Inductive Sensor Module Head for Remote Data Logging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid or gas sensors, particularly potentiometric sensors, face issues with wear and tear, requiring frequent replacement, and existing plug-in modules for data and energy transfer are either energy-intensive for radio communication or impractical for remote sensors due to cable dependencies.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in sensor module head with a galvanically decoupled inductive transfer section for data and energy exchange, featuring a display unit and data memory, allowing for on-site sensor-specific information representation and remote data logging, with energy supply via AC signal and load modulation for data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If radio communication is used for data transfer, then operational flexibility for remote sensors is improved, but energy consumption increases too much
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic inductive data transfer instead of continuous radio communication. The plug-in module and sensor module exchange data through magnetic coupling at specific intervals, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining operational flexibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary inductive coupling mechanism between the plug-in module and sensor module. This magnetic field-based intermediary enables data transfer without direct electrical contact or high-energy radio waves, providing a low-energy alternative for remote sensor operations.
2Use of energy by moving object
If cable connection is used for data transfer, then energy consumption is reduced, but practical operation for remote sensors becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a contactless inductive coupling system. Magnetic fields substitute for physical wire connections, enabling remote sensors to operate without cumbersome cable installations while consuming minimal energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive coupling acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between power-efficient cable connections and flexible wireless operation. This magnetic field mediator provides both low energy consumption and operational flexibility for remote sensors.
3Device complexity
If simple pH-electrodes without electronic components are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement capability and data processing are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments functionality between the simple sensor module (measurement) and the intelligent plug-in module (data processing and storage). This segmentation allows the electrode itself to remain simple while gaining advanced capabilities through the separate processing unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug-in module serves as an intermediary that enhances the capabilities of simple pH-electrodes. It provides impedance conversion, data processing, and memory functions without complicating the basic electrode structure, thereby maintaining measurement capability while minimizing device complexity.
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, practical, and sustainable operation of sensors with on-site data representation and logging capabilities, reducing the need for frequent replacements and improving operational flexibility for remote sensors.
Implementation Method 1
data and energy transfer via a galvanically decoupled transfer section
Implementation Method 2
energy supply of the sensor module being accomplished via an AC signal
Implementation Method 3
data transfer from the sensor module to the sensor module head can be realized by load modulation of the AC signal
Data Source
AI summary
A plug-in module for a liquid- or gas-sensor comprised of a sensor module (SM) and a sensor module head (SMH), which can be releasably connected together, and which, when connected, enable data and energy transfer via a galvanically decoupled transfer section, wherein the sensor module head (SMH) includes an energy supply unit for operating the sensor module head (SMH) and the sensor module (SM), as well as a data memory (MEM), in order to store sensor data received from the sensor module (SM).