Linear Power Regulator for Adaptive Sensor Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional threat detection systems are inflexible, requiring hardwiring for specific environmental conditions and having complex deployment requirements, which limits their adaptability and deployment life, especially in low-power applications.
Innovation Solution
A programmable interface module with a linear power regulator that can adapt power supply to sensor modules based on detected environmental conditions, allowing for long-term deployment and easy configuration with additional sensor modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional threat detection systems are hardwired for specific environmental conditions, then they provide stable detection for that specific condition, but they cannot be adapted for different environments
Solution Approach 1:
The interface module is designed with a programmable configuration that allows it to work with multiple types of sensor modules (radiation, temperature, smoke, etc.) through a standardized interface. The linear power regulator and configuration module enable the same hardware platform to adapt to different environmental conditions by simply changing the sensor module and configuration parameters, rather than requiring different hardwired systems for each condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a programmable interface module that can dynamically reconfigure itself to work with different sensor modules. The configuration module allows the system to be programmed for specific uses (e.g., particular sensitivity levels) and can be easily reconfigured for different environments, providing dynamic adaptability rather than static hardwired configurations.
2Ease of operation
If threat detection systems are wired to a power source, then they provide continuous power for operation, but they have complex deployment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The interface module incorporates an integrated linear power regulator that can accept various power sources (battery or wired power) and regulate them to provide stable power to the sensor module. This universal power regulation capability simplifies deployment by allowing the same module to work with different power sources without requiring complex deployment infrastructure.
3Duration of action of moving object
If threat detection systems use constant power supply, then they ensure continuous operation, but they have short deployment life due to battery replacement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The linear power regulator dynamically adjusts power delivery based on the operational mode. It provides minimal power during idle periods and ramps up power only when the sensor module needs to detect and report environmental conditions. This dynamic power management extends battery life from months to potentially years, eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements while ensuring the system remains operational.
4Reliability
If linear voltage regulator provides high power continuously, then sensor module can detect environmental conditions accurately, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linear power regulator operates in a periodic manner, switching between a low-power first mode during idle periods and a high-power second mode when detection is needed. The regulator ramps up power to the sensor module only when environmental conditions need to be detected, maintains power during detection and reporting, then returns to low-power mode. This periodic operation ensures detection accuracy when needed while minimizing average power consumption for extended deployment life.
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 flexible and low-power threat detection systems that can operate for extended periods, adapting to various environmental conditions and sensor types, with the ability to output threat signals when thresholds are surpassed, enhancing public safety and deployment efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a linear power regulator to control and provide power to interfaced components on an as needed basis
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable interface module includes a linear power regulator to control and provide power to interfaced components on an as needed basis. The interface module is implemented in, for example, a threat sensor pack and multiplexed to a plurality of sensor modules. In a first mode, the linear voltage regulator provides a relatively small amount of power which allows a sensor module to output a signal responsive to detecting an environmental condition (e.g., gamma or x-ray radiation, extreme temperatures, etc.). The interface module can switch the linear voltage regulator to a second mode in which the linear voltage regulator ramps up the amount of power provided to a detecting sensor module. The sensor module can then provide a threat level indicative of a concentration or intensity of the environmental condition. If the threat level surpasses a predetermined threshold, the senor pack can output a threat signal to security server.