Mobile Sensor Devices for HVAC Atmospheric Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building management systems (BMS) face challenges in measuring atmospheric parameters in large enclosed spaces, as conventional methods are limited to measurements along interior walls, leaving unmonitored volumes of air and failing to collect data from the interior of large spaces like atriums, multi-level lobbies, and sports arenas.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using self-propelled devices equipped with sensors that fly through the enclosed space to collect atmospheric parameter measurements, which are then analyzed and sent to a controller to adjust mechanical controls of the ventilation system, allowing for comprehensive data collection without permanent installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wall mounted sensors are used for measurements, then installation is simple and cost-effective, but measurements are limited to interior walls only, leaving large volumes of air unmeasured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static wall-mounted sensors to dynamic mobile robotic devices that move through the enclosed space. The robotic device travels along predefined paths to collect atmospheric measurements from multiple locations including the interior volume, converting a static measurement system into a dynamic one that can access previously unreachable areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of movement in three-dimensional space to the measurement system. Instead of measurements being confined to the two-dimensional wall surface, the mobile robotic device enables sampling throughout the three-dimensional volume of the enclosed space, capturing atmospheric data from previously inaccessible regions.
2Loss of information
If multiple measurement devices are deployed to cover large spaces, then measurement coverage improves, but system complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single multi-functional robotic device that combines navigation, atmospheric sensing, and data transmission capabilities. This universal device replaces the need for multiple specialized measurement devices, achieving comprehensive coverage while maintaining system simplicity. The robotic device performs multiple functions including autonomous navigation, environmental sensing, and wireless communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic device is self-propelled and autonomously navigates through the enclosed space without requiring manual operation or complex external control infrastructure. The device independently executes measurement tasks, manages its own navigation along predefined paths, and transmits data wirelessly, eliminating the need for complex installation and operation procedures.
3Measurement precision
If permanent installations are added to the interior of enclosed spaces, then measurement capability improves, but installation complexity and space modification increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces permanent mechanical installations with a mobile robotic system that uses wireless communication and autonomous navigation. Instead of installing fixed sensors that require physical mounting infrastructure, the robotic device transmits measurement data wirelessly to external systems, eliminating the need for complex permanent installations while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the measurement system from static to mobile, and from wired to wireless. The robotic device operates on battery power rather than requiring hardwired electrical connections, and moves through space rather than being fixed to walls, fundamentally changing how measurements are obtained without requiring permanent infrastructure modifications.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A system and method of measuring atmospheric parameters in an enclosed space using instrumental objects carrying measurement sensors. The objects travel through the space along flight paths. As the objects travel through the space, attached measurement sensors measure atmospheric parameters and store the measurements to a memory. The devices periodically upload the measured atmospheric parameters to a controller circuit. By using self-propelled objects to carry measurement sensors, the system and method disclosed herein allow for periodically sampling atmospheric parameters in the interior of a closed space at a number of locations greater than the number of measurement devices employed. With data points taken from various locations within a volume of a closed space, the system and method can realize a more efficient utilization of energy by adjusting mechanical controls of an HVAC system or a ventilation system, for example.