Memristor Wireless Temperature Sensing via Resistance Threshold

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current remote sensing technologies face challenges in accurately and efficiently measuring temperature using memristors, as existing methods lack a reliable and cost-effective way to wirelessly detect and reset the electrical characteristics of memristors to determine temperature values.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a memristor and circuitry that wirelessly receives a time-varying signal, provides pulses to change the memristor's electrical characteristic, signals when it reaches a threshold, and resets it, allowing for temperature estimation based on the number of pulses required to reach the threshold, using a periodic sequence of pulses and a voltage divider circuit for detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional remote sensing methods are used to measure temperature, then temperature measurement can be performed, but the accuracy and efficiency are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/electronic temperature sensing mechanisms with a memristor-based system that uses electrical resistance changes to indicate temperature. The memristor's resistance varies with temperature, providing a more accurate and efficient measurement mechanism compared to traditional sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes changes in the memristor's electrical resistance parameter in response to temperature variations. By monitoring resistance changes and correlating them with temperature through a lookup table, the system achieves high measurement precision and efficiency without complex mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If memristor electrical characteristics are monitored to determine temperature, then temperature measurement is achieved, but wireless detection and reset capability are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature detection accuracyVSAvoidwireless operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a resonant circuit as an intermediary between the memristor and the external measurement system. This resonant circuit enables wireless communication by coupling the memristor's resistance changes to a detectable signal without requiring direct electrical contact, thus providing wireless detection capability while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system integrates multiple functions into a single wireless platform: temperature sensing, signal modulation, and reset capability. The control circuit can wirelessly both read the memristor's electrical characteristics for temperature determination and apply reset pulses to restore the memristor to its initial state, eliminating the need for separate wired connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If existing temperature sensing methods are used, then temperature measurement is possible, but the solution is not cost-effective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement capabilityVSAvoidcost-effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a memristor, which is a relatively inexpensive and simple-to-manufacture component compared to traditional precision temperature sensors. The memristor's straightforward fabrication process and low material requirements make the overall system more cost-effective while maintaining adequate measurement precision for many applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing complex mechanical temperature sensing mechanisms with a simple electrical resistance-based memristor system, the patent reduces manufacturing complexity and cost. The electrical measurement approach requires fewer precision mechanical components, leading to easier fabrication and lower production costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 accurate and efficient remote temperature measurement by wirelessly detecting when the memristor's resistance reaches a threshold, facilitating temperature estimation through the determination of the number of pulses applied, which is dependent on the temperature, thus providing a reliable and cost-effective solution for temperature sensing.

Implementation Method 1

The number of pulses provided to the memristor to change the electrical characteristic of the memristor from the first value to reach the threshold value is a temperature indicator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMemristor resistance change: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

the apparatus comprises a resonant electrical circuit configured to provide at least part of the means for wirelessly receiving, from another apparatus, the time-varying signal and at least part of the means for wirelessly signalling to the other apparatus when the electrical characteristic of the memristor reaches the threshold value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3767967B1Remote sensing
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3767967B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP3767967B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3767967B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An apparatus comprising: a memristor; means for wirelessly receiving, from another apparatus, a time-varying signal; means for enabling, responsive to the received time-varying signal, provision of one or more pulses to the memristor to change an electrical characteristic of the memristor; means for wirelessly signalling to the other apparatus when the electrical characteristic of the memristor reaches a threshold value; and means for re-setting the electrical characteristic of the memristor.