Modular Sensor Architecture with Interchangeable Planes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensors lack adaptability to new uses and situations due to non-modular architectures, with components that cannot be readily substituted or reconfigured for different sensing purposes, limiting their versatility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A modular sensing system architecture with interchangeable planes, including a power plane, processing plane, and sensing plane, where the power plane can be rechargeable or powered optically, and the processing plane can be reprogrammed remotely, allowing for various sensor configurations and flexible functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sensors use a fixed architecture designed for a particular sensing purpose, then the sensor can be manufactured with specific functionality, but the sensor cannot be readily adapted to different sensing purposes or new situations
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into separate functional modules including a base module and interchangeable sensor planes. Each plane contains specific sensor arrays (e.g., acoustic, optical, electromagnetic sensors) that can be independently selected and swapped. This segmentation allows the core processing unit to remain simple while enabling versatility through modular plane replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The base module contains universal processing components and interfaces that can work with multiple types of sensor planes. The standardized mounting interface and data processing architecture allow a single base unit to support various sensing configurations, making the system multi-functional without requiring complex custom designs for each application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sensors have fixed components that cannot be substituted, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the sensors lack flexibility for reconfiguration and new applications
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into separate functional modules including a base module and interchangeable sensor planes. Each plane contains specific sensor arrays (e.g., acoustic, optical, electromagnetic sensors) that can be independently selected and swapped. This segmentation allows the core processing unit to remain simple while enabling versatility through modular plane replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sensor planes are pre-fabricated with specific sensor configurations during manufacturing. These pre-made planes are designed with standardized interfaces that allow them to be easily swapped into the base module. This preliminary preparation enables rapid reconfiguration without requiring complex assembly procedures or custom manufacturing for each application.
3Reliability
If conventional sensors are designed for specific sensing purposes, then they can perform their designated function reliably, but they cannot provide support for multiple sensor configurations or new uses
Solution Approach 1:
The base module contains universal processing components and interfaces that can work with multiple types of sensor planes. The standardized mounting interface and data processing architecture allow a single base unit to support various sensing configurations, making the system multi-functional without requiring complex custom designs for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is divided into separate functional modules including a base module and interchangeable sensor planes. Each plane contains specific sensor arrays (e.g., acoustic, optical, electromagnetic sensors) that can be independently selected and swapped. This segmentation allows the core processing unit to remain simple while enabling versatility through modular plane replacements.
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 sensors to be adapted to multiple situations and sensing configurations, extending their usability and efficiency by allowing for interchangeable components and remote data processing and communication, thereby enhancing data collection and analysis capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The semiconductor device can be grown monolithically. Further, optical alignment issues that limit power in conventional segmented and serially connected photodiodes are eliminated. Light incident on the photodiodes can generate a current that can be used to power the sensor, recharge the battery, or bias a laser
Data Source
AI summary
A modular sensing system architecture. A sensing system includes multiple planes that are in electrical communication. A power plane provides a power source and a communications module that can be optical and/or electrical in nature. The power source can be upgraded using optical power delivered over an optical fiber. The sensing system can also both transmit/receive data over the optical fiber. A processing plane provides memory and processing power. The processing plane can be updated/upgraded via the communications module or the optical fiber. A sensor plane includes multiple sensors. The architecture enables sensor planes to be interchangeable while still having communication with other planes of the sensor. The processing plane can be updated to accommodate different sensor configurations.