Electrochemical Memory for Low-Power Sensor Data Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensors for continuous monitoring require significant power, leading to increased cost and complexity, and passive sensors can only provide current information without recording past measurements.
Innovation Solution
A low-power sensor system with an electrochemical memory that records occurrences outside a predetermined range using a wire, counter-electrode, and electrolyte, allowing for the storage of past measurements without a discrete battery, utilizing electrochemical reactions to change properties like conductance for data logging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional electronics are used for continuous sensor monitoring, then measurement recording capability is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electronic memory systems with an electrochemical memory system that uses electrochemical reactions (oxidation/reduction) instead of electronic circuits to record measurements. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous power supply while maintaining measurement recording capability, as the electrochemical reactions occur passively in response to sensor output.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochemical memory system is self-powered by utilizing the voltage output from the sensor itself to drive the electrochemical reactions. The system does not require external power sources or batteries, as the sensor's own output voltage provides the energy needed to record measurements through electrochemical reactions in the electrolyte solution.
2Device complexity
If passive sensors without battery are used, then cost and complexity are reduced, but ability to record past measurements is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrochemical memory system as an intermediary between the passive sensor and the user. This intermediary component uses electrochemical reactions to store measurement information that can later be read out, enabling passive sensors to provide historical data without requiring complex electronic memory circuits or power management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochemical memory system utilizes changes in electrochemical parameters (such as oxidation state, ion concentration, or electrical conductance) to encode measurement information. These parameter changes occur in response to the sensor's voltage output and can be later detected to retrieve stored measurement data, providing a simple yet effective recording mechanism.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electrochemical reactions are used to record measurements, then power consumption is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs local quality by using specific electrochemically active materials (such as silver wire and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate) at critical locations within the memory device. This targeted material placement enables the electrochemical recording function while keeping the overall device structure simple and compatible with existing manufacturing techniques.
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 wireless monitoring of past sensor measurements, reducing costs and complexity, and interfacing with various sensors and communication protocols, allowing for both current and historical data recording without the need for energy-harvesting elements.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage generates an electrical current between the wire and the counter-electrode. The electrical current causes an electrochemical reaction in the wire, the counter-electrode, or both when the parameter is outside of a predetermined range.
Implementation Method 2
The electrochemical reaction causes corrosion of the wire, which causes a conductance of the wire to decrease.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system includes a sensor configured to measure a parameter. The sensor system also includes a memory configured to record one or more occurrences when the parameter is outside of a predetermined range. The memory includes a wire, a counter-electrode, and an electrolyte.