Self-Powered Optical Transmitter for Rotating Machinery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional sensors for monitoring rotating, reciprocating, and linear machines require external wiring for power and signal transmission, which adds complexity and cost, and are prone to reliability issues and electromagnetic interference in industrial environments.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered optical transmitter system that uses a magnet and inductor to generate power and transmit optical signals wirelessly, eliminating the need for external wiring and batteries, and minimizing interference through precise timing and frequency modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sensors with external wiring are used, then power supply and signal transmission are achieved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply and signal transmission functions from external wiring into an integrated wireless sensor node. The sensor, power management circuitry, and wireless transmitter are combined into a single self-contained unit that draws power from the machine itself through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for external power cables and signal wires.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system serves itself by generating its own power through electromagnetic induction from the machine's existing electromagnetic fields. The sensor node harvests energy from the ambient electromagnetic environment, manages its own power consumption, and transmits data wirelessly without requiring external intervention for power supply or signal routing.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If external power wiring is installed, then power supply is provided, but installation cost and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with an electromagnetic field-based power transmission system. Instead of physically connecting power cables from external sources, the sensor node wirelessly receives power through electromagnetic induction from the machine's operational fields, substituting a complex mechanical installation with a simpler electromagnetic coupling approach.
3Device complexity
If wireless electromagnetic communication is used, then wiring complexity is reduced, but electromagnetic interference causes information loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical communication as an intermediary medium to replace direct electromagnetic wave communication. The sensor node converts data into optical signals that are transmitted through optical channels, using light as an intermediary carrier that is less susceptible to electromagnetic interference from industrial equipment, thereby maintaining communication reliability while preserving the wireless advantage.
4Ease of operation
If traditional sensors are used, then monitoring function is provided, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs self-powering through electromagnetic energy harvesting, eliminating the need for battery replacement or external power connection maintenance. The integrated design combines sensing, power management, and wireless transmission in a single sealed unit that requires minimal maintenance beyond basic functional verification.
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 system provides reliable, maintenance-free monitoring of machine parameters like rotational speed and reciprocation rate without the need for external power sources, reducing installation and maintenance costs while minimizing electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet is dimensioned and configured to be attached to a moving component of a machine. The magnet interacts with the inductor to generate power
Implementation Method 2
an optical transducer that is powered from the energy generated by the inductor
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for a self-powered optical transmitter system. One such system includes an inductor, a power converter, an optical driver, and an optical transducer. A magnet interacting with the inductor generates and EMF that is applied to the power converter, which provides power for the optical transducer. In various embodiments, the power converter includes a voltage multiplier, such as a semiconductor circuit or a transformer, and/or a Zener diode to limit the voltage applied to the optical transducer. The optical driver is either inherent in the power converter or a separate circuit such as one including a processor. The processor has at least one input and produces an output that modulates the optical transducer.