Modular Sensor Sleep Control for Reliable Measurements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless sensors with sealed batteries face challenges in optimizing battery life by efficiently transitioning into sleep mode without interrupting ongoing tasks, particularly when delivering reliable measurement values.

Innovation Solution

A sensor with modules configured to read a word of bits representing task execution states, switching to sleep mode only when all bits are in a predetermined non-execution state, and adjusting bit states based on task performance to prevent premature sleep mode transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If the sensor is put in sleep mode as soon as any task is performed, then battery duration is enhanced, but reliable measurement values cannot be delivered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery durationVSAvoidmeasurement values reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by checking the execution state of all modules before transitioning to sleep mode. The control means reads a word containing multiple bits, each bit representing whether a specific module is currently executing a task. Only when all bits indicate no execution (all in first predetermined state) does the sensor transition to sleep mode, ensuring measurement reliability while optimizing battery duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the sensor switches to sleep mode immediately to optimize battery life, then power consumption is reduced, but ongoing tasks are interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidtask execution continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the execution state of multiple modules through a word of bits. Each bit provides feedback on whether its associated module is executing a task. This feedback mechanism allows the control means to make informed decisions about sleep mode transitions, ensuring that tasks are not interrupted while optimizing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the sensor delays sleep mode transition to ensure task completion, then measurement reliability is maintained, but battery duration is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement values reliabilityVSAvoidbattery duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the sensor's operational state into multiple independent module execution states, each represented by a bit in a word. This segmentation allows the control means to evaluate each module's execution state independently and transition to sleep mode as soon as all modules are idle, optimizing battery duration while maintaining measurement reliability through granular state monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12386408B2Sensor and associated method

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

A sensor (8) includes a plurality of modules (11, 12). Each module performs a task. The sensor (8) includes a control means (10) that (1) reads a word (WO) having a plurality of bits, with each bit being associated to the state of execution of the task performed by a module when the sensor (8) is in an active mode, and (2) switches the sensor (8) into a sleep mode when each bit (B1, B2) is in a first predetermined state. The first predetermined state of each bit is representative of the none execution of the task of the module associated to the bit.