Passive RF Oxygen Sensor for Aviation Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for monitoring pressurized gas, such as oxygen, in medical and aviation applications are either inaccurate and unreliable due to pneumatic gauges or excessively costly due to electronic sensors, and they continuously consume power regardless of usage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of solid-state sensors with passive RF energy harvesting technology that only activate upon request, using a remote reader to measure pressure and flow, reducing power consumption, maintenance, weight, and cost while enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pneumatic gages are used to monitor oxygen system status, then the system is simpler and lower cost, but the monitoring accuracy and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pneumatic gages (mechanical system) with electronic sensors that provide digital output signals. This substitution maintains system simplicity while dramatically improving monitoring accuracy and reliability, as electronic sensors are not prone to the inaccuracies and failures associated with pneumatic mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microprocessor-based control system as an intermediary between the sensors and the display/alarms. This intermediary processes sensor signals, enables programmable alarm thresholds, and provides flexible display options, thereby improving monitoring capabilities without requiring complete system redesign.
2Reliability
If electronic sensors are used to monitor oxygen system status, then monitoring accuracy and reliability improve, but the system cost increases prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic polling of sensor values by the microprocessor rather than continuous analog signaling. This allows the use of lower-cost digital sensors and reduces the complexity of signal conditioning circuitry, thereby lowering overall system cost while maintaining high reliability through regular monitoring intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the output parameter of sensors from analog to digital signals, and implements software-based threshold comparison instead of hardware-based analog thresholds. This parameter change enables the use of more reliable digital sensors while reducing analog circuitry requirements, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing cost.
3Measurement precision
If electronic sensors operate continuously to monitor oxygen levels, then monitoring accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic polling of sensor values by the microprocessor at predetermined intervals rather than continuous monitoring. This periodic action maintains measurement accuracy by regularly updating readings while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous analog monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service power management strategy where the microprocessor enters low-power sleep modes between polling cycles and only activates when sensor readings require processing or display updates are needed. This allows the system to maintain monitoring accuracy while minimizing power consumption during idle periods.
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 provides accurate, reliable, and cost-effective monitoring of pressurized gas systems with minimal power usage, reduced weight, and simplified installation, enabling efficient tracking of oxygen levels and flow rates without continuous power draw or complex wiring.
Implementation Method 1
solid state sensors with passive RF energy harvesting technology
Data Source
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AI summary
A passively powered gas sensor for remotely reading and transmitting a gas pressure of a system, comprising a hollow cylindrical body, a stem axially aligned and extending outwardly from a first surface of the hollow cylindrical body, a pressure sensing element in the stem, and an antenna coupled to the pressure sensing element, where the antenna is located within the hollow cylindrical body and the stem. The pressure sensing device is polled remotely by a polling device, and powered by the polling device.