Environmental Sensor Arming Assembly Using RF Energy Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing environmental sensor devices require manual arming by users, which can be inconvenient and may lead to errors or non-compliance during the arming process, especially in environments where manual interaction is difficult or unsafe.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact arming mechanism using energy harvesting from radio waves to activate the sensor device, such as RFID readers, which generates thermal energy to melt a retention element, allowing the sensor to transition from an unarmed to an armed state, ready to detect environmental stimuli without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual arming is used, then the device can be activated, but user intervention is required which may lead to errors or non-compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device automatically arms itself by harvesting energy from ambient radio frequency signals (such as RFID reader transmissions) to melt the retention element and activate the sensor, eliminating the need for manual user intervention in the arming process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual arming process with an automated system that uses electromagnetic energy harvesting from radio waves to generate thermal energy, which then melts the retention element through thermal effects, substituting mechanical user action with automated electromagnetic-to-thermal energy conversion
2Ease of operation
If manual arming is required, then the sensor can be activated, but it is inconvenient in environments where manual interaction is difficult or unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device autonomously performs the arming function by harvesting energy from ambient radio frequency signals present in the environment, allowing it to activate itself without requiring physical user presence or manual interaction, which is particularly beneficial in hazardous or hard-to-reach environments
Solution Approach 2:
The retention element serves multiple functions: it mechanically holds the sensor element in an inactive position during transport and storage, and when melted by harvested thermal energy, it serves as the activation mechanism that allows the sensor to become operational, combining mechanical retention and thermal activation functions in a single component
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 convenient, reliable, and safe arming of environmental sensors without the need for manual interaction, ensuring consistent and accurate detection of environmental events.
Implementation Method 1
an energy collecting element configured to collect energy from radio waves impinging upon the energy collecting element
Implementation Method 2
the arming assembly is configured to generate a current from the collected energy such that the current generates thermal energy to ablate a portion of the arming assembly
Implementation Method 3
the current generates thermal energy to ablate a portion of the arming assembly to arm the environmental sensor device
Data Source
AI summary
An environmental sensor device includes a detection assembly comprising at least one response component that is responsive to receipt by the detection assembly of an environmental stimuli exceeding a threshold. An arming assembly is configured to maintain the detection assembly in an unarmed state. The arming assembly includes a collecting element and a retention element coupled to the collecting element. The retention element is positioned to prevent the at least one response component from being responsive to the environmental stimuli. The collecting element is configured to collect energy that causes an ablation of the retention element to place the detection assembly in an armed state.