Self-Powered Wireless Sensor for Conveyor Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of wiring and communication lines for sensor systems in remote locations, such as conveyor systems, makes it prohibitive to monitor physical characteristics effectively, particularly in conveyor systems where unbalanced forces can lead to overheating and potential failure.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered wireless sensor system that generates operating power using energy derived from the conveyor system, such as mechanical or thermal energy, allowing sensors to monitor physical characteristics without the need for external power or communication lines, using a transducer with rollers and a power-generating subsystem to convert motion into electrical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are positioned at remote locations to monitor conveyor system parameters, then monitoring capability is improved, but wiring and communication costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system generates its own operating power by harvesting mechanical energy from the conveyor belt through the roller-transducer-generator mechanism, eliminating the need for external power wiring and communication infrastructure at remote locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional electrical wiring and communication systems with a mechanically-powered wireless sensor system that converts mechanical energy from the conveyor into electrical power for remote operation
2Ease of operation
If wireless sensor systems are deployed at remote locations, then installation complexity is reduced, but power generation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is self-powered through energy harvesting from the conveyor belt's mechanical motion, converting kinetic energy into electrical power to sustain sensor and transmitter operations without external power sources
Solution Approach 2:
The roller is configured to rotate dynamically with the conveyor belt motion, and the generator converts this variable mechanical input into electrical power, adapting to the conveyor's operational dynamics
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
Enables cost-effective, wireless monitoring of conveyor system parameters, including temperature and speed, allowing for early detection of potential failures and reducing maintenance costs by providing real-time data transmission to remote processors.
Implementation Method 1
a generator connected to the link, wherein the link transfers rotary motion from the roller to the generator, which generates power using the rotary motion input by the link during operation of the sensor system
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless sensor system for sensing a characteristic associated with a conveying system from which the sensor system generates operating power. The sensor system includes a transducer including an axle, a roller connected to the axle, and a link connected to the roller. The transducer may be configured to permit the roller to be positioned in contact with a conveyor belt of the conveying system so that the roller rotates about the axle or with the axle in response to translation of the conveyor belt. The sensor system also includes a power generator connected to the link, wherein the link transfers rotary motion from the roller to the generator, which generates power using the rotary motion input by the link. The sensor system further includes a sensor connected to the generator for receiving power, wherein the sensor is configured to sense the physical characteristic associated with the conveying system.