Sealed Sensor Activation via Magnetic Field Triggering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Sealed enclosures for wireless sensors pose operational challenges as they prevent external methods of powering up the sensors, such as inserting a battery or using externally accessible switches, which is necessary to avoid battery drain and comply with regulations during transit, while also providing protection from hazardous environments.
Innovation Solution
A method for initiating a packaged sensor unit within a sealed enclosure using a pre-defined triggering stimulus, where the activation mechanism detects the stimulus to connect the internal battery to the sensor module, allowing the sensor to draw power only when activated, and optionally incorporating an energy harvesting device to power the activation mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the sensor is packaged in a sealed enclosure to protect from environment and reduce cost, then protection and cost reduction are improved, but external powering methods (battery insertion, external switches) are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical powering methods (battery insertion, external switches) with a magnetic field-based activation system. The sealed enclosure contains a magnetically actuable switch that can be triggered externally through the enclosure walls by applying a magnetic field, eliminating the need for physical access to internal components while maintaining sealing integrity.
2Loss of energy
If the sensor remains powered down during transit to avoid battery drain, then energy conservation is improved, but activation in the field becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetically actuable switch as an intermediary component that bridges the sealed enclosure and external activation mechanisms. This switch remains inactive during transit, conserving battery power, and can be activated in the field through magnetic field application without requiring complex electronic control systems or physical access to the enclosure.
3Ease of operation
If external switches or battery access points are added to enable field activation, then ease of operation is improved, but the sealed enclosure integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical access points (switches, battery compartments) with a magnetic field-based activation system. The magnetically actuable switch is integrated within the sealed enclosure and can be triggered through the enclosure walls by external magnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical access points that would compromise sealing integrity while maintaining field activation capability.
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 approach extends the shelf-life of the sensor unit by keeping it powered down until deployment, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining the sealed enclosure's integrity, while allowing activation in the field without compromising the seal, thus enabling cost-effective and safe deployment in hazardous environments.
Implementation Method 1
applying an applied magnetic field stimulus to the packaged sensor unit, and detecting the applied magnetic field stimulus via the activation mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods and systems for initiating sealed sensor units in the field. A packaged sensor unit (100) may include a sensor module (112), an activation mechanism (110) and an internal battery (108), all situated in a sealed enclosure (102). In some cases, the sealed enclosure (102) may be devoid of any externally accessible switches. A pre-defined triggering stimulus (120) may be applied to the packaged sensor unit (100), and the pre-defined triggering stimulus (120) may be detected via the activation mechanism (110). In response to the activation mechanism (110) detecting the pre-defined triggering stimulus (120), the internal battery (108) may be connected to the sensor module (112). Prior to detecting the pre-defined triggering stimulus (120), both the sensor module (112) and the activation mechanism (110) may draw no power from the internal battery (108) of the packaged sensor unit (100). In some cases, the activation mechanism (110), once activated, irreversibly couples the power supply (108) to the sensor module (112).