Shielded Remote Sensing Device for Wireless Power and Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In gas turbine engines and other machinery, the challenge is to provide reliable electromagnetic communication and power to sensing/control/identification devices located in difficult-to-access areas, where traditional wiring is bulky, expensive, and prone to failures due to environmental interference and constraints.
Innovation Solution
A shielding-based system that includes a rectification and power conditioning module, a communication interface module, and a control module within a shielded volume, capable of receiving and processing electromagnetic transmissions for power and communication, with optional storage and sensor circuit modules, and configured for integration on a single printed circuit board or highly integrated system in a package (SIP) with an on-chip antenna.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wiring is used to provide power and communication to sensing devices in difficult-to-access areas, then reliable power and signal transmission can be achieved, but the system becomes bulky, expensive, and vulnerable to interconnect failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with an electromagnetic field-based system. A transmitter generates electromagnetic signals that penetrate the target area, and a receiver detects these signals to provide both power and communication functionality without physical cable connections. This eliminates the mechanical interconnects that are bulky and vulnerable to failures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cable routing is extended to reach difficult-to-access sensor locations, then sensing coverage is improved, but cable cost, volume, and weight exceed desired limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes physical cable routing with electromagnetic signal transmission. The transmitter can project electromagnetic energy to multiple remote locations simultaneously, and receivers at various sensor positions can detect these signals without requiring extended cable runs. This eliminates the weight and volume penalties associated with long cable routing while maintaining comprehensive sensing coverage.
3Reliability
If shielding is provided around subsystem components and transmission paths to protect against electromagnetic interference, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using electromagnetic field confinement structures that guide and protect the electromagnetic signals without requiring traditional electromagnetic shielding around each component. The system uses structured electromagnetic field transmission paths that inherently provide isolation from external interference, eliminating the need for complex shielding assemblies while maintaining communication reliability.
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
Enables reliable remote powering and communication with sensing/control/identification devices, reducing cable costs and weight, increasing system reliability, and allowing for 'plug-n-play' additions without requalification, while mitigating electromagnetic interference and cyber security threats.
Implementation Method 1
a rectification and power conditioning module within the shielded volume and configured to receive electromagnetic (EM) transmissions from an EM transmitting source and convert said EM transmissions to electrical power
Data Source
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AI summary
Sensing / control / identification devices (300) of machines are provided. The devices (300) include a shielding defining a shielded volume, a rectification and power conditioning module (304) within the shielded volume and configured to receive electromagnetic (EM) transmissions from an EM transmitting source (302) and convert said EM transmissions to electrical power, a communication interface module (306) within the shielded volume and configured to receive power from the rectification and power conditioning module (304) and at least one of receive the EM transmissions or transmit EM communications, and a control module (308) within the shielded volume and configured to at least one of (i) receive the EM transmissions from the communication interface (306) for processing or prepare the EM communications for transmission from the communication interface module (306) and (ii) communicate with a remote sensor (312) of the machine.