Structural Wireless Sensor Node With Embedded Nanostructure Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor systems with transceivers and internal energy sources are bulky and consume high power, making them unsuitable for deployment in locations requiring smaller packaging.
Innovation Solution
Structural electronics wireless sensor nodes are fabricated using patterned nanostructures embedded in electrically insulating matrices, eliminating the need for transceivers and internal energy sources by integrating electronic components directly into the structure, allowing for compact, zero-pin designs that operate at lower power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional sensor systems with transceivers and internal energy sources are used, then communication and power supply functions are achieved, but the system becomes bulky and consumes high power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the transceiver and internal energy source from the sensor system, eliminating the need for these components. This allows the sensor to operate passively by harvesting energy from ambient electromagnetic fields, thereby dramatically reducing both power consumption and system size while maintaining wireless communication capability through backscatter modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single passive sensor node that can harvest energy, sense environmental parameters, and communicate wirelessly simultaneously without requiring separate transceiver and power supply components. This multi-functionality is achieved through electromagnetic field interaction that combines energy harvesting, sensing, and communication in one unified system.
2Ease of operation
If transceivers and internal energy sources are included in sensor systems, then wireless communication and power supply are enabled, but the packaging becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the transceiver and internal energy source from the sensor node, enabling deployment in locations with spatial constraints. The passive operation mode allows the sensor to function without these bulky components, making it suitable for integration into structures where minimal volume is critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic transceiver system with an electromagnetic field-based passive communication system. Instead of using active radio frequency transmission requiring a transceiver, the system modulates ambient electromagnetic fields to communicate sensor data, eliminating the need for complex communication hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A structural electronics wireless sensor node is provided that includes layers of electronic components fabricated from patterned nanostructures embedded in an electrically conductive matrix. In some aspects, the structural electronics wireless sensor node includes a plurality of nanostructure layers that each form individual electronic components of the structural electronics wireless sensor node. In certain embodiments, the structural electronics wireless sensor node includes electronic components such as a resistor, a inductor, a capacitor, and/or an antenna.