Wireless Sensor Power Harvesting via Waveguide
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The implementation of health monitoring systems in aircraft is hindered by the need for additional wiring to provide power and information exchange between devices, which increases weight, cost, and maintenance burdens, reducing performance and increasing operating costs.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communications and power system using a power harvesting unit, sensor interface, and wireless communications unit connected to a waveguide within a composite stringer, where a first wireless signal is used to generate power and transmit information as a second wireless signal through the waveguide, reducing the need for physical wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional wiring is used to provide power and information exchange between devices in a health monitoring system, then reliable power supply and data transmission are achieved, but weight, cost, and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power and data transmission system. The waveguide structure guides electromagnetic waves to sensor nodes, which harvest power and receive data wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical electrical connections and reducing aircraft weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic wave as an intermediary carrier that simultaneously transmits both power and information through the waveguide structure. This intermediary enables wireless energy and data transfer between the base station and sensor nodes without direct physical contact.
2Reliability
If additional wiring is installed for health monitoring system devices, then power and data transmission are ensured, but manufacturing cost and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring installation process with wireless electromagnetic field transmission. The waveguide structure is integrated into the aircraft body, and sensor nodes communicate wirelessly, dramatically simplifying installation and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure serves multiple functions: it guides electromagnetic waves for power transmission, enables data communication, and can be integrated into the aircraft's existing structural components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated wiring systems.
3Weight of moving object
If wireless power transmission and communication are implemented, then weight and wiring complexity are reduced, but power harvesting efficiency and signal transmission quality must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes parameters such as waveguide dimensions, electromagnetic wave frequency, and sensor node antenna design to maximize power harvesting efficiency. By carefully tuning these parameters, the system achieves efficient wireless power transfer while maintaining lightweight construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure acts as an efficient intermediary that concentrates and directs electromagnetic energy to the sensor nodes, improving power harvesting efficiency compared to omnidirectional wireless transmission. This guided wave approach reduces energy loss and enhances transfer efficiency.
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 eliminates the need for additional wiring, reducing weight, cost, and maintenance while maintaining efficient power and data transmission within the aircraft, thereby enhancing performance and reducing operating costs.
Implementation Method 1
a power harvesting unit configured to generate power using a first wireless signal
Implementation Method 2
a waveguide located at least partially within the channel, wherein the first wireless signal is transmitted to the power harvesting unit through the waveguide
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A method and apparatus for operating a sensor system (400). A first wireless signal (426) is transmitted from a base station (402) to a sensor unit (404). At least a portion of the first wireless signal (426) is changed into power (428) for the sensor unit using (404) a power harvesting unit (412) in the sensor unit (404). Information is received from a number of sensors (418) associated with the sensor unit (404). The information (432) is transmitted to the base station (402) using a second wireless signal (426).