Threshold-Triggered Sensor Power Control for Pipe Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitoring systems for fluid conduits, such as sewer networks, face inefficiencies in power consumption and lack of real-time data transmission, leading to delayed detection of fluid level changes and potential blockages, which can cause environmental and infrastructure damage.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring system comprising a wireless telemetry unit with sensors and threshold level indicators that supply power to sensors only when fluid levels exceed or fall below predefined thresholds, allowing for efficient data transmission to a remote server, minimizing power consumption and enabling timely detection of fluid conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous power supply is provided to sensors for real-time monitoring, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic power supply to sensors based on threshold level changes. The controller activates power supply only when the fluid level exceeds predefined thresholds, rather than providing continuous power. This periodic activation maintains monitoring reliability during critical events while significantly reducing overall power consumption during stable conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from threshold level indicators to control power supply. The controller receives feedback signals from the threshold level indicators and adjusts power supply accordingly - activating sensors when thresholds are exceeded and deactivating them when levels return to normal. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable monitoring when needed while optimizing power consumption.
2Speed
If real-time data transmission is implemented, then detection speed is improved, but power consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless transceiver operates periodically rather than continuously, transmitting data only when threshold level changes occur or when sensors are actively monitoring. This periodic transmission maintains fast detection capability for critical events while minimizing power consumption during periods when fluid levels are stable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-setting threshold levels and preparing the sensor system for rapid activation. When a threshold is approached, the system is already configured for immediate data transmission, enabling fast detection without requiring continuous high-power transmission operations.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are deployed for comprehensive monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller manages multiple sensors by activating them periodically based on threshold level changes rather than maintaining continuous operation. This approach enables comprehensive monitoring of multiple fluid conditions with high precision when needed, while reducing overall system complexity and power consumption by not requiring all sensors to be continuously active.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the monitoring function by associating specific sensors with specific threshold levels. Each sensor is activated only when its corresponding threshold is exceeded, allowing comprehensive monitoring of multiple parameters without requiring all sensors to operate simultaneously, thus reducing power consumption and simplifying system management.
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring system for an access chamber to a pipe network. The system includes at least one sensor for determining a fluid condition associated with fluid in a conduit of the pipe network and at least one threshold level indicator for determining a threshold fluid level in the access chamber, the at least one threshold level indicator being associated with the at least one sensor. The system further includes a controller for receiving output signals from the at least one sensor and the at least one threshold level indicator and for controlling supply of power to the at least one sensor and a wireless transceiver in communication with the controller to allow the controller to communicate with a remote server over a communications network. The controller is arranged to supply power to the at least one sensor in response to receiving an output signal from the at least one threshold level indicator indicative of the fluid level having exceeded the threshold fluid level.