Modular Sensor Platform for Synchronized Edge Data Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional machine tool power measurement devices lack the capability to analyze various characteristics simultaneously and face data synchronization issues when multiple sensors are attached, hindering efficient edge computing and traffic management.

Innovation Solution

A modular sensor platform apparatus with terminals for power and external sensors, a micro-control unit, and communication modules that enable synchronized data collection and edge computing, allowing for flexible attachment of various sensors and communication protocols, and includes a non-contact current measurement scheme for small size and intelligence integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple sensor systems are attached to a machine tool for measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but data synchronization problems occur and traffic volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoiddata synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensor systems (power sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, vibration sensor, illuminance sensor) into a single integrated sensor platform apparatus. This unified structure allows centralized data collection and processing, solving the data synchronization problem that arises when multiple separate sensor systems are attached to machine tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor platform apparatus is designed with multi-functional capabilities to measure various physical quantities simultaneously (power, temperature, humidity, vibration, illuminance). This universal design improves measurement capability while maintaining data synchronization through a single integrated system that can handle diverse sensor types.

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

2Ease of operation

If wireless transmission is used for sensor data, then ease of operation is improved, but traffic volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless transmissionVSAvoidtraffic volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The micro-control unit executes predefined algorithms to perform preliminary data processing, filtering, and analysis before transmission. By pre-processing data locally, the system reduces the volume of data that needs to be transmitted wirelessly, thereby maintaining ease of operation while reducing traffic burden on communication networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor platform apparatus performs self-service through edge computing capabilities, where the micro-control unit autonomously processes and analyzes sensor data using embedded algorithms. This self-processing reduces dependency on external communication infrastructure and minimizes the traffic volume that must be transmitted wirelessly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If computation is performed at the end of the system, then centralization is improved, but edge computing efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecentralizationVSAvoidedge computing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a segmented computing architecture where computation is divided between edge devices (sensor platform apparatus with micro-control unit) and centralized systems. The micro-control unit executes predefined algorithms locally for real-time processing, while more complex analysis can be performed centrally. This segmentation maintains system centralization benefits while enabling efficient edge computing for time-sensitive operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Volume of moving object

If a compact design is used for the sensor platform, then ease of installation is improved, but sensor integration capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidsensor integration capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor platform apparatus employs a nested modular design where multiple sensor modules can be integrated within a compact structure. The device includes standardized terminals that can accommodate various sensor types, allowing the system to maintain a small form factor while preserving the ability to integrate multiple different sensor modules as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4257989B1Modular sensor platform apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY R&DB FOUNDATION
  • EP4257989B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4257989B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

Provided is a modular sensor platform apparatus. The modular sensor platform apparatus includes at least one first terminal capable of being coupled to a power sensor, a plurality of second terminals capable of being coupled to an external sensor module and a communication module, and a micro-control unit (MCU) configured to execute a predefined algorithm.