Wireless Sensor Energy Harvesting for Deployable Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized deployable structures, such as blinds, face challenges with battery-powered sensors that require frequent replacement and lack efficient energy harvesting for long-term operation and signal transmission, especially in wind detection applications.
Innovation Solution
A sensor with an autonomous energy source that converts incident signals into electric current to charge a supercapacitor, allowing for efficient energy storage and reuse, and a logic processing unit that decides on signal transmission based on the structure's position, enabling energy savings and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a battery is used to power the sensor and transmitter, then the sensor can operate continuously to detect movements and send safety signals, but the battery requires periodic replacement and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system serves itself by harvesting energy from the environment (wind movements of the blind) to recharge its own power source. The piezoelectric element converts mechanical energy from wind-induced movements into electrical energy, eliminating the need for external battery replacement and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical energy storage system (battery) with a mechanical energy harvesting system (piezoelectric element). This substitution allows the sensor to convert mechanical movements from wind into electrical energy, providing continuous operation without requiring periodic battery replacement.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a battery is sized to power both motion detection and signal transmission over a long period, then operational duration is extended, but the device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically recharges itself during operation by harvesting energy from wind movements. The piezoelectric element generates electrical energy whenever the blind moves due to wind, which is stored in the power source to sustain both detection and transmission functions indefinitely.
Solution Approach 2:
The power availability in the system is dynamic rather than static. The piezoelectric element continuously converts available mechanical energy from wind into electrical energy, allowing the system to adapt its power generation to environmental conditions rather than relying on a fixed battery capacity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If wind energy is converted to power the sensor and control signal, then battery replacement is eliminated, but the converter complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a piezoelectric element to directly convert mechanical energy from wind movements into electrical energy. This single-component solution replaces complex battery systems and eliminates the need for external power sources, with the piezoelectric material serving as both the energy harvesting and conversion mechanism.
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
The solution provides a self-sustaining energy system that allows the sensor to operate in both folded and deployed positions, reducing the need for battery replacement and optimizing energy usage, ensuring continuous functionality and reduced risk of damage from wind.
Implementation Method 1
a converter configured to convert the incident signal into electrical current and to charge the self-contained power source using said electrical current
Implementation Method 2
a self-contained power source; a converter configured to convert the incident signal into electrical current and to charge the self-contained power source
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Sensor intended to be positioned on a movable portion of a deployable structure, and to transmit an information signal to a transmission unit intended to be positioned on a fixed portion of the deployable structure, such that the sensor comprises a wireless transmitter/receiver (50) configured to receive an incident signal from the transmission unit when the deployable structure is in a stowed position; a logical processing unit (52) suitable for deciding on the transmission of the information signal by the wireless transmitter/receiver (50) to the transmission unit; a self-contained power source (54) configured to power the logical processing unit (52).