Internal Engine Data Collector Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Evaluating internal engine components like pistons and connecting rods is challenging due to their inaccessibility and operation in extreme environments, leading to costly and time-consuming modifications, and existing data collector assemblies with wireless transmitters consume excessive power.
Innovation Solution
A data collector assembly without a wireless transmitter, featuring a sensor, digital to analog converter, memory, processor, and clock, powered only by a small power source, which automatically adjusts data sampling frequency based on predetermined thresholds, reducing power consumption and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wireless transmitter/receiver is included in the data collector assembly, then data can be transmitted remotely, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the wireless transmitter/receiver component from the data collector assembly, extracting the power-consuming element while retaining the core data collection and storage functions. This eliminates the primary source of high power consumption while preserving the ability to collect and store engine component data locally.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of transmitting data wirelessly in real-time, the system creates a local copy of the data storage capability within the engine component itself. The data collector assembly stores data locally in memory, eliminating the need for continuous wireless transmission and the associated power consumption.
2Power
If a large power source is used to support wireless transmission, then sufficient power is available, but the power source becomes less reliable in extreme environments
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the wireless transmitter requirement, the patent eliminates the need for large power sources. The reduced power requirements enable the use of smaller, more reliable power sources that are better suited for extreme engine environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power consumption parameters of the system by eliminating the wireless transmission function. This parameter change allows the use of smaller battery capacities and different power source configurations that are more reliable in high-temperature and high-vibration environments.
3Loss of information
If data is stored continuously in memory, then all data is captured, but memory size must be larger and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic data sampling where the processor adjusts the rate at which data is stored in memory based on operating conditions. This dynamic approach captures critical data while minimizing unnecessary storage, optimizing both memory utilization and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuously storing all possible data, the system selectively stores data based on predefined criteria and thresholds. This partial action approach captures the most relevant information while reducing memory requirements and associated power consumption.
4Use of energy by moving object
If manual activation is required before engine test, then power consumption is reduced, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data collector assembly is designed to activate automatically upon detection of engine operation conditions. The system self-activates without requiring manual intervention, eliminating the operational step while maintaining power efficiency through conditional activation based on sensor inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensors to automatically determine when to activate data collection. When sensor readings indicate engine operation has begun, the system automatically activates, eliminating manual activation requirements while maintaining efficient power usage.
Data Source
AI summary
An internal engine component including a data collector assembly is provided. The data collector assembly includes a sensor for sensing a condition and for generating a signal corresponding to the condition and a digital to analog converter for converting the signal to a digital signal. The data collector assembly also includes a memory for storing data, a clock and a processor. A power source is electrically connected to the sensor, the analog to digital converter, the memory, the clock and the processor. During an engine test, the processor, sensor, digital to analog converter, clock and memory are substantially the only devices that draw electricity from the power source.