Wireless Sensor Sleep Mode via NFC for Maintenance Battery Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless sensors in bearings continue to generate measurements and attempt to connect to a gateway during maintenance, wasting battery power and requiring re-commissioning after maintenance, which is inefficient and disruptive.
Innovation Solution
A method and sensor configuration that allows switching to sleep mode upon receiving a sleep mode signal, disconnecting from the gateway, and resuming operation without decommissioning, using near-field communication for control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor continues to operate during maintenance, then measurements are continuously generated and transmitted, but battery power is wasted unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor dynamically changes its operational state based on maintenance status. It switches between active mode (during operation) and sleep mode (during maintenance) through receiving control signals via NFC communication, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining measurement capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor changes its operational parameters by transitioning between different modes. In active mode, measurements are taken and transmitted continuously. In sleep mode, measurements are suspended and transmission is stopped, fundamentally changing the energy consumption parameter while preserving the ability to resume operation
2Use of energy by moving object
If the sensor is stopped during maintenance, then battery power is conserved, but re-commissioning is required after maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor performs preliminary actions by maintaining its commissioned state and connection parameters in memory during sleep mode. When activated after maintenance, it automatically reconnects to the gateway using stored credentials without requiring full re-commissioning, thus preparing the system in advance for rapid reactivation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual re-commissioning process with automated NFC-based signal transmission. Instead of requiring technical personnel to reconfigure the sensor after maintenance, a simple NFC tap transmits activation signals that automatically restore operational status, substituting complex manual procedures with simple wireless communication
3Reliability
If the sensor remains connected to the gateway during maintenance, then data transmission continues, but unnecessary communication overhead occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor implements periodic action by alternating between active data transmission periods and sleep periods during maintenance. It receives periodic NFC signals that control its transmission state, enabling data to be sent only when necessary while conserving resources and minimizing interference with maintenance activities
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
Conserves battery power during maintenance, avoids re-commissioning, and ensures seamless sensor operation post-maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the communication means are configured to communicate with a near filed communication device
Data Source
AI summary
The sensor (8) includes control means (12) configured to switch the sensor (8) in the sleep mode when the sensor is in an active mode and when receiving a sleep mode signal. The sensor is configured to take measurements and to send measurements to a gateway in the active mode, and is configured to stop taking measurements and disconnect from the gateway in the sleep mode.