Sensor Connection Element for Wireless Energy and Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor connection systems require a cable for energy and data transmission, which can be cumbersome or impractical in certain applications such as laboratory measurements or continuous monitoring in surface waters, necessitating a cable-free solution for continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
A sensor connection element with an energy store, data processing unit, wireless module, and inductive interface that allows for wireless energy transmission and data communication, including a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, Bluetooth or mobile radio modules, and optional solar charging, enabling a cable-free, energy-self-sufficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cable connection is used for energy and data transmission to the sensor, then reliable energy supply and data transmission are ensured, but the system becomes cumbersome and impractical for certain applications such as laboratory measurements or continuous monitoring in surface waters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy supply function from the cable connection by introducing an energy store (battery) that is integrated into the sensor housing. This allows the sensor to operate independently without a physical cable connection while maintaining reliable energy supply for continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to be self-sufficient through an integrated energy store that provides autonomous power supply. The sensor can operate independently without external energy sources, enabling cable-free deployment in various applications including laboratory measurements and continuous monitoring in surface waters.
2Reliability
If an inductive interface with two coils is used for contactless energy and data transmission, then galvanic isolation and corrosion protection are achieved, but the energy required is great enough to sufficiently supply the connected sensor with continuous measurement operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy transmission function from the inductive interface by introducing an integrated energy store. This eliminates the need for high-energy inductive power transmission while maintaining galvanic isolation, as the sensor is powered locally by its own battery rather than through wireless energy transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the inductive energy transmission system with a direct chemical energy source (battery). This substitution reduces energy consumption by eliminating the inefficiencies of wireless power transfer while preserving the galvanic isolation benefit through the maintained inductive data interface.
3Ease of operation
If a rechargeable lithium-ion battery is used as the energy store, then continuous operation without cables is enabled, but the device complexity increases with additional components for energy management and charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy store with the sensor housing into an integrated unit. The battery is housed within the same enclosure as the sensor, eliminating the need for separate power management components and reducing overall system complexity while enabling cable-free continuous operation.
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 continuous sensor operation without cables, providing reliable energy and data transmission in various environments, including water, with location determination and feedback capabilities, ensuring efficient data collection and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a first inductive interface (13) for transmitting energy from the energy store (15) to the sensor (1), and for transmitting/receiving data to/from the sensor (1)
Implementation Method 2
The floating body comprises one or more solar cells. The energy store may be charged by means of these solar cells
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a sensor connection element for a sensor, comprising: an energy store; a first data processing unit, with which is associated a first memory, for processing data and controlling a first wireless module; the first wireless module for transmitting/receiving data to/from a connection device; and a first inductive interface for transmitting energy from the energy store to the sensor, and for transmitting/receiving data to/from the sensor. The invention further discloses an energy-self-sufficient sensor system comprising the sensor connection element and a sensor.