Sensor Node Activation Using Induced Voltage Event Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor nodes in battery-operated systems fail to detect significant events during quiescent states due to inactivated functions, leading to missed measurements.
Innovation Solution
Sensor nodes are activated using induced voltages from magnetic fields generated by the technical system, with frequency-selective activation controlled by comparing induced voltages to reference values, and optionally amplified and filtered to enhance detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If sensor nodes are deactivated to save energy during quiescent states, then energy consumption is reduced, but the ability to detect significant events is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor node performs preliminary detection using the coil to sense magnetic field changes before full activation. This preliminary action allows the node to remain in low-power state while still being able to detect significant events that warrant full sensor activation, thus resolving the contradiction between energy saving and detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil acts as an intermediary sensing element between the magnetic field environment and the main sensor node. It provides a low-power interface for detecting magnetic field changes, enabling the node to maintain detection capability while consuming minimal energy during quiescent states.
2Reliability
If sensor nodes are continuously activated to detect all events, then detection capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor node operates in periodic cycles, alternating between low-power quiescent states and active measurement states. During quiescent states, only the coil remains active for preliminary detection. When significant events are detected, the node activates fully for detailed measurement. This periodic operation resolves the contradiction by providing continuous detection capability while maintaining low average energy consumption.
3Reliability
If all sensor functions are activated to ensure comprehensive monitoring, then measurement coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is segmented into two levels: preliminary monitoring using the coil for magnetic field detection, and detailed monitoring using full sensor functions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain comprehensive monitoring coverage by dividing responsibilities between low-power and high-power components, resolving the contradiction between monitoring coverage and energy consumption.
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
This method extends battery life and reduces servicing costs by enabling efficient detection of critical events while conserving energy.
Implementation Method 1
determination of an induced voltage in a coil (for example in an air-core inductor) of the sensor node and/or the sensor network, wherein the induced voltage is induced by a magnetic field induced by the technical system
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a sensor network (2) having sensor nodes (3) of a technical system (1). The method comprises the following steps: deactivating (S1) the sensor nodes (3) of the sensor network (2); determining (S2) an induction voltage (Ue) in a coil (4) of the sensor node (3) and/or a coil (4) of the sensor network (2), the induction voltage (Ue) being generated by a magnetic field generated by the technical system (1); comparing (S3) the determined induction voltage (Ue) with a reference voltage (UR); and activating (S4) the sensor nodes (3) depending on the comparison. The invention further relates to a sensor network (2) of a technical system (1).