Node Power Extraction in Waveguide Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In complex control and health monitoring systems, the increased interconnect count between components leads to higher failure probabilities, bulky cabling, and susceptibility to noise effects, limiting access and increasing costs, weight, and reliability issues due to the need for extensive wiring and connectors.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a network of nodes with a power extraction system that communicates through radio frequencies, extracting power from both radio frequency signals and a second power source, and managing power distribution to components, including a harvester and power manager, to reduce the reliance on traditional cabling and enhance reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cabling and interconnects are used to connect sensors and actuators to controllers, then control and health monitoring functions can be achieved, but the system complexity, weight, and failure probability increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical electrical cabling and connectors with wireless electromagnetic field communication and power transmission. The controller and sensor nodes communicate via RF signals through antennas, eliminating the need for physical wire harnesses and pin/socket interconnects, thereby reducing system complexity and failure points while maintaining control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic field serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits control signals, sensor data, and provides power delivery to remote sensor nodes. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate cables for power, data, and control into a single wireless communication channel, reducing interconnect count and system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If long cable runs with multiple wires are used to connect remote sensors, then sensing coverage can be expanded, but weight and susceptibility to noise effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
Wireless RF communication and power transmission replace heavy electrical cabling, eliminating the weight penalty of long cable runs while enabling sensors to be placed in remote or difficult-to-access locations. The electromagnetic field naturally propagates through space without requiring physical conduits, providing adaptability without weight penalties
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from one-dimensional cable-based connections to three-dimensional electromagnetic field propagation, allowing sensors to be positioned in spatial dimensions that would be impractical with cabling constraints. This enables placement on moving parts, in internal cavities, or in high-temperature zones without being limited by cable routing
3Device complexity
If power lines are routed in close proximity to communication lines, then wiring complexity is reduced, but crosstalk and noise transfer from power lines to communication lines increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the crosstalk and noise problems inherent in wired systems by replacing electrical cabling with wireless electromagnetic communication. Since there are no physical power lines or communication lines running in proximity, the mechanisms for electromagnetic interference and crosstalk are removed entirely, while still achieving simplified deployment through wireless power and data transmission
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
This solution simplifies the architecture by reducing cable and interconnect needs, improving reliability, and increasing the number of sensors and actuators that can be installed, while mitigating noise and weight issues, and enabling efficient power management in mixed temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
extracting power from radio frequency signals as a first power source
Implementation Method 2
transmitting the one or more radio frequencies through one or more waveguides
Data Source
AI summary
A system of a machine includes a network of a plurality of nodes distributed throughout the machine, a controller, and a power extraction system within at least one of the nodes. Each of the nodes is operable to communicate through one or more radio frequencies. The controller is configured to communicate with the network of nodes by transmitting the one or more radio frequencies through one or more waveguides. The power extraction system is configured to extract power from the one or more radio frequencies as a first power source, extract power from a second power source, and provide power to one or more components of the system based on power extracted from either or both of the first power source and the second power source.