Weather Sensor Device with Dynamic Wireless Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for detecting meteorological and environmental parameters, such as rain and temperature, are not suitable for reliable signal transmission over long distances and do not allow for continuous monitoring of sensor functionality, leading to inefficiencies in alarm detection and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A device with a wireless transceiver and bidirectional data transmission capabilities, integrated with sensors for rain and temperature detection, allows for reliable communication over long distances and continuous monitoring, featuring a compact design for easy installation and robust operation, including a power supply unit and interface for data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If wireless transmission is used to send sensor data alternately and/or non-continuously, then power consumption is optimized, but signal transmission reliability over long distances deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsignal transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the transmission frequency based on alarm status. When no alarm is present, transmissions occur at optimized intervals (e.g., 30 seconds) to conserve power. When an alarm condition is detected, the system switches to continuous or near-continuous transmission mode to ensure reliable signal delivery over long distances, thus adapting transmission behavior to current operational needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit monitors transmission quality and sensor status. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts transmission frequency and power levels. The bidirectional communication allows the central unit to receive acknowledgment signals and adjust subsequent transmission strategies to maintain reliability while managing power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If wireless transmission is used with alternating intervals, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to monitor sensor functioning status continuously deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsensor status monitoring capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary diagnostic system where the control unit acts as a mediator between the sensor and the monitoring system. This intermediary continuously checks sensor health status through bidirectional communication, analyzing response times and signal integrity. This allows continuous monitoring of sensor functioning without requiring continuous power-intensive transmissions from the sensor itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous useful action through bidirectional communication channels. While sensor transmissions may be intermittent to save power, the bidirectional nature ensures continuous monitoring capability - the control unit can随时 initiate queries to check sensor status, and the system maintains continuous readiness to detect and report alarm conditions without complete power shutdown

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Use of energy by moving object

If signal transmission intervals are extended, then power consumption is optimized, but the timeliness of alarm detection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidalarm detection timeliness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission interval is made dynamic rather than static. During normal conditions, extended intervals (e.g., 30 seconds or longer) are used to optimize power consumption. However, when alarm conditions are detected or suspected, the system dynamically shortens the interval to near-real-time continuous transmission, ensuring timely alarm detection while maintaining power efficiency during stable periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system performs self-service by autonomously adjusting its transmission behavior based on detected conditions. When alarm thresholds are exceeded, the sensor automatically increases transmission frequency without external intervention, ensuring timely detection while maintaining low power consumption during normal operation. The system serves its own monitoring needs through intelligent self-regulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4102261B1Equipment for the control and/or movement of a covering and/or closing installation comprising a device for detecting meteorological and/or environmental parameters
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 TELECO AUTOMATION
  • EP4102261B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4102261B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4102261B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Device (1) for the detection of meteorological and/or environmental parameters, preferably to be mounted on or in correspondence with a covering and/or closure installation (1), comprising: - a housing structure (12) in which a measurement and/or processing apparatus (31) is housed and/or mounted, comprising at least one sensor for detecting a meteorological and/or environmental parameter and in which at least one control and/or processing unit (35) which is connected with said at least one sensor to receive and/or process signals relating to the detections carried out by said at least one sensor and/or alarm signals deriving from said detections, - electrical power supply wires (38', 38") for the components of said device (1), said electrical supply wires emerging from said housing structure (12) to be connected with a power source which is external to said structure housing (12), said device being characterized in that it comprises: - a wireless transceiver (36) which is electronically connected to and/or integrated in the control and/or processing unit (35), to wirelessly receive signals from the outside of said device (1) and also to wirelessly transmit signals towards the outside the device itself, - a bidirectional data transmission wire (40) which at one end is connected to said control and/or processing unit (35), provided inside said housing structure (12), and which at the other end, coming out from said housing structure (12), it is configured to be connected and in bidirectional communication with another external device and/or with an external interface.