Buried sensor system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-ground sensing systems face challenges with battery power requirements, as battery replacement or recharging can be costly and burdensome, especially for networks of buried sensors.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric generator sensor rod system that harnesses temperature gradients in the soil to generate electrical power, eliminating the need for batteries by using thermally connected heat pipes or conductive rods to power sensors and transmit data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If battery-powered sensors are used for in-ground monitoring, then the sensors can operate autonomously, but battery replacement or recharging becomes burdensome and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system generates its own electrical power through the thermoelectric generator, which converts the natural temperature gradient in the soil into electrical energy. This self-powered mechanism eliminates the need for external battery replacement or recharging, allowing the sensor to operate autonomously indefinitely without maintenance intervention for power supply
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical battery system with a thermoelectric generation system that converts thermal energy directly into electrical energy. The thermoelectric generator uses the temperature difference between deeper and shallower soil layers to produce continuous power, substituting the depleted battery mechanism with a renewable thermal energy conversion mechanism
2Use of energy by moving object
If wired power supply is used for buried sensors, then continuous power can be provided, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power generation function from the external infrastructure (wires and power sources) and embeds it within the sensor rod itself. The thermoelectric generator is integrated into the sensor assembly, allowing the sensor to generate its own power locally without requiring connection to external power lines, thereby eliminating installation complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor rod serves multiple functions: it acts as both the sensing element and the power generation unit. The thermoelectric generator integrated into the rod structure provides continuous power while the rod simultaneously performs environmental monitoring, eliminating the need for separate power supply infrastructure
3Duration of action of stationary object
If thermoelectric generator is integrated into sensor rod, then battery-free operation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermoelectric generator with the sensor rod into a single integrated unit. The thermal contacts, thermoelectric generator, and sensor components are combined within one structure, eliminating the need for separate battery compartments or external power sources. This integration maintains operational simplicity while achieving indefinite power supply
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits the natural temperature gradient parameter in the soil environment to generate power. By positioning thermal contacts at different depths (one at or near the surface, another deeper in the ground), the system converts the existing thermal parameter variation into electrical energy, utilizing environmental conditions rather than adding complex power storage mechanisms
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 provides a cost-effective and maintenance-free power source for in-ground sensors, enabling continuous monitoring of soil conditions and other parameters without the need for battery replacement or recharging.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature gradient in the soil produces a temperature difference between the upper thermal contact and the lower thermal contact. The upper thermal contact and the lower thermal contact are thermally connected to a thermoelectric generator... Electrical power generated by the thermoelectric generator powers sensors
Implementation Method 2
The upper thermal contact and the lower thermal contact are thermally connected to a thermoelectric generator, e.g., by heat pipes or thermally conductive rods
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2B
AI summary
A sensing system including in-ground sensors not requiring battery power. A thermoelectric generator sensor rod includes an upper thermal contact and a lower thermal contact at or near its two ends. When the thermoelectric generator sensor rod is buried in the ground with one end buried more deeply than the other, a temperature gradient in the soil produces a temperature difference between the upper thermal contact and the lower thermal contact. The upper thermal contact and the lower thermal contact are thermally connected to a thermoelectric generator, e.g., by heat pipes or thermally conductive rods. Electrical power generated by the thermoelectric generator powers sensors for monitoring conditions in the ground, and circuitry for transmitting sensor data to a central data processing system.