Passive Wireless Sensor Selective Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless pressure sensors implanted in close proximity to each other experience signal compromise, making accurate readings difficult due to parasitic effects, and there is a need for a reliable and reversible method to selectively turn on and off these sensors while maintaining passivity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of passive, wireless sensors with switching capabilities using LC circuits and RF-actuated switches or MOSFET switches, allowing for selective activation and deactivation of sensors to prevent interference and enable accurate data collection in close proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple wireless sensors are placed in close proximity to detect physical characteristics at multiple locations, then the ability to monitor multiple parameters simultaneously is improved, but signal parasitic effects increase making accurate readings difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor array configurable through selective activation. The controller dynamically enables or disables specific sensors within the array based on the measurement task requirements. This allows the system to adapt the active sensing region in real-time, optimizing signal quality for each measurement while maintaining the physical proximity of multiple sensors for comprehensive monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by enabling selective activation of individual sensors or sensor groups. Different regions of the sensor array can be independently controlled - some sensors active for local measurements while others remain inactive to avoid parasitic interference. This localized control allows the system to maintain high measurement precision in specific areas while preserving the overall multi-point monitoring capability.
2Device complexity
If sensors are positioned close together to reduce device size and complexity, then implantability is improved, but parasitic effects between sensors increase compromising signal integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic selective activation to manage parasitic effects. By controlling which sensors are active at any given time, the system can maintain compact sensor placement while minimizing interference. Inactive sensors are effectively disconnected from the measurement process, allowing physically close placement without compromising signal integrity through parasitic coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sensor array into independently controllable units. Each sensor or sensor group can be individually activated or deactivated based on measurement requirements. This segmentation allows the system to maintain compact physical arrangement while managing parasitic effects through logical separation of active sensing regions.
3Speed
If all sensors remain continuously active to ensure real-time monitoring, then response time is improved, but energy consumption increases and signal interference between sensors worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic or event-driven activation of sensors rather than continuous operation. Sensors can be activated in sequences or groups based on measurement requirements, allowing the system to maintain real-time monitoring capability while reducing overall energy consumption and minimizing parasitic interference between simultaneously active sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts sensor activation states based on real-time monitoring needs. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain fast response times by quickly activating appropriate sensors while avoiding continuous operation of all sensors, thereby reducing energy consumption and interference.
4Measurement precision
If a switching mechanism is added to enable selective sensor activation, then measurement precision is improved by reducing parasitic effects, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the signal processing unit and the switching control mechanism. By integrating the switching function into the existing controller architecture, the system achieves selective sensor activation for improved measurement precision without adding separate dedicated switching hardware, thus limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the switching control function with the signal processing controller. Rather than using separate independent switching mechanisms, the system combines these functions into a single integrated controller that manages both signal processing and sensor activation, reducing the overall complexity increase that would result from fully separate implementations.
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 reliable and reversible switching of sensors, allowing for accurate detection of physical characteristics like pressure and temperature without interference, even when sensors are in close proximity, thereby improving data collection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor includes an LC circuit having a characteristic resonant frequency. An external interrogation unit monitors a single sensor at a time by monitoring the electrical characteristics of the LC circuit.
Implementation Method 2
The implementation of passive, wireless sensors with switching capabilities using LC circuits and RF-actuated switches or MOSFET switches
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless sensor having a primary passive electrical resonant circuit that has an intrinsic electrical property that is variable in response to a characteristic of a patient and a secondary passive electrical resonant circuit. In one aspect, the primary passive resonant circuit can be positioned into a tuned position in response to the actuation of the secondary passive electrical resonant circuit. In a further aspect, in the tuned position, the primary passive electrical resonant circuit, in response to an energizing signal produced by an ex-vivo source of RF energy, is configured to generate a sensor signal characterized by a resonant frequency that is indicative of the characteristic.