Self-Powered Sensor Event Logger Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems require external power sources or energy storage devices to record and log events, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially in applications where energy harvesting from the event itself is not fully utilized.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a structure-mounted circuit with a sensor, non-volatile memory, and a voltage-sensitive switch or processor, which uses energy derived from the sensor to power and record events, allowing self-powered logging and measurement without additional energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If external power sources or energy storage devices are used to power the logging circuit, then the circuit can continuously record events, but the system complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor itself serves as the power source for the logging circuit. When an event occurs, the sensor generates electrical energy that is directly used to power the logging circuit and record the event in non-volatile memory, eliminating the need for external power sources or energy storage devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and utilizes the electrical energy generated by the sensor during event detection. Instead of dissipating the generated energy, it is captured and used to power the logging operation, making efficient use of the available energy from the event itself.
2Use of energy by moving object
If energy is harvested from the event itself to power the logging circuit, then power consumption is reduced, but the logging capability is limited to events with sufficient energy
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a voltage-sensitive switch that activates the logging circuit only when the sensor-generated voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold. This ensures that logging occurs only for events with sufficient energy to reliably power the logging operation and store data in non-volatile memory.
Solution Approach 2:
The system accepts that not all events will be logged, treating potential data loss as an acceptable trade-off. Events with insufficient energy are not logged, but this simple approach avoids the complexity of energy storage and ensures reliable logging when events do occur.
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 efficient and self-sufficient recording and measurement of events using only the energy generated by the sensor, reducing power consumption and eliminating the need for external power sources, while allowing data retrieval via alternative power means.
Implementation Method 1
Several types of sensors generate a voltage or current when excited by an event, including piezoelectric sensors, thermocouples, pressure sensors, and displacement sensors. For example, when a piezoelectric sensor is flexed it generates a voltage that depends on the magnitude of flexing.
Implementation Method 2
The circuit includes a sensor, a non-volatile memory, and a voltage sensitive switch. The memory and the voltage sensitive switch are connected for recording an event sensed by the sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a structure and a circuit. The circuit is mounted to the structure. The circuit includes a sensor, a non-volatile memory, and a voltage sensitive switch. The memory and the voltage sensitive switch are connected for recording an event sensed by said sensor. The recording only uses power derived from the sensor. One embodiment of the circuit includes a processor connected for receiving a signal derived from the sensor. In this embodiment the non-volatile memory is connected to the processor for receiving and storing data derived from the signal. In one embodiment a first energy storage device is connected to receive energy from the sensor. The voltage sensitive switch is connected for releasing energy from the first energy storage device when energy stored in the first energy storage device exceeds a threshold. The processor and the non-volatile memory are connected for receiving power from the released energy.