Conformal Aperture Sensor Nodes for Self-Powered Mesh Networking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless sensor networks face challenges with unreliable power generation for autonomous and machine-driven monitoring and communication in industrial and environmental applications, requiring innovative solutions for self-sustaining communication devices.
Innovation Solution
The development of self-powered wireless devices that harvest energy from their environment and integrate an antenna or antenna arrays within a compact form factor, enabling wireless communication, sensing, and data transmission without reliance on external power sources, suitable for use as sensor nodes in mesh networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless sensor networks use conventional power sources, then devices can communicate and monitor parameters, but power generation becomes unreliable and requires frequent servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements energy harvesting circuits that automatically capture and store environmental energy (thermal, kinetic, vibrational) to power the sensor nodes without external intervention. The device serves itself by converting ambient energy into electrical power, eliminating the need for manual battery replacement or external power connections, thus achieving reliable autonomous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple energy harvesting mechanisms that convert different environmental parameters (temperature gradients, mechanical vibrations, kinetic motion) into electrical energy. By changing the input energy parameters from conventional fixed power sources to variable environmental energy sources, the system achieves reliable and sustainable power generation
2Volume of moving object
If sensor devices are made compact, then form factor is reduced, but integrating antenna and power systems becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the antenna, energy harvesting circuits, sensor components, and power management systems into a single compact sensor node. The antenna is embedded within the device housing, and energy harvesting elements are incorporated into the same structure, merging multiple functions into one unified compact unit that reduces overall form factor while managing integration complexity through unified design
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device is designed with multi-functionality, where the same structural components serve multiple purposes. The device housing simultaneously acts as mechanical protection, antenna support, and energy harvesting substrate. This universal design approach allows compact integration of antenna and power systems without increasing device complexity
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
These devices can operate autonomously and wirelessly, requiring minimal servicing, and are capable of monitoring and controlling various parameters, facilitating efficient communication and data transmission over networks, enhancing reliability and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
transmit that as information/signals via a wireless link, e.g., RF or optical link
Implementation Method 2
wireless devices that harvest energy and provide an antenna or antennas for wireless access or communication
Data Source
AI summary
Wireless sensor devices are described which harvest energy and provide an antenna or antennas for wireless communication on a relatively small form factor, preferably one that is co-extensive with a largest component of the device, e.g., an antenna layer or sensor layer. The devices are able to sense and/or control certain specific parameters of a system; store energy, e.g., in a supercapacitor system or battery system; transmit that as information/signals via a wireless link, e.g., RF or optical link; receive information from other devices and relay that information. Such devices accordingly may be self-powered and wireless devices, and not dependent on a separate device or form factor to provide a power source. Such devices can be entirely autonomous or substantially so, can be mobile or fixed, and may require little servicing over a period of time. The devices can be used as sensor nodes in a wireless mesh network.