Sensor Location Verification System Using Magnetic Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water leak detection systems in buildings face challenges in accurately verifying the location of wireless sensors after removal and reinstallation, leading to potential confusion, delayed remedial actions, and incorrect automatic responses due to user error and similar sensor appearances.
Innovation Solution
A sensor location verification system that includes a pairing verification circuit and a sensor locator, using magnetic patterns and sensors to ensure correct sensor placement, with optional communication protocols for remote and local notifications to confirm correct pairing status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless sensors are made easily removable using hook & loop fasteners, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential incorrect reinstallation
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a pairing verification circuit that provides immediate feedback when a sensor is reinstalled. The circuit compares the sensor's unique identifier with the location's expected identifier and provides visual/audible confirmation (LED indicators, beeps) to verify correct pairing, preventing incorrect reinstallation while maintaining easy removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
A pairing verification circuit acts as an intermediary between the sensor and location verification system. This intermediary component automatically verifies sensor-location pairing through unique identifiers and provides confirmation signals, eliminating the need for manual verification while ensuring reliability
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed throughout the building, then measurement precision is improved for leak location, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensor is equipped with a unique identifier and automatically performs self-verification when installed at a location. The pairing verification circuit autonomously checks if the sensor's identifier matches the location's expected identifier, eliminating the need for complex manual tracking or configuration by maintenance personnel
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses unique identifier codes (digital copies) for each sensor-location pairing instead of requiring physical tracking or complex configuration. These digital identifiers enable automatic verification and simplify the management of multiple sensors throughout the building
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
Ensures accurate sensor location verification, reducing confusion and incorrect automatic actions by providing visual, auditory, or haptic feedback on correct sensor placement, thus enhancing response efficiency and minimizing damage from water leaks.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor locator includes a magnet and the sensor includes a magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor detects whether the sensor is correctly placed on the sensor locator by sensing the magnetic pattern.
Data Source
AI summary
A water sensor location verification system includes a water sensor configured to generate one or more signals indicative of a presence of water, a sensor locator configured to be coupled to a support surface and configured to be removably coupled to the water sensor to form a sensor/locator pairing, and a pairing verification circuit configured to generate a pairing notification indicative of a status of the sensor/locator pairing. A water sensor configured to be removably coupled to sensor locator to form a sensor/locator pairing includes circuitry to generate one or more signals indicative of water and a pairing verification circuit comprising magnet sensor(s) configured to detect magnet(s) associated with the sensor locator. The paring verification circuit generates a pairing notification indicative of a status of the sensor/locator pairing based on, at least in part, the detection of the magnet(s) and is a normally closed circuit.