Low-Frequency Coil Telemetry in Electromagnetic-Absorbing Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in communicating environmental data from within electromagnetic-absorbing materials, such as soil or concrete, due to issues like inadequate communication range, unreliable operation due to changing electromagnetic characteristics, and excessive power consumption, particularly in agricultural and other applications where wired connections are impractical.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an environmental sensor, a modulator encoding data onto a carrier frequency between 9 kHz and 1705 kHz, a switch-mode amplifier, and a multi-turn coil with a diameter of less than 0.3 meters, which forms part of a frequency-dependent load network to minimize current and voltage transients, enabling efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless connections are used to transmit data from sensors embedded in electromagnetic-absorbing materials, then wired connection problems (damage, vandalism, appearance) are avoided, but communication range is inadequate due to attenuation of propagating electromagnetic waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of electromagnetic waves to extremely low frequencies (ELF) below 3 kHz, which fundamentally alters how the waves interact with electromagnetic-absorbing materials like soil and concrete. This frequency transformation enables the waves to penetrate these materials effectively while maintaining adequate communication range, resolving the contradiction between wireless operation and communication distance.
2Speed
If traditional wireless communication frequencies are used, then communication speed is adequate, but operation becomes unreliable due to changes in electromagnetic characteristics of the material
Solution Approach 1:
By shifting to extremely low frequencies below 3 kHz, the patent changes the electromagnetic parameters to a range where wave propagation is less sensitive to material property variations. This frequency transformation provides stable, predictable transmission characteristics that maintain reliability even when the electromagnetic characteristics of surrounding materials change over time.
3Length of stationary object
If high power is used to overcome signal attenuation in electromagnetic-absorbing materials, then communication range is improved, but power consumption becomes excessive for long-term or battery-powered operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter to extremely low frequencies below 3 kHz, which fundamentally improves the propagation efficiency through electromagnetic-absorbing materials. This frequency transformation reduces signal attenuation dramatically, allowing adequate communication range to be achieved with much lower transmit power levels, thus enabling long-term battery-powered operation.
4Length of stationary object
If large antennas are used to achieve adequate communication range, then signal strength is improved, but equipment size becomes incompatible with easy installation and removal of buried sensors
Solution Approach 1:
By transforming to extremely low frequencies below 3 kHz, the patent changes the wavelength characteristics to be much longer than traditional RF frequencies. This allows the use of compact antenna structures that are electrically adequate at these frequencies, enabling small, easily installable sensor units while maintaining communication range through efficient low-frequency wave propagation.
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 system effectively transmits data from within electromagnetic-absorbing materials over a commercially useful range while minimizing power consumption and adapting to changing material properties, making it suitable for long-term operation in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
The modulator may encode data from the sensor onto a carrier having a carrier frequency between about 9 kHz and about 1705 kHz
Implementation Method 2
The system may also include a switch-mode amplifier powered from a self-contained power supply. The switch-mode amplifier may amplify the carrier
Implementation Method 3
The multi-turn coil may have a reactance at the carrier frequency that may form a part of a frequency-dependent load network coupled to the amplifier
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for obtaining telemetry environmental readings from within an electromagnetic-absorbing material are disclosed herein. The system may include a self-contained power source powering a switch-mode amplifier to drive a multi-turn coil to be driven with a low-frequency carrier.