Conformal Passive Sensor Layout for Near-Field Metal Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems face challenges with high deployment labor costs, coverage blind spots, and impedance mismatch due to metal interference in confined spaces, leading to inefficient energy distribution and electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with a conformal transmission apparatus and passive sensors disposed on the inner surface of the to-be-measured body, utilizing near-field coupling and separate charging and communication frequencies to reduce interference and improve signal coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a far-field antenna is used for wireless signal transmission, then the signal coverage area is increased, but impedance mismatch occurs due to metal interference causing energy reflection and reduced transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conformal transmission apparatus as an intermediary component between the signal source and the passive sensors. This apparatus is disposed on the inner surface of the to-be-measured body and enables near-field coupling, which acts as a mediator to transfer signals without requiring far-field antenna radiation, thereby avoiding impedance mismatch issues while maintaining reliable transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional far-field antenna electromagnetic radiation mechanism with a near-field coupling mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for far-field signal propagation, allowing efficient energy transfer without the impedance mismatch problems that occur with metal structures in far-field configurations
2Reliability
If transmission lines are deployed outside the to-be-measured body for wired connection, then signal transmission stability is improved, but deployment labor costs and installation complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless near-field coupling system. The conformal transmission apparatus and passive sensors communicate through electromagnetic near-field coupling, eliminating the need for physical transmission lines while maintaining stable signal transmission and dramatically reducing installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the transmission system by operating in the near-field regime rather than far-field, and by using conformal coupling rather than direct wired connections. This parameter change enables wireless communication with stability comparable to wired connections while eliminating deployment complexity
3Area of stationary object
If multiple facilities are placed inside the to-be-measured body for monitoring, then measurement coverage is improved, but coverage blind spots increase due to mutual blocking and limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function by distributing multiple passive sensors across different locations on the inner surface of the to-be-measured body. Each sensor independently measures local parameters, and the conformal transmission apparatus enables each sensor to communicate wirelessly, eliminating mutual blocking issues while achieving comprehensive coverage through spatial distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional facility placement within the volume to two-dimensional surface mounting on the inner surface. This dimensional change allows sensors to be positioned on surfaces rather than within the confined volume, eliminating mutual blocking and achieving complete coverage without blind spots
4Ease of operation
If passive sensors are placed close to the transmission apparatus for wireless communication, then installation simplicity is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases due to proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of electromagnetic interference into a benefit by using near-field coupling, which is inherently more localized and less prone to interference than far-field radiation. The conformal transmission apparatus and passive sensors operate in the near-field regime where electromagnetic energy is confined, transforming what could be interference into a controlled and beneficial coupling mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The conformal transmission apparatus acts as an intermediary that mediates the electromagnetic interaction between the signal source and passive sensors. This intermediary enables controlled near-field coupling that maintains simple installation while minimizing electromagnetic interference through localized energy transfer
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 system enhances energy distribution, reduces coverage blind spots, and minimizes electromagnetic interference, ensuring reliable and efficient monitoring with reduced installation complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing near-field coupling and separate charging and communication frequencies to reduce interference and improve signal coverage
Implementation Method 2
The RFID tag modulates the measurement information onto a received signal and reflects the signal
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a sensor system and a method therefor. The sensor system includes a transmission apparatus and one or more passive sensors. The transmission apparatus is disposed on an inner surface of a to-be-measured body. The passive sensor is disposed on the inner surface of the to-be-measured body and at a distance less than or equal to a first threshold from the transmission apparatus. The passive sensor is configured to sense to-be-measured information inside the to-be-measured body.