Single Conductor Hoist Sensor Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hoist systems, such as those used in aerospace, cranes, and elevators, lack real-time information about weight and stress exerted on the hoist-rescue system during operations, necessitating improved sensor systems and data transmission methods.

Innovation Solution

A hoist system utilizing a single conductor for both power and data transmission between sensors and receiving modules, where sensors generate time-variant electrical charge densities and transmit them along this single conductor, allowing for robust data extraction without a second conductor, enabling monitoring of loads and stress on hoist components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional two-wire systems are used for sensor data transmission, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but system complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidconductor configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines power transmission and data transmission functions into a single conductor, eliminating the need for separate wiring for each function. This merging approach reduces the number of conductors required while maintaining both power supply and communication capabilities, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single conductor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power to the sensor, transmits data from the sensor, and can carry control signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated wiring for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable operation.

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

2Reliability

If conventional two-wire systems are used for sensor data transmission, then complete circuit connection is achieved, but weight and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit connection reliabilityVSAvoidconductor material quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By merging power and data transmission into a single conductor, the patent reduces the total quantity of conductor material needed. Instead of requiring two separate wires for power and data, one conductor performs both functions, directly reducing material usage while maintaining circuit connection reliability through proper signal grounding and reference connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If real-time sensor monitoring is implemented, then health monitoring capability is improved, but data transmission reliability in harsh environments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time monitoring capabilityVSAvoiddata transmission reliability in harsh environments
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex multi-conductor electrical signaling with a simplified single-conductor system that uses voltage-level modulation and reference grounding. This substitution of the transmission approach reduces susceptibility to electromagnetic interference and environmental factors, maintaining reliability while enabling real-time monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution provides reliable and robust data transmission, enabling real-time health monitoring of hoist systems, even in harsh environments, with improved reliability compared to conventional two-wire systems.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor can be configured to generate sensor data for the monitored parameter, transform the sensor data into a wave of time-variant electrical charge densities, and transmit the wave of time variant electrical charge densities along the single conductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric Effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3345855B1Single-wire transmission of sensor data
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 SIMMONDS PRECISION PRODUCTS INC
  • EP3345855B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3345855B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A hoist system (100) includes a load attaching member (102) a single conductor (104) connecting the load attaching member to a hoist (106) for raising and lowering the load attaching member and single conductor. A sensor (108) is operatively connected to the load attaching member to sense a monitored parameter of the load attaching member. The sensor is electrically connected to a receiving module (110) of the hoist for single wired-transmission along the single conductor from the sensor to the receiving module.