Hybrid-Powered Embedded Sensors for Low-Latency Roadside Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing embedded sensors for infrastructure-to-vehicular communication that can operate for decades, maintain low latency at high speeds, and withstand harsh weather conditions, such as heavy snow and rain, is challenging due to limitations in power sourcing and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid-powered RFID sensor device with an RF-triggered load switching module that uses energy rectified from RF signals to power a sensing module, combining the low standby energy of passive tags with the robust communication of active tags, featuring a low-leakage load switch to minimize battery usage in dormant states and extend operational lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If passive RFID tags are used for embedded sensors, then energy consumption is reduced and lifespan is extended, but communication robustness and data transmission capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges passive and active RFID tag characteristics into a hybrid sensor system. The sensor module operates in passive mode during dormant states to minimize energy consumption, but can switch to active mode when energy is available to ensure robust communication. This combination resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to exhibit both low energy consumption and high communication reliability depending on operational conditions.
2Reliability
If active RFID tags are used for embedded sensors, then communication robustness and data transmission capability are improved, but energy consumption increases and operational lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the sensor module can switch between dormant and active states based on energy availability and communication requirements. During dormant states, the system consumes minimal energy in passive mode. When energy is available and communication is required, the system transitions to active mode to ensure robust data transmission. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by adapting the communication robustness and energy consumption to actual operational needs.
3Loss of time
If embedded sensors operate continuously to provide real-time data, then latency is reduced and real-time monitoring is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sensing and communication cycles rather than continuous operation. The sensor module enters dormant states between measurement cycles to minimize energy consumption. During active measurement cycles, the system performs sensing and data transmission operations. This periodic operation pattern resolves the contradiction by achieving acceptable real-time monitoring performance through scheduled operations rather than continuous activity, significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
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 hybrid-powered sensor device achieves superior energy-performance trade-offs with extended lifespan, reduced latency, and efficient data transmission at high speeds, enhancing road safety by providing vehicles with real-time information about their surroundings without relying on conventional LIDAR or visual recognition.
Implementation Method 1
the RF-triggered load switching module operatively couples the power source to the sensing module via the low-leakage load switch using energy rectified from an RF signal received by RF-DC converter
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid-powered sensing device is disclosed that includes a power source coupled to a sensing module via an RF-triggered load switching module.