Home Sensor Network Using LoRa Repeaters for Low Power Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home improvement device systems lack a comprehensive sensor system that includes object detection, termite presence monitoring, and pest control, with limited communication capabilities and autonomy, and are not efficiently integrated into low power wide area networks.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising an object detector assembly, termite trap assembly, and pest trap assembly, each equipped with sensors and communication modules using low power wide area network protocols like LORAWAN, capable of acting as repeaters, and powered by solar panels for extended autonomy, detecting objects, termites, and pests, and sending notifications to mobile devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices use traditional high-power communication networks, then communication speed and reliability are improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the communication parameter from high-power to low-power wide area network (LPWAN), specifically using LoRa technology. This parameter change enables devices to achieve acceptable communication reliability while consuming significantly less energy, allowing battery-powered operation for extended periods and enabling solar panel integration for energy harvesting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electrical power consumption-based communication systems with a radio-frequency-based LPWAN system. This substitution allows wireless communication over long distances with minimal power consumption, eliminating the need for complex power management hardware and enabling simpler battery or solar-powered designs.
2Area of stationary object
If devices are placed far apart to cover large areas, then monitoring coverage is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces repeater devices as intermediary nodes in the communication network. These repeaters receive signals from distant devices and retransmit them to the gateway, extending the effective communication range. This intermediary approach allows devices to be placed far apart for wide coverage while maintaining communication reliability through multiple hops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-dimensional communication network topology by deploying devices at various locations that can act as repeaters. This transforms the communication path from a direct single-hop connection to a multi-hop network path, effectively extending coverage area while maintaining reliability through redundant communication routes.
3Measurement precision
If devices operate continuously to provide real-time monitoring, then detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of sensor data instead of continuous monitoring. Devices collect data at predetermined intervals and transmit only when changes exceed thresholds or at scheduled times. This periodic action maintains adequate detection accuracy for environmental monitoring while dramatically reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables devices to autonomously determine when transmission is necessary based on local environmental conditions and predefined thresholds. Devices self-manage their operation by comparing sensor readings against thresholds and only activating communication when needed, eliminating the need for continuous powered operation while maintaining effective monitoring.
4Duration of action of moving object
If solar panels are added to provide continuous power, then operational autonomy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the device housing to serve multiple functions: it protects internal components, provides structural support, and acts as a mounting surface for the solar panel. The solar panel is integrated into the existing device structure rather than added as a separate complex subsystem, minimizing additional complexity while enabling continuous power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panel enables the device to harvest energy directly from the environment, making it self-sufficient for power needs. This self-service approach to energy generation extends operational autonomy indefinitely (weather permitting) without requiring external power sources or complex battery management systems, as the device generates its own power locally.
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
The system provides comprehensive monitoring and notification of environmental issues such as object presence, termite infestations, and pest activity, with extended autonomy and low maintenance costs, ensuring timely alerts and efficient communication coverage.
Implementation Method 1
powered by solar panels for extended autonomy
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system for detecting objects includes a plurality of devices and a network assembly. The plurality of device assemblies includes an object detector assembly, a termite trap assembly, and a pest trap assembly. The object detector assembly includes a device implemented along the outer perimeter of a house in order to detect various objects. Additionally, the termite trap assembly includes a cardboard cutout with a high cellulose content having conductive ink. Furthermore, the pest trap assembly includes a housing having a trap door that is used to capture pests such as rodents and mice. Each of the devices are in communication with the network assembly via a low power wide area network. Each of the devices may also act as a repeater thereby further extending the range of communication for each of the devices.