Hydraulic Hose Sensor Pairing via Optical ID Transfer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for monitoring hydraulic hose degradation status via wireless sensors are cumbersome and time-consuming to pair with gateway devices, disrupting hose operation and requiring extensive setup.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a mechanical interface and light transfer protocol with a sensor and gateway device alignment feature, where a light transfer protocol with a unique identification code automatically pairs the sensor to the gateway device, reducing setup time and maintaining hose operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wireless sensors are used to monitor hydraulic hose degradation, then continuous monitoring capability is improved, but pairing setup time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous monitoring capabilityVSAvoidpairing setup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is pre-programmed with a unique identification code and alignment features before deployment. When the sensor is brought near the gateway device, the alignment features automatically establish communication alignment, and the pre-stored ID code is immediately transmitted for automatic pairing, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual configuration during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic pairing through self-service mechanisms: the alignment features automatically orient the sensor toward the gateway device, the light transmitter automatically establishes optical connection, and the gateway device automatically captures the ID code and completes pairing without requiring manual setup or programming by the operator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If extensive setup and programming is required for wireless sensor pairing, then device recognition accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice recognition accuracyVSAvoidpairing operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual programming and configuration operations with an optical communication system. The light transmitter sends the sensor's unique ID code through optical signals to the gateway device, which automatically captures and processes the code for pairing. This substitution eliminates cumbersome manual setup while maintaining accurate device recognition through the unique optical identification code.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If wired connections are used for sensor-gateway communication, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation and installation flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes physical wired connections with optical wireless communication. The light transmitter emits optical signals containing sensor data and identification information, which are received by the gateway device's photodetector. This wireless optical link maintains reliable communication while providing installation flexibility, allowing sensors to be placed on moving or hard-to-reach hydraulic hoses without requiring physical cable routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 efficient and non-disruptive monitoring of hydraulic hose degradation status by simplifying the pairing process between wireless sensors and gateway devices, allowing continuous monitoring without operational disruption.

Implementation Method 1

a light transmitter adjacent to the one or more first alignment features, and configured to transmit a light transfer protocol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transfer protocol: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a phototransistor configured to capture and record the light transfer protocol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhototransistor light detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11674865B2System and method utilizing a light transfer protocol for sensor monitoring hose assembly degradation

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 DANFOSS AS

AI summary

A system and method utilizing a light transfer protocol for a sensor that monitors hose assembly degradation is disclosed. The system includes a sensor having one or more first alignment features, a contactless switch, and a light transmitter configured to transmit a light transfer protocol. The light transfer protocol is a sensor unique identification code recognizable by a gateway device that automatically pairs the sensor to the gateway device.