Multiplexed Sensor Port for External Power and Safe Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-power sensor devices face challenges in debugging, testing, and maintenance due to the need for large activation currents, which are unsafe and inconvenient, leading to long charging times and the inability to upgrade software online, and require additional power supplies and complex wiring, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a power supply management unit that can selectively receive internal or external electric energy, featuring a port for coupling to a sensing apparatus or external auxiliary power supply, and includes a signal detection unit and an external auxiliary power supply switching-on unit to multiplex the port, allowing for external power supply to facilitate maintenance and upgrades without replacing the entire sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If current induction is used to extract power for low-power sensor device, then the sensor device can operate with low power consumption, but a large primary activation current is needed which is unsafe and inconvenient for debugging, testing, and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The single port is designed to serve multiple functions: it can connect to sensing apparatus for signal transmission, connect to external auxiliary power supply for power delivery, or both simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate ports for power and signal, simplifying the interface while enabling safe external power connection for maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply management unit acts as an intermediary between the external auxiliary power supply and the internal circuit. It selectively receives power from either internal battery or external power supply, and intelligently switches between power sources, thereby enabling safe external power connection without directly exposing the internal circuit to external power sources.
2Use of energy by moving object
If current induction is used to extract power, then the sensor device can operate autonomously, but the low power of electric energy obtained leads to long charging time and inability to upgrade online
Solution Approach 1:
The external auxiliary power supply can be connected before maintenance or upgrade operations to pre-charge the internal battery or provide power during the upgrade process. This preliminary power provision eliminates the long charging time constraint and enables online upgrades by providing sufficient power headroom before the actual maintenance activity begins.
3Reliability
If an external auxiliary power supply is provided for safe debugging and maintenance, then safety during maintenance is improved, but additional power supply and wiring are required which leads to installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The single port is designed to serve multiple functions: it can connect to sensing apparatus for signal transmission, connect to external auxiliary power supply for power delivery, or both simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate ports for power and signal, simplifying the interface while enabling safe external power connection for maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply management unit merges the functions of power reception from external sources, power management, and signal handling into a single integrated unit. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and connections needed, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining safety through controlled power management.
4Ease of repair
If an external auxiliary power supply is provided, then maintenance can be performed safely, but additional wiring leads to potential safety risks for use in high-voltage switchgear
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply management unit acts as an intermediary between the external auxiliary power supply and the internal circuit. It selectively receives power from either internal battery or external power supply, and intelligently switches between power sources, thereby enabling safe external power connection without directly exposing the internal circuit to external power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply management unit provides self-protection through automatic power source selection and switching. It monitors the power sources and automatically selects the safe power source, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing the risk of safety incidents during maintenance operations in high-voltage environments.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide sensor device. The sensor device comprises a power supply management unit configured to selectively receive internal electric energy or external electric energy and supply power to an internal circuit; a port adapted to be coupled to a sensing apparatus for providing the external electric energy or an external auxiliary power supply; a signal detection unit having a first end coupled to the power supply management unit and a second end coupled to the port, the signal detection unit being configured to generate a sensing signal when the port is coupled to the sensing apparatus; and an external auxiliary power supply switching-on unit having a first end coupled to the power supply management unit and a second end coupled to the port, the external auxiliary power supply switching-on unit being configured to transmit the electric energy to the power supply management unit in response to receiving electric energy from the port when the port is coupled to the external auxiliary power supply. In this way, through port multiplexing, the number of ports and wiring can be reduced, thereby reducing the size of the sensor.