Dual Heater Environmental Sensor Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas sensing devices face high power consumption due to heaters, which affects sensitivity and reliability, as large heaters consume more power but provide better sensitivity, while small heaters offer lower power consumption but reduced sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with at least two heaters of different sizes, where a controller switches between them based on measured gas concentrations, using a smaller heater for low concentrations and a larger heater for higher concentrations to balance power consumption and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large heater is used, then the sensitivity of the sensor is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between a first heater (lower power) and a second heater (higher power) based on detected gas concentrations. The controller adjusts which heater operates to match the measurement requirements, optimizing the balance between sensitivity and power consumption in real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by switching between different heater configurations (first heater alone, second heater alone, or both together) based on the detected gas concentration levels. This parameter change allows the system to adapt sensitivity and power consumption to match the actual measurement needs.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a small heater is used, then the power consumption is reduced, but the sensitivity of the sensor decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between a first heater (lower power) and a second heater (higher power) based on the detected gas concentration. When gas concentrations are low, the first heater suffices for power savings; when concentrations are high, the second heater provides the necessary sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes operational parameters by switching between different heater modes (first heater only, second heater only, or both) according to gas concentration levels, allowing the system to maintain adequate sensitivity while minimizing power consumption when high sensitivity is not required.
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 approach reduces overall power consumption while maintaining sensitivity and improving reliability by selectively using larger heaters only when necessary, extending the system's lifetime without compromising performance.
Implementation Method 1
the heater heats the sensing material to a high temperature, at which the resistance of the material changes in presence of gas
Implementation Method 2
resistive gas sensing, the heater heats the sensing material to a high temperature, at which the resistance of the material changes in presence of gas
Implementation Method 3
depending on the obtained gas sensing measurement, decide which heater or combination of heaters to turn on
Data Source
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AI summary
M&C PC927975WO 2 7139274-1-CMORRIS ABSTRACT: We disclose herein an environmental sensor system comprising an environmental sensor comprising a first heater and a second heaterin which the first heater is configured to consume a lower power compared to the second heater. The system also comprises a controller coupledwith the environmental sensor. The controller is configured to detect if a measured value of a targeted environmental parameter is present. The controller is configured to switch on at least one of the first and second heaters based on the presence and/or result of the measured value of the targeted environmental parameter.