Sewer Rat Trap Wireless Relay for Reliable Low-Power Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing monitoring systems in rat traps face challenges in transferring data through concrete or iron structures, require on-site testing for optimal signal positioning, and are vulnerable to vandalism and theft.

Innovation Solution

A transmission system utilizing short-range wireless protocols like IEEE 802.15.4 and long-range protocols like LPWAN, with a wireless relay positioned below the well cover, to minimize power consumption and avoid external interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a receiver unit is positioned at the top of the manhole for wireless transmission, then data transfer to GSM network is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to vandalism and theft in public areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer reliabilityVSAvoidvandalism and theft risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver unit is extracted from the public area and repositioned inside the shaft or well, removing it from the environment where vandalism and theft occur. The transmitter in the rat trap communicates wirelessly to this protected receiver position, eliminating the harmful exposure while maintaining data transfer functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a receiver unit is positioned for optimal wireless signal detection, then communication quality is improved, but on-site testing is required and suitable positioning is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication qualityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver unit is pre-positioned at a predetermined location inside the shaft or well during installation, eliminating the need for on-site testing and adjustment. This predetermined positioning is designed to optimize wireless signal detection without requiring field tests, simplifying the installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Length of stationary object

If long-range wireless protocols are used for data transmission, then transmission distance is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission rangeVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless transmission path is segmented into two parts: a short-range transmission from the rat trap transmitter to the receiver unit inside the shaft (using low-power protocols like IEEE 802.15.4), and a separate long-range transmission from the receiver unit to the GSM network. This segmentation allows the use of energy-efficient short-range protocols for the majority of the transmission path while maintaining overall system functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Ensures reliable data transfer with minimal power consumption, reduces vulnerability to vandalism, and maintains optimal signal positioning without external cabling.

Implementation Method 1

The transmitter unit (100) is configured for receiving monitoring data from monitoring equipment (10) embedded in a rat trap (30), and for transmitting the received monitoring data wirelessly to a wireless relay (200)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The wireless relay (200) is configured for receiving the monitoring data from the monitoring equipment (10), and for transmitting the received monitoring data to a central unit (300)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3878109B1Transmission system for monitoring equipment in rat traps positioned in sewers, shafts, and wells
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 RATEL
  • EP3878109B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3878109B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3878109B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a transmission system for monitoring equipment in rat traps positioned in sewers, shafts, and wells. The transmission system comprises a transmitter unit embedded in a rat trap, a wireless relay, positioning means, and a receiver unit.