Energy Harvesting Position Sensor for Zero Power Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor technologies require operating power to function, making them unsuitable for applications where power is lost, and mechanical switches used as alternatives suffer from drawbacks like contamination sensitivity and inconsistent performance.
Innovation Solution
A position indication circuit that harvests minute levels of power from signal lines to enable electronic sensors to operate without primary power, using an energy harvesting device coupled with a position sensor and indicator, allowing for non-contact position indication and wide speed range operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic sensors are used to provide position indication, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but the device requires operating power to function
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit operates in periodic cycles, activating the electronic sensor only during brief intervals when energy is harvested from the sense line voltage, then entering a low-power standby state. This periodic operation allows the high-precision electronic sensor to function without requiring continuous power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit harvests energy from the existing sense line voltage that is already present in the system, eliminating the need for a separate power source. The sense line voltage, which would otherwise be unused, is converted into electrical energy to power the electronic sensor and circuitry.
2Reliability
If mechanical switches are used to provide position indication when power is lost, then the device can operate without primary power, but contamination sensitivity and mechanical wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical switches with an electronic sensor-based system that harvests energy electrically from the sense line. This eliminates mechanical contact points that are susceptible to contamination and wear, while maintaining the ability to provide position indication during power loss.
Solution Approach 2:
An energy harvesting circuit acts as an intermediary between the sense line voltage and the electronic sensor, converting the electrical energy from the sense line into usable power for the sensor. This intermediary system enables contamination-free electronic sensing without requiring mechanical components.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electronic sensors operate on harvested energy with low duty cycle, then power consumption is reduced, but continuous position monitoring capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit harvests and stores energy in advance during periods when the sensor does not need to operate, building up energy reserves in capacitors. This preliminary energy accumulation allows the sensor to be activated periodically without interrupting the overall position monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The position indication system maintains continuous monitoring capability through periodic sensor activations that are coordinated with energy availability. The system ensures that position information is continuously updated by strategically timing sensor operation to coincide with energy harvest cycles, maintaining information continuity despite intermittent operation.
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 electronic sensors to provide reliable position indication without primary power, reducing the need for mechanical switches and improving performance by being insensitive to contamination and requiring minimal adjustment, while maintaining operation across a wide range of speeds.
Implementation Method 1
an energy harvesting device coupled with a position sensor and indicator, allowing for non-contact position indication
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device detect the position of a device utilizing electronic sensors in applications with negligible power resources. The method utilizes an indicator circuit for monitoring a position of a device, the indicator circuit including a position sensor configured to detect a position of the device, a first position indicator operatively coupled to the position sensor and configured to provide a position output corresponding to the position of the device based on the position of the device as detected by the position sensor, a first sense line for receiving a sense voltage from a second position indicator different from the first position indicator; and an energy harvesting device operatively coupled to the first sense line, the position sensor and the first position indicator. The energy harvesting device is configured to harvest electric energy from the sense voltage, wherein the position sensor and the first position indicator obtain electric power from the harvested electric energy.