Industrial Sensor Power Optimization via Dynamic Interval Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial sensors in remote, isolated installations face challenges with inaccurate battery life estimates due to static input calculations that do not account for actual usage and performance variations.

Innovation Solution

A method for optimizing power supply life time in industrial sensor platforms by identifying sensor power consumption, determining optimal sensor reading and transmission intervals, and adjusting settings based on real-time input parameters, including power consumption and functional settings, to extend battery life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If static input calculations are used for battery life estimation, then the calculation process is simple, but the accuracy and reliability of battery life estimates deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalculation processVSAvoidbattery life estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static input calculations to dynamic optimization by continuously monitoring actual power consumption, sensor reading intervals, and transmission intervals. The optimization module dynamically adjusts these parameters based on real-time feedback to achieve accurate battery life estimates while adapting to changing operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring actual power consumption and operational parameters, then using this information to recalculate and optimize battery life estimates. The optimization module continuously adjusts sensor reading intervals and transmission intervals based on feedback from actual system performance, improving estimation accuracy over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If sensor reading interval and transmission interval are reduced to improve monitoring accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes battery life by dynamically changing key parameters including sensor reading intervals and transmission intervals. The optimization module calculates optimal values for these parameters based on actual power consumption measurements and operational requirements, balancing monitoring accuracy with power conservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial action by selectively adjusting monitoring and transmission frequencies based on actual needs rather than maintaining constant high-frequency operation. The optimization module determines appropriate intervals that provide sufficient monitoring coverage while minimizing unnecessary power consumption during periods of stable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If dedicated power supplies with specific sensor configurations are used, then reliability for specific applications improves, but adaptability to new applications deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication-specific reliabilityVSAvoidapplication flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves universality by implementing a generic optimization framework that can adapt to different sensor types and application scenarios. The optimization module works with various sensor configurations and communication protocols, providing reliable battery life optimization across multiple application domains without requiring application-specific hardware redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11071071B2Method for optimizing power supply life of an industrial sensor platform
Publication Date: 2021.07.20 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • US11071071B2 patent drawing
  • US11071071B2 patent drawing
  • US11071071B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for optimizing power supply life time of an industrial sensor platform which includes a processing unit, a power supply, and transmission means. The method identifies a sensor connected to an industrial platform, verifies a functional setting of the platform, determines sensor power consumption and sensor measurement time ts, and determines transmission power consumption of the transmission means. The method further includes acquiring input parameter settings which includes expected battery life time, sensor reading interval Ts and periodic transmission interval Tw. Which is followed by calculating an optimum for power supply life time, sensor reading interval Ts, and periodic transmission interval Tw. And adjusting settings of the platform for sensor reading interval Ts and periodic transmission interval Tw according to the optimum calculated.