Self-Powered Environmental Sensor Mounting for Remote Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor devices require an infrastructure for electric power and communication, which is labor- and cost-intensive to install, especially in remote locations, and are not locationally flexible.

Innovation Solution

A sensor device with an energy storage system, wireless communication, and a reversible mounting mechanism that allows secure, independent operation without grid power, using photovoltaic and wind energy for charging, and a foundation for stable placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sensor devices are connected to external power lines and telecommunication lines, then reliable power supply and data communication are ensured, but installation becomes labor- and cost-intensive especially in remote locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device generates its own electrical energy through integrated photovoltaic cells and wind energy generators, eliminating the need for external power lines. The device charges its own energy storage battery using ambient solar and wind resources, making it self-sufficient and suitable for remote locations without infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection of power lines with wireless energy generation using photovoltaic and wind mechanisms. The sensor device converts solar radiation and wind kinetic energy directly into electrical energy, substituting the need for physical power transmission infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If sensor devices are connected to telecommunication lines, then stable data communication is achieved, but infrastructure requirements increase installation complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communication reliabilityVSAvoidinfrastructure requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical telecommunication lines with wireless communication technology. The sensor device transmits sensor information wirelessly to external systems, eliminating the need for laid telecommunication cables and reducing infrastructure requirements while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If sensor devices are permanently installed with infrastructure connection, then operational stability is ensured, but location flexibility is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational stabilityVSAvoidlocation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The self-contained energy generation and storage system allows the sensor device to operate independently at any location with sufficient solar and wind resources. The device maintains operational stability through its integrated power system while gaining the flexibility to be deployed in remote or moving locations without permanent infrastructure installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If infrastructure for power and communication is installed, then sensor device operation is supported, but production and installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor device operationVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device supports its own operation through integrated photovoltaic cells and wind energy generators that provide electrical energy without external infrastructure. This eliminates the need for costly power line installation and telecommunication cable laying, significantly reducing production and installation costs while maintaining operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables flexible, efficient, and cost-effective deployment and repositioning of sensor devices for environmental monitoring, reducing installation complexity and ensuring accurate data capture.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor device comprises an energy storage device for operating the sensor device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy storage: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

using photovoltaic and wind energy for charging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 3

using photovoltaic and wind energy for charging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind energy conversion: Wind Power

Data Source

PatentUS20260056016A1Sensor Device, Sensor System, Environmental Monitoring System, Method and Computer Program

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a sensor device for monitoring an environment of the sensor device, comprising: a housing; one or more sensors for detecting sensor data relating to the environment; a communication interface for wirelessly communicating sensor information based on sensor data; and a control device for controlling the sensor device; wherein the sensor device has an energy storage device for operating the sensor device, the sensor device has a mounting portion on the housing, and wherein the mounting portion is designed to reversibly arrange the sensor device securely on the ground at, on and/or in an external foundation.