Remote Sensor Sleep-Wake Cycle for Water Level Monitoring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems lack an effective, reliable, and cost-efficient method for monitoring water levels and other parameters in remote locations with limited electrical power, leading to challenges in data collection, storage, and alerting users to potential water shortages or environmental changes.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising sensor devices with internal and external sensors, a control module, and a remote server that manages data transmission, power conservation, and alert notifications via a sleep/wake cycle, using solar power and wireless communication to monitor water depth and other parameters, allowing users to take action based on sensor data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If continuous monitoring is implemented in remote locations, then data reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active measurement phases and low-power sleep modes. The control module periodically wakes the processor and sensors to collect data, then returns to sleep state, enabling reliable periodic monitoring while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters based on power availability and monitoring priorities. The sleep duration, measurement frequency, and transmission intervals are modified as state variables to optimize the balance between data reliability and power consumption under different operating conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors are deployed to monitor various parameters, then monitoring comprehensiveness is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring comprehensivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control module serves multiple functions: it manages power distribution to different sensors, processes data from various sensor types, controls communication protocols, and implements sleep/wake cycles. This multi-functional design allows comprehensive monitoring of water level, temperature, and other parameters while avoiding the complexity of separate dedicated control circuits for each sensor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple sensors (water level sensor, temperature sensor, etc.) and their control logic into a single integrated sensor device. The control module consolidates power management, data processing, and communication functions, creating a unified system that reduces overall complexity compared to distributed separate units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If data is transmitted frequently to the server, then data availability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The communication module operates periodically rather than continuously, transmitting data at scheduled intervals when the processor is awake. This periodic transmission ensures data reaches the server regularly while minimizing the time the communication radio is active, thereby reducing power consumption compared to continuous data streaming

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Ease of operation

If battery power is used in remote locations, then system portability is improved, but operational duration is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem portabilityVSAvoidoperational duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic sleep/wake cycles to extend battery life, allowing the portable sensor device to operate for extended periods without replacement. By keeping the processor and sensors in low-power states between measurements, the operational duration is significantly extended compared to continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters such as measurement frequency and transmission intervals based on battery status and environmental conditions, optimizing the balance between portability and operational duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11781423B2Method and system for collecting and managing remote sensor data

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 AQUASWIFT INC

AI summary

A system, method, and device for monitoring one or more sensors at a remote location. The system allows a user to register multiple sensors to the user's account. When the sensors are deployed at a remote location for measuring various properties of their surrounding environments, they collect data which is then transmitted to a server. The user may then monitor the data by connecting to the server via a client device, and receive alerts when the data satisfies certain conditions.