Self-Powered Sensor Energy Management via Adaptive Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-powered home automation sensor devices face challenges in managing energy resources effectively, particularly during periods when little energy can be converted, such as at night, leading to reduced operating life and incompatibility with existing receivers due to high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a self-powered home automation sensor device with a microcontroller that adjusts its operation modes based on available energy, reducing energy consumption by altering transmission frequencies, frame counts, and charging conditions, using a photovoltaic cell to convert energy and a voltage converter to adapt output voltage, ensuring compatibility with older receivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor transmits status signals periodically to ensure operational status, then the reliability of the sensor operation is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transmission period adaptive rather than fixed. The microcontroller dynamically adjusts the transmission period based on the charge level in the storage means. When charge is sufficient, transmission occurs at standard intervals; when charge drops below a threshold, the transmission period is extended to reduce energy consumption while still maintaining operational verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of transmission period based on energy availability. The microcontroller monitors the charge level in the storage means and modifies the transmission period parameter accordingly. This parameter change allows the system to balance between reliability (regular status reporting) and energy conservation (reducing transmission frequency when energy is low).
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the sensor uses a photovoltaic panel to convert solar energy into electrical energy, then the operating life is extended, but the device cannot operate sufficiently during periods with no sunlight (e.g., nighttime)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the photovoltaic panel charge the storage means (battery or capacitor) during daytime when sunlight is available. This stored energy is then available for operation during nighttime when the photovoltaic panel cannot generate energy. The microcontroller monitors the charge level and manages power consumption accordingly to ensure sufficient operation during periods without sunlight.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the sensor minimizes transmission periods to reduce energy consumption, then the energy savings are improved, but the compatibility with existing receivers that expect regular status signals may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the transmission period dynamic rather than fixed. The microcontroller adjusts the transmission period based on available energy in the storage means. When energy is sufficient, transmissions occur at standard intervals compatible with existing receivers. When energy is low, the transmission period is extended to conserve energy, and the system includes logic to ensure receivers are informed of the changed operation mode through warning signals.
4Device complexity
If the sensor device structure is kept simple and compact, then the manufacturing cost and device size are reduced, but the ability to effectively manage and anticipate energy variations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by making the microcontroller perform multiple tasks: it controls the sensor operations, manages the transmission schedule, monitors the charge level in the storage means, determines when to extend transmission periods, and generates warning signals. This centralized control in a single microcontroller unit provides sophisticated energy management without requiring additional dedicated components for each function, thus maintaining relative simplicity while achieving effective energy management.
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 allows for better energy management by anticipating energy availability, extending device autonomy and reducing energy consumption, while maintaining compatibility with existing systems through adaptive operation modes and charging strategies.
Implementation Method 1
sensors that are self-powered. These self-powered sensors comprise a means of storing electrical energy, such as a battery, and optionally means for converting energy (for example solar energy) into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
The method of operation applies to a self-powered home automation sensor device for detecting the existence of and/or for measuring the intensity of a first physical phenomenon, comprising a means of converting an effect of a second physical phenomenon into electrical energy and a means of determining the instantaneous power of this second physical phenomenon that can be converted into electrical energy, wherein a normal, first mode of operation of the device or an energy-saving second mode of operation of the device is activated according to a value defined on the basis of the determination of the instantaneous power that can be converted into electrical energy.