RF Sensor Interrogation via Wireless Node Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex control and health monitoring systems face challenges in identifying faulty components due to increased interconnects, which can lead to unreliable troubleshooting and communication issues, especially in harsh environments with potential interference and difficult access to sensor locations.
Innovation Solution
A network of nodes within a machine communicates through electromagnetic signals using a radio frequency transceiver, antennas, and a controller to interrogate sensor nodes, determine sensed values, and guide electromagnetic signals through waveguides or closed spaces, enabling reliable communication and fault detection in high-temperature environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wired sensor systems are used in complex control and health monitoring systems, then sensor coverage and monitoring capability are improved, but system complexity and failure probability increase due to increased interconnect count
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wired connections with wireless electromagnetic communication. Sensor nodes communicate with the control system via wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical cables and connectors. This substitution reduces the interconnect count and associated failure points while maintaining sensor coverage and monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the communication function from the mechanical wiring system by implementing wireless electromagnetic communication between sensor nodes and the control system. This removes the physical interconnect infrastructure while preserving the essential sensor-to-controller communication pathway.
2Reliability
If more sensors and effectors are deployed to improve monitoring coverage, then system monitoring capability is improved, but troubleshooting difficulty and fault identification reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensor nodes automatically report their status, health metrics, and diagnostic information to the control system. This continuous feedback enables real-time fault detection and automated diagnostics, making troubleshooting easier even as system complexity increases.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor nodes are equipped with self-diagnostic capabilities that allow them to automatically detect and report their own faults without requiring external intervention. This self-service approach simplifies troubleshooting by enabling the system to identify and isolate failures autonomously.
3Ease of operation
If wired interconnects are used to access sensors in difficult-to-reach locations, then sensor access capability is improved, but cable volume, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical cable infrastructure with lightweight wireless electromagnetic communication. Sensor nodes in difficult-to-reach locations transmit data wirelessly, eliminating the need for bulky cables and reducing overall system weight while maintaining full sensor access capability.
4Reliability
If traditional wired systems are used in high temperature environments, then sensor deployment is possible, but communication reliability and sensor/effector system component capability are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces temperature-sensitive wired connections with wireless electromagnetic communication that is inherently more resilient to high temperature effects. The wireless system eliminates physical contact points that are vulnerable to thermal expansion, melting, and other temperature-related failures.
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
This solution reduces the complexity of troubleshooting, increases operational reliability, and allows for more nodes and sensors without additional wiring, reducing costs and weight while maintaining system accuracy and response efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the nodes is operable to communicate through a plurality of electromagnetic signals. The controller is configured to select at least one sensor node to interrogate, transmit one or more interrogation frequencies from the radio frequency transceiver through the first antenna to the second antenna, receive one or more sensor frequencies at the first antenna broadcast from the second antenna
Implementation Method 2
a waveguide coupled to the first antenna and the second antenna, where the waveguide is configured to guide electromagnetic signals transmitted between the first antenna and the second antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A system of a machine includes a network of nodes distributed throughout the machine. Each of the nodes is operable to communicate through electromagnetic signals. The system also includes a radio frequency transceiver, a first antenna coupled to the radio frequency transceiver, a second antenna coupled to one or more sensor nodes, and a controller coupled to the radio frequency transceiver. The controller is configured to select at least one sensor node to interrogate, transmit one or more interrogation frequencies from the radio frequency transceiver through the first antenna to the second antenna, receive one or more sensor frequencies at the first antenna broadcast from the second antenna based on a frequency response of the at least one sensor node to the one or more interrogation frequencies, and determine one or more sensed values based on the sensor frequencies received at the radio frequency transceiver through the first antenna.