Plug-and-Play Sensor Interface for Adaptable Wireless Sensor Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high installation and maintenance costs of wireless sensor networks limit their penetration into the marketplace due to the need for customized and static sensor solutions that do not easily adapt to changing application requirements, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs when new sensors or features are added.
Innovation Solution
A plug-and-play universal sensor interface that allows sensor module units to be easily connected and disconnected from wireless nodes, enabling flexible deployment and modification of wireless sensor networks without requiring significant reconfiguration or replacement of existing infrastructure, thereby reducing costs and enabling scalability with dynamic sensor application objectives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If customized and static sensor solutions are used, then the network can be initially deployed, but installation and maintenance costs increase when new sensors or features are added
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sensor interface that can accommodate multiple types of sensors through a single standardized connection mechanism. This allows the wireless sensor network to integrate different sensor modules without requiring customized installation procedures or additional reconfiguration, thereby reducing installation and maintenance costs while improving adaptability to changing application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor interface is designed to dynamically adapt to different sensor types through hot-swappable connections and automatic configuration protocols. The system can add or remove sensors during operation without network requalification or extensive testing, enabling the network to evolve with changing application needs while minimizing downtime and maintenance costs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If static sensor solutions are deployed, then initial deployment is achieved, but the network cannot easily adapt to changing application requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The universal sensor interface enables dynamic addition and removal of sensors during network operation through hot-swappable connections. The system automatically configures new sensors without requiring network requalification or extensive testing, allowing the network to adapt to changing application requirements with minimal downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor interface is pre-configured with standardized connection protocols and automatic identification mechanisms that enable new sensors to be integrated immediately upon connection. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming reconfiguration procedures and allows sensors to become operational almost immediately after being added to the network.
3Adaptability or versatility
If customized sensor solutions are used, then specific application needs are met, but requalification and testing are required when modifications are made
Solution Approach 1:
The universal sensor interface establishes standardized connection and configuration protocols that work across all sensor types. This allows network modifications to be performed without requiring requalification or extensive testing, as the standardized interface ensures consistent behavior and integration regardless of which sensor module is added or modified.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor interface incorporates automatic configuration and identification mechanisms that allow new sensors to self-integrate into the network without manual requalification. The system automatically detects the sensor type, configures appropriate parameters, and integrates the sensor into the network topology, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual testing and validation procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless sensor network at a monitored location can be configured to generate sensor channel(s) of data to assess operational conditions at the monitored location. Inputs based on the sensor channel(s) of data are provided to a host system for analysis of a demand to one or more resources at the monitored location. Response messages can be generated based on the demand analysis and transmitted to actuator(s) at the monitored location to effect an adjustment to the operational conditions.