Electrostatic Charge Variation Sensing for Wireless Power Failure Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current power failure detection systems are typically directly connected to the power network, consuming high current and are not easily tunable without hardware modifications, and contactless solutions often require high input voltage.

Innovation Solution

Power failure detection using an electrostatic charge variation sensor that measures environmental charge variations, employing high pass and band pass filters to determine threshold values for detection, allowing wireless operation with low power consumption and customizable settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If directly connected to power network for detection, then detection reliability is improved, but current consumption increases and requires hardware modification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower failure detection reliabilityVSAvoidcurrent consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electrostatic charge variation sensor as an intermediary device that detects power failures by measuring electrostatic charge variations in the environment without direct connection to the power network. This mediator enables detection while maintaining electrical isolation, thus reducing current consumption and eliminating the need for hardware modifications to the power network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If contactless detection is used, then ease of operation is improved, but input voltage and current consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation convenienceVSAvoidinput voltage requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional electrical field-based contactless detection with an electrostatic charge variation sensing mechanism. This substitution allows the system to detect power failures through environmental electrostatic variations rather than requiring high input voltage, thereby maintaining ease of installation while significantly reducing power requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If fixed threshold detection is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection system complexityVSAvoiddetection threshold tunability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic threshold adjustment capability in the detection system, allowing the threshold values to be modified through software or configuration parameters rather than being fixed in hardware. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt to different operating conditions and environments while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If high sensitivity detection is used, then measurement precision is improved, but false detection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower failure detection sensitivityVSAvoidfalse detection rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the detection system continuously monitors electrostatic charge variations and adjusts its operation based on the detected signal characteristics. By analyzing the envelope of the filtered signal and comparing it dynamically to threshold values, the system can distinguish between actual power failures and environmental noise, thereby maintaining high sensitivity while reducing false detections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 power failure detection with low power consumption and adjustable sensitivity, ensuring prompt detection without hardware modifications.

Implementation Method 1

A power failure is detected using an electrostatic charge variation sensor that measures variation of electrostatic charge in a surrounding environment.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic charge variation: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS20250290955A1Electrostatic charge variation based power failure detection

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 STMICROELECTRONICS INT NV

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to devices and methods for performing power failure detection. A power failure is detected using an electrostatic charge variation sensor that measures variation of electrostatic charge in a surrounding environment. Power failure is detected wirelessly and without being directly connected to the power network. Further, the electrostatic charge variation sensor has low power consumption and allows for customization of detection sensitivity.