Passive Wireless Sensor for Harsh Environment Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature monitoring techniques in harsh environments, such as gas turbine engines, face challenges due to structural and aerodynamic complications from embedded thermocouples and introduce measurement errors due to thermal mass and ceramic insulator layers.
Innovation Solution
A passive wireless sensor system comprising dielectric layers, an antenna, a diaphragm, and a feeding element, which receives interrogation signals and responds without the need for power, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of temperature and other parameters in extreme conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If thermocouple wires are embedded in the blade or vane wall, then temperature monitoring is achieved, but structural and aerodynamic complications occur including flow perturbation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature sensing function from the blade structure by using a separate, removable sensor assembly that couples to the blade surface without embedding wires into the blade wall. The sensor is taken out as a distinct component that can be attached and removed without modifying the blade structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling mechanism (such as a magnetic coupling or mechanical interface) between the sensor and the blade surface. This intermediary allows temperature monitoring while avoiding direct wire embedding that would perturb the airflow and blade structure.
2Measurement precision
If wired sensors are used for monitoring, then temperature data is obtained, but the system requires power sources and wiring that interfere with device operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring and power source system with a wireless communication system. The sensor assembly communicates temperature data wirelessly (e.g., via radio frequency) to external monitoring systems, eliminating the need for physical wire connections and onboard power sources that would interfere with blade operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed to be self-powered through energy harvesting from the electromagnetic field or through a batteryless design that uses the interrogation signal from external readers to power its operation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate power source installation and wiring.
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
The system effectively monitors temperature and other parameters in harsh environments without interfering with the device's operation, providing accurate measurements and withstanding high temperatures and mechanical stress without the need for wires or power sources.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna disposed in at least a portion of a cavity formed by one or more dielectric layers of the plurality of dielectric layers
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of dielectric layers and an antenna disposed in at least a portion of a cavity formed by one or more dielectric layers of the plurality of dielectric layers
Implementation Method 3
a feeding element disposed in at least a portion of the plurality of dielectric layers. Additionally, the feeding element is operatively coupled to the antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A passive wireless sensor having a plurality of dielectric layers, an antenna, a diaphragm, and a feeding element is provided. Further, the antenna is disposed in at least a portion of a cavity formed by one or more dielectric layers of the plurality of dielectric layers. Moreover, the diaphragm is disposed on the cavity. Additionally, the feeding element is disposed in at least a portion of the plurality of dielectric layers. Also, the feeding element is operatively coupled to the antenna.