Self-Powered Detection Device with Non-Volatile Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-powered detection devices for tamper events require continuous power sources, leading to limited functionality and security risks due to battery depletion or intentional power disruption, and are often expensive and complex to integrate into small volume devices.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered detection device comprising a non-volatile memory unit and a sensor that uses a clamp circuit to harness energy from physical or chemical events, allowing efficient storage and protection of data without external power, while preventing unauthorized resets through a clamp circuit that blocks inappropriate voltage signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous power sources are used to enable detection device functionality, then the device can detect and record events, but the device has limited lifetime and security risks due to battery depletion or intentional power disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device harvests energy from the detected physical event itself (mechanical stress, vibration, or other environmental energy) to power the detection and recording functions. This self-powered approach eliminates external power sources, extending device lifetime indefinitely and removing security risks associated with battery depletion or power disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional electrical power source (battery) with a mechanical energy harvesting mechanism that converts physical events into electrical energy. This substitution allows the device to be self-powered through environmental energy rather than relying on depletable power sources.
2Reliability
If continuous power sources are used to enable detection device functionality, then the device can detect and record events, but there are security risks due to intentional power disruption
Solution Approach 1:
By harvesting energy from the environment or the detected event itself, the device becomes self-powered and immune to external power disruptions. The detection functionality is maintained through self-generated power, eliminating the security vulnerability to intentional power cuts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the physical event being detected (which may be a tamper attempt or intrusion) into useful electrical energy that powers the detection and recording system. The potential harmful event becomes the power source that enables the security function.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If self-powered detection devices are designed to harvest energy from events, then device functionality is extended without external power, but the device complexity increases due to energy harvesting components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the energy harvesting function with the detection sensor itself, combining two separate functions (sensing and power generation) into a single unified component. This merging reduces overall device complexity by eliminating separate power harvesting subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection sensor serves dual purposes: it both detects the physical event and harvests energy from that same event to power the system. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall device architecture.
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
The solution enables efficient detection and secure storage of tamper events with minimal energy consumption, preventing unauthorized data erasure and extending device functionality without the need for continuous power, thus enhancing security and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
sensing element which forms an energy harvester transforming energy from a physical or chemical action or phenomenon into an electrical stimulus pulse
Data Source
AI summary
The self-powered detection device comprises a Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) unit (52) formed at least by a NVM cell and a sensor which is activated by a physical or chemical action or phenomenon, this sensor forming an energy harvester that transforms energy from said physical or chemical action or phenomenon into an electrical stimulus pulse, said NVM unit being arranged for storing in said NVM cell, by using the electrical power of said electrical stimulus pulse, a bit of information relative to the detection by said sensor, during a detection mode of the self-powered detection device, of at least one physical or chemical action or phenomenon applied to it with at least a given strength or intensity and resulting in a voltage stimulus signal provided between a set control terminal (SET) and a base terminal (SET *) of said NVM unit with at least a given set voltage. The self-powered detection device comprises a read circuit (56) or is arranged to be coupled to such a read circuit and further comprises a clamp circuit (54) located between the sensor and the NVM unit, this clamp circuit being arranged for passing said voltage stimulus signal on a set line connecting the sensor and the set control terminal of the NVM unit, this voltage stimulus pulse having a polarity corresponding to a set polarity of said NVM cell, and for blocking other voltage signals having approximately an amplitude corresponding to said set voltage or higher and an inverse polarity relative to the set polarity of said NVM cell, in order to avoid a possible erase of this NVM cell by such other voltage signals.