Monitoring Sensor with Periodic Activation for Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitoring sensors for door and gate areas consume excessive energy and have limited service life due to continuous active operation, especially in wireless sensors with autonomous power sources.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring sensor design that detects a test signal to switch between passive and active states, reducing energy consumption by only activating when necessary, and incorporating features like 3D object detection, infrared operation, and a control unit for efficient power management and fault handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the monitoring sensor operates continuously in active state to ensure reliable monitoring, then the monitoring reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases and service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring sensor alternates between active monitoring state and passive energy-saving state in periodic cycles. The control unit activates the sensor in active state for monitoring periods, then switches to passive state to conserve energy, achieving both reliable monitoring and reduced energy consumption through time-based periodic operation
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring sensor dynamically adjusts its operational state based on external trigger signals. The control unit receives activation signals from external devices and transitions the sensor between passive and active states accordingly, enabling adaptive energy management that responds to actual monitoring needs rather than operating statically
2Reliability
If the monitoring sensor operates continuously in active state to ensure reliable monitoring, then the monitoring reliability is improved, but the service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring sensor implements periodic operation cycles alternating between active and passive states. By limiting continuous active operation duration and incorporating rest periods in passive state, the sensor reduces cumulative stress on components, thereby extending overall service life while maintaining monitoring reliability during active periods
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically manages the sensor's operational lifetime by adjusting the duration and frequency of active state periods based on remaining service life indicators. As the sensor ages, the system can reduce active state duration or increase passive state intervals to extend total service life while preserving essential monitoring functionality
3Reliability
If the monitoring sensor operates continuously in active state, then the monitoring coverage is improved, but the waste heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring sensor uses periodic activation where the transmitting and receiving devices operate only during designated active state intervals. This periodic operation reduces cumulative waste heat generation from continuous component operation, while maintaining adequate monitoring coverage through strategically timed active periods
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the duration and intensity of active state operation based on thermal conditions and monitoring requirements. When waste heat levels become excessive, the system reduces active state duration or increases passive state intervals, dynamically balancing thermal management with monitoring coverage needs
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
Significantly reduces energy consumption and extends the service life of monitoring sensors by minimizing active operation time, enabling reliable and long-term monitoring with reduced waste heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting device which emits radiation, in particular electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
a receiving device for detecting radiation, in particular reflected radiation emitted by the transmitting device
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring sensor for detecting a test signal from an external signal generator at an input for receiving signals, to switch the monitoring sensor from a passive state to an active state when a signal is detected, to switch the monitoring sensor to a test state after a test period “t2” has expired, to change an output signal from an output of the monitoring sensor after an activation period “t3” has expired, this change in the output signal corresponding to a signal which arises when the monitoring sensor triggers a switching operation after an object has been detected, to convert the output signal to the initial state again after the withdrawal of the test signal has been detected, and to provide this renewed signal change as the signal for an external signal generator, the monitoring sensor changing to the monitoring state after this signal sequence.