generator charges energy storage elements during idle periods, then releases stored energy in controlled bursts to power sophisticated signal processing and multiple communication protocols, achieving high versatility without requiring continuous high power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal processing circuit dynamically adjusts signal parameters (frequency, amplitude, modulation type) based on available energy levels and communication requirements. This allows the system to support multiple communication protocols and sophisticated signal processing by changing operational parameters rather than requiring proportionally higher power output across all functions.
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 solution enables the unit to generate sufficient electrical energy to produce multiple, complex input and output signals, expanding its applicability in controlling devices with detailed commands and allowing for listening modes, while reducing energy consumption through wake-up/sleep functions, and providing accurate and reliable displacement information.
Implementation Method 1
Each generator is configured as electromagnetic energy transducer configured to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. To this end, the generator comprises a static coil wound around an assembly of a permanent magnet and a soft-magnetic (paramagnetic) element, wherein the permanent magnet and the soft-magnetic element can be pushed manually towards each other causing a change in magnetic flux which induces a voltage in the coil.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a low-power signal producing unit, in particular a sensor and control unit. The invention also relates to an assembly of at least one signal producing unit according to one of the foregoing claims and at least one signal receiving device configured to receive and to transmit and/or process the output signals produced by said signal producing unit. The invention further relates to a method for operating a low-power signal producing unit, in particular a sensor and control unit.