Dynamic Sensor Network Hub and Spoke Atmospheric Suit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Atmospheric suits, particularly in space applications, face challenges with bulkiness and restricted spatial awareness due to fixed helmets and the need for multiple sensors for safety and data-gathering, which can be cumbersome and difficult to operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic sensor network within the atmospheric suit, structured in a hub and spoke configuration, where a controller acts as the hub and sensors are dynamically affixed to the suit via ports, allowing for real-time data collection and processing, and providing information to the wearer through various output devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors are integrated into the atmospheric suit for safety and data-gathering, then the functionality and safety monitoring capability are improved, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor network is segmented into modular sensor nodes that can be independently attached to the suit via ports. Each sensor node is a self-contained unit that can be easily installed or removed without affecting other sensors, thus improving safety monitoring while managing complexity through modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed as a universal hub that can interface with multiple different types of sensors (cameras, proximity sensors, Geiger counters, etc.) through standardized ports. This multi-functional controller consolidates the complexity of handling diverse sensors into a single device, improving reliability without proportionally increasing operational difficulty.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed helmet structure is used in the atmospheric suit, then the structural stability is improved, but the spatial awareness and operational flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic one with movable portions that can rotate or adjust. This allows the wearer to change the orientation of sensors and display elements without moving their entire body, improving spatial awareness while maintaining the overall structural stability of the helmet framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The helmet incorporates display elements and sensors that can be positioned or oriented in multiple dimensions. For example, display elements may be arranged on multiple surfaces or at different angles, providing the wearer with spatial information from various perspectives without requiring physical movement, thus enhancing spatial awareness while keeping the helmet structure stable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are dynamically affixed to the suit via ports, then the adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is pre-configured with knowledge of different sensor types and their communication protocols. When a sensor is attached to a port, the controller automatically recognizes it and configures the connection without requiring manual setup. This preliminary programming reduces the operational complexity of dynamically affixing sensors while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor network employs automatic detection and configuration capabilities where sensors self-identify and self-configur e when connected to the controller. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual configuration, allowing users to freely attach and detach sensors based on mission requirements without being burdened by configuration complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system in an atmospheric suit (100) includes a controller (210) within the atmospheric suit. The system also includes a network (200) that is a hub and spoke network arranged within the atmospheric suit. The controller is the hub of the network and each spoke of the network represents wiring that leads to one of a plurality of ports accessible from outside the atmospheric suit.