Light Detection Circuit for Remote Sensor Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart sensors in power distribution systems require a time-consuming and costly process to activate their radios, which involves placing a magnet on the device, posing safety risks due to proximity to energized conductors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a light circuit that can detect light and switch between light generation and detection modes, allowing the sensor to wake up or communicate wirelessly using light signals, enabling remote activation without physical proximity to the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnet is placed on the smart sensor to activate the radio, then the radio can be activated, but the process is time-consuming and requires technician proximity to energized conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical magnet-based activation system with an optical system using light to activate the radio. The light sensor detects light signals from a remote source, triggering the radio to wake up without requiring physical contact or proximity to the sensor, thereby eliminating the time-consuming magnet placement process and safety risks associated with technician proximity to energized conductors.
2Reliability
If a magnet is placed on the smart sensor to activate the radio, then the radio can be activated, but it requires technician proximity to energized conductors posing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical magnet-based activation system with an optical system using light to activate the radio. The light sensor detects light signals from a remote source, triggering the radio to wake up without requiring physical contact or proximity to the sensor, thereby eliminating the safety risks associated with technician proximity to energized conductors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to transfer the activation signal from the technician to the smart sensor. Instead of directly placing a magnet on the sensor, the technician can remotely activate the radio by shining light on the sensor's light sensor, using light as a safe intermediary that eliminates the need for direct physical contact or proximity to energized conductors.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the radio is powered off to conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but the radio cannot be activated without additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light sensor serve multiple functions: it acts as both a status indicator LED and an activation sensor for the radio. When the sensor needs to indicate its status, it emits light; when it needs to be activated, it detects light. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate activation components, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to wake the radio from sleep mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the smart sensor to activate its own radio using its existing light sensor component. The light sensor can detect light signals and trigger the radio to wake up without requiring external activation mechanisms or additional components. This self-service capability reduces device complexity while maintaining power-saving operation.
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
This solution reduces costs and enhances safety by allowing remote activation of smart sensors using light signals, minimizing the need for bucket trucks and reducing technician exposure to energized conductors.
Implementation Method 1
a light circuit structured to detect light, wherein the light circuit is structured to output a detection signal in response to detecting light
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device including a component and a light circuit structured to detect light. The light circuit is structured to output a detection signal in response to detecting light and the detection signal is used to wake up or communicate with the component.