Tilt Sensor With Capillary-Activated Battery for Remote Alerts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensors for utility pole inclination detection require periodic battery replacement and cannot supply power for notification in situations where human intervention is not possible, such as at high or remote locations.

Innovation Solution

An inclination sensor with a primary battery and water storage tank, where the electrolytic solution is injected into the separator upon structure inclination, enabling power generation and notification only when needed, using a capillary phenomenon to supply the electrolyte to the battery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a primary battery with electrolytic solution is used in the sensor, then the sensor can operate for extended periods without self-discharge and provide power for notification, but the battery requires manual injection of electrolytic solution which is not feasible in remote or high locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery operation durationVSAvoidelectrolyte injection operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electrolytic solution is pre-stored in a water storage tank within the sensor device. The tank is designed to contain the electrolyte solution in a controlled manner, ready for automatic injection when needed, eliminating the need for manual preparation before deployment in remote locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor device automatically injects the electrolytic solution into the primary battery when inclination is detected, without requiring human intervention. The system self-manages the electrolyte injection process through its internal water storage tank and injection mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Duration of action of stationary object

If disposable primary batteries are used in the sensor, then the sensor can be deployed without periodic battery replacement, but the batteries generate self-discharge and have safety and environmental issues due to strongly alkaline electrolytic solutions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor operation continuityVSAvoidself-discharge and safety issues

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is divided into separate components: the primary battery cell and the water storage tank containing the electrolytic solution. They are kept separate until needed, with the electrolyte injected only when inclination occurs, preventing continuous contact that causes self-discharge

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The water storage tank acts as an intermediary container that holds the electrolytic solution separately from the battery electrodes during storage. The tank controls the timing and delivery of the electrolyte, mediating between storage and activation states

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the sensor always operates detection and notification mechanisms, then real-time monitoring is achieved, but periodic battery replacement is required increasing maintenance cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring availabilityVSAvoidbattery replacement frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor transitions from continuous operation to event-triggered operation. The detection and notification mechanisms are activated periodically only when inclination events occur, rather than operating continuously, thereby extending battery life and reducing maintenance needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The operational state of the sensor changes based on detected parameters. When inclination exceeds threshold values, the sensor activates notification; otherwise, it remains in low-power mode, dynamically adjusting its operation based on environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The sensor can operate for extended periods without self-discharge, providing reliable power for notification in emergency situations, reducing maintenance needs and environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

using a capillary phenomenon to supply the electrolyte to the battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary phenomenon: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS20250003748A1Tilt Sensor and Detecting System

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE CORP

AI summary

An inclination sensor includes a notification unit that notifies occurrence of inclination of a structure, a water storage tank that contains an electrolytic solution, and a primary battery including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. In the inclination sensor, when the water storage tank is inclined with the inclination of the structure, an electrolytic solution is injected into the separator, and the primary battery starts power generation and supplies electric power necessary for driving the notification unit.