Edge Sensor Kit Networks for Reliable Industrial IoT Monitoring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial IoT systems face challenges in industrial settings due to communication issues with cellular and Wi-Fi protocols, bandwidth strain, and security vulnerabilities, which deter organizations from integrating IoT sensor systems effectively.

Innovation Solution

A self-configuring sensor kit network that includes edge devices and various sensors, capable of transmitting data via multiple communication protocols, including satellite and cellular, with built-in machine-learned models for data processing and encoding, to efficiently manage and monitor industrial settings while ensuring security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cellular or Wi-Fi protocols are used for communication in industrial settings, then network connectivity can be established, but communication reliability deteriorates due to interference from heavy machinery and dense structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidinterference from heavy machinery and dense structures
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces mesh network technology as an intermediary communication method between sensors and the central system. Instead of relying directly on cellular or Wi-Fi signals that are blocked by machinery and structures, the mesh network uses multiple intermediate nodes to relay data, creating alternative communication paths that bypass physical obstructions and interference sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If hundreds or thousands of sensors are deployed to capture multiple readings every second, then data collection capability is improved, but bandwidth strain increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of sensors and data readingsVSAvoidbandwidth strain
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and processes data locally at edge devices and intermediate nodes within the mesh network. Instead of transmitting all raw sensor data to a central system, the network performs local filtering, aggregation, and preliminary analysis, extracting only essential information for transmission. This reduces the overall data volume and bandwidth requirements while maintaining monitoring effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the data transmission process into multiple hierarchical levels within the mesh network. Sensors transmit to local gateways, which aggregate and process data before forwarding to regional nodes, and finally to the central system. This segmentation distributes the bandwidth load across multiple communication channels and time periods, preventing any single link from becoming overwhelmed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If IoT devices are connected to computer networks for monitoring purposes, then monitoring capability is improved, but security vulnerabilities increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidsecurity vulnerabilities
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the security parameters of the IoT system by implementing end-to-end encryption for all data transmissions, using secure authentication protocols for device registration and communication, and establishing isolated virtual networks for different monitoring functions. These parameter changes transform the security posture from vulnerable to robust without compromising monitoring capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If sophisticated integration of IoT devices with networking systems and platforms is required, then system functionality is improved, but deployment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration capabilityVSAvoiddeployment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universal communication protocols and standardized interfaces throughout the mesh network architecture. All sensors, gateways, and platforms use common data formats and communication standards, enabling seamless integration without complex custom development. This universality allows the system to adapt to different industrial applications while maintaining simple, consistent deployment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20210367840A1Sensor kits at edge devices for monitoring and managing industrial settings
Publication Date: 2021.11.25 STRONG FORCE IOT PORTFOLIO 2016 LLC
  • US20210367840A1 patent drawing
  • US20210367840A1 patent drawing
  • US20210367840A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A variety of kits are provided that are configured with components, systems and methods for monitoring various industrial settings, including kits with self-configuring sensor networks, communication gateways, and automatically configured back end systems.