Self-Configuring Sensor Kit Network for Industrial IoT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial IoT devices face challenges in communication due to adverse environments, bandwidth strain, security vulnerabilities, and lack of expertise for effective integration, deterring organizations from deploying IoT systems in industrial settings.
Innovation Solution
A self-configuring and automatically provisioned sensor kit network with edge computing devices and various communication protocols that efficiently transmit sensor data to backend systems, addressing complexity, integration, bandwidth, and security issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If cellular protocols (3G, 4G, LTE, 5G) are used for communication in industrial settings, then wide area coverage is achieved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to heavy machinery and thick dense structures affecting signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Wi-Fi as an intermediary communication protocol to bridge the gap between industrial devices and the network. Wi-Fi access points are deployed throughout the facility to provide reliable local wireless communication that can penetrate through obstructions more effectively than cellular signals, while still maintaining wide area coverage through strategic placement of multiple access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between cellular and Wi-Fi protocols based on real-time communication conditions. When cellular signal is blocked by machinery or structures, the system automatically switches to Wi-Fi for reliable communication, and vice versa. This dynamic adaptation ensures continuous reliable communication across the entire industrial facility regardless of physical obstructions.
2Area of stationary object
If Wi-Fi systems are deployed for network connections within facilities, then local area coverage is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to difficulty communicating through obstructions like concrete slabs or brick
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cellular communication as a complementary intermediary system that works alongside Wi-Fi. When Wi-Fi signals are blocked by concrete slabs or brick structures, the system automatically routes communication through cellular networks that can penetrate these obstructions, ensuring continuous reliable connectivity throughout the facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts by switching between Wi-Fi and cellular protocols based on signal quality and obstruction detection. When Wi-Fi communication is blocked by dense structures, the system automatically transitions to cellular communication, and vice versa, maintaining reliable local area coverage throughout the facility despite physical barriers.
3Quantity of substance
If hundreds or thousands of sensors are deployed to capture multiple readings every second, then data collection capability is improved, but bandwidth utilization deteriorates due to strain on computing resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data collection and processing system into hierarchical levels: sensors at the edge generate data, edge computing devices aggregate and pre-process data from multiple sensors, and central cloud platforms perform comprehensive analysis. This segmentation reduces bandwidth utilization by filtering and compressing data at each level before transmission to the next, allowing hundreds or thousands of sensors to operate simultaneously without overwhelming the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary data processing, filtering, and aggregation at the edge computing devices before data is transmitted to central platforms. By pre-processing data locally and only transmitting essential or anomaly-detected information, the system maintains high data collection capability from numerous sensors while significantly reducing the bandwidth and computing resources required at centralized locations.
4Loss of information
If IoT devices are connected to computer networks for data transmission, then monitoring capability is improved, but security deteriorates due to vulnerabilities and frequent points of attack
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by deploying edge computing devices and processing capabilities directly at or near industrial locations, allowing data to be processed and analyzed locally before transmission to central systems. This distributed architecture reduces security risks by minimizing data transmission over networks and enabling local validation and filtering of information, thus maintaining monitoring capability while improving security posture.
5Adaptability or versatility
If sophisticated integration of IoT devices with networking systems and platforms is required, then system functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of expertise and available staff
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated device provisioning, configuration, and integration capabilities. The system automatically discovers IoT devices, configures appropriate communication protocols, and integrates them with networking systems and cloud platforms without requiring manual intervention from staff with specialized expertise. This self-configuration maintains sophisticated system functionality while dramatically improving ease of deployment and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration, protocol selection, and integration setup automatically during device onboarding. By pre-configuring communication parameters, authentication credentials, and data transmission settings before devices go into production use, the system enables sophisticated multi-protocol functionality while eliminating the need for staff with specialized integration expertise.
Data Source
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AI summary
A variety of kits are provided that are configured with components, systems and methods for monitoring various industrial settings, including kits with self-configuring sensor networks, communication gateways, and automatically configured back end systems.