Machine Sensor Self-Configuration via Triggered ID Broadcast
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing sensors in machines, such as haul trucks, are limited in their ability to configure and recognize a wide range of sensors, often requiring separate setting tools and are not efficient in managing sensor data from multiple types of sensors.
Innovation Solution
A controller that wirelessly receives sensor data and configures itself to recognize sensor addresses by activating a configuration trigger, allowing sensors to switch to a configuration mode and broadcast identification data, which the controller uses to update its sensor configuration, including sensor addresses and attributes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate setting tool is used to configure sensor addresses, then the sensor configuration process can be completed, but the system complexity increases and the ability to manage multiple sensor types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor configuration functionality directly into the sensor node itself, merging the setting tool capabilities with the sensor. The sensor node includes a configuration trigger that when activated, causes the sensor to broadcast its identifier and location code, eliminating the need for separate external setting tools and enabling management of multiple sensor types through a unified approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor node is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a sensing device and a self-configuration device. The configuration trigger mechanism allows the same sensor node to perform different functions (normal sensing vs. self-configuration) based on trigger activation, providing universal applicability across different sensor types without requiring type-specific configuration tools.
2Measurement precision
If manual configuration of each sensor is required, then accurate sensor addressing can be achieved, but the time and effort required for setup increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor node performs self-configuration automatically when its configuration trigger is activated. The sensor generates and broadcasts its own identifier and location code, and the controller automatically receives and stores this information. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual configuration steps while maintaining accurate sensor addressing through the automated exchange of identification data between sensor and controller.
3Ease of operation
If sensors continuously broadcast identification data, then the controller can easily recognize new sensors, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous broadcasting, the sensor node broadcasts identification data periodically or event-driven based on configuration trigger activation. The trigger may be activated by user input, detection of a new sensor, or other events, causing the sensor to broadcast its identifier and location code only when needed. This periodic/event-driven approach maintains ease of sensor recognition while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous broadcasting.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor associated with a machine has a configuration trigger that, when activated, causes the sensor to enter a configuration mode. When the sensor is in the configuration mode, the sensor broadcasts identification data indicating a sensor address of the sensor, such as a MAC address. A controller of the machine may use the sensor address, included in the identification data broadcast by the sensor, to update a sensor configuration in order to configure the controller to recognize the sensor as being associated with the machine.