Passive Sensor Identification via Radar Cross Section Diffuser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless sensors for measuring physical quantities like temperature, pressure, and gas concentration face limitations due to energy requirements, which lead to high costs, bulkiness, and reduced lifespan, and current passive sensors suffer from short interrogation distances and calibration difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A wireless measuring device with a passive detector and a multi-band electromagnetic diffuser having a specific radar equivalent surface, allowing for identification and measurement of physical quantities at distances of several tens of meters without energy modulation, using the radar cross section of the diffuser to identify and measure variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active detectors with power supply are used, then detection capability is improved, but device weight, cost, and lifespan are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the power supply, data processing circuit, and battery from the detector, leaving only the essential sensing element. This extracted passive detector is then associated with an electromagnetic diffuser that has a specific radar equivalent surface, enabling identification and measurement without active components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the electrical/active detection system with an electromagnetic passive detection system. Instead of using powered detectors that consume energy, the system uses a passive detector combined with an electromagnetic diffuser that reflects electromagnetic waves, substituting mechanical/electrical power requirements with electromagnetic field interactions.
2Ease of operation
If passive SAW sensors are used, then wireless operation is achieved, but interrogation distance is limited to a few tens of centimeters
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the electromagnetic characteristics by introducing a diffuser with a specific radar equivalent surface. This modifies how electromagnetic waves interact with the sensor, enhancing the reflection signal strength and enabling detection at distances of several tens of meters rather than just a few tens of centimeters.
3Loss of information
If RFID tags are added for identification, then detector identification is enabled, but reading range is limited to a few meters
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic diffuser with a specific radar equivalent surface serves multiple functions: it enhances the interrogation distance for detection and simultaneously provides a unique identification signature for the detector. This single component replaces the need for separate RFID tags and extends the operational range.
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
Enables efficient, cost-effective, and precise wireless measurements of physical quantities over extended distances without energy consumption, improving sensor lifespan and reducing installation complexities.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electromagnetic diffuser (14) having a specific radar equivalent surface, associated to the detector (12) to identify the detector (12) by means of the radar cross section of the electromagnetic diffuser (14)
Data Source
Figure 1~2(b)
Figure 3~5
AI summary
Measurement device (10) for measuring at least one physical quantity comprising at least one detector (12) configured so as to detect a variation in said at least one physical quantity, said measurement device furthermore comprising at least one multi-band electromagnetic diffuser (14) having a specific equivalent radar cross section, associated with the detector (12) for identifying the detector (12) by means of the equivalent radar cross section of the electromagnetic diffuser (14).