Sensor Controller Node Dynamic Tasking for Energy-Constrained Wireless Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless sensors in health management systems for aircraft and aerospace vehicles face limitations due to limited energy from energy harvesting sources, restricting the amount of data that can be collected for analysis.
Innovation Solution
A sensor management system with a sensor controller node that dynamically tasks data collection and communication with sensors, optimizing energy use by employing modes such as scan and event window sampling, trending, and power adaptation based on remaining useful life estimates and mission requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If energy harvesting devices are used to power wireless sensors, then wireless sensing systems can be implemented with reduced weight and wiring costs, but the limited energy from harvesting sources restricts the amount of data that can be collected
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor controller node dynamically adjusts data collection strategies based on available energy levels. It varies sampling rates, data transmission frequency, and sensor activation patterns in real-time to match energy availability from harvesting sources, allowing the system to operate effectively across varying energy conditions without sacrificing essential monitoring capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements selective data collection where only critical parameters are monitored at high frequencies, while non-critical parameters are sampled at lower rates or only when thresholds are exceeded. This partial action approach ensures sufficient data for health management decisions while staying within energy constraints
Solution Approach 3:
The system changes operational parameters such as sampling frequency, data resolution, and transmission power based on energy availability. When energy is abundant, higher sampling rates and more frequent transmissions are used; when energy is limited, the system reduces these parameters to maintain operation
2Measurement precision
If data collection frequency is increased to support health management analysis, then diagnostic and prognostic capabilities are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic sampling with variable intervals based on system state and energy availability. Critical sensors are sampled at regular intervals, while non-critical sensors are sampled event-driven or at much lower frequencies. Data transmission occurs periodically when data buffers are full or when threshold conditions are met
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor controller node continuously monitors energy levels, data quality requirements, and system state to dynamically adjust data collection strategies. Feedback loops ensure that when energy is low, the system reduces sampling rates, and when energy is available, it increases monitoring intensity to maintain health management accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for sensor management is provided. The system includes a plurality of sensors, and a sensor controller node communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors, said sensor controller node configured to dynamically task data collections and communications with at least one of the plurality of sensors.