Wireless Energy Interface for Explosive Gas Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas-measuring systems with mobile devices face challenges in reliable and safe energy transmission, especially in environments with explosive gases, due to mechanical and electrical limitations of traditional plug-type connections, which are not robust, difficult to clean, and prone to sparking.

Innovation Solution

The system employs wireless energy transmission using electromagnetic induction or waves, eliminating the need for mechanical connections by using transmitters and receivers at the base station and mobile device, respectively, to charge the battery unit and operate the mobile gas-measuring device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If plug-type connections are used for energy transmission, then mechanical connection is established, but reliability and safety deteriorate due to sparking and corrosion risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transmission reliabilityVSAvoidsparking and corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical plug-type connection system with a wireless energy transmission system using electromagnetic induction. The base station and mobile gas-measuring device communicate and transfer energy through electromagnetic fields without physical contact, eliminating mechanical wear, sparking, and corrosion issues associated with traditional electrical connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium for energy transmission between the base station and mobile device. Instead of direct electrical contact through plugs, energy is transmitted through the air via electromagnetic induction, with the electromagnetic field serving as the mediator that transfers energy without requiring physical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If plug-type connections are used for energy transmission, then electrical connection is established, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cleaning difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning easeVSAvoidconnection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical plug-type connections entirely and replaces them with wireless electromagnetic energy transmission. This substitution removes the complex mechanical structures with moving parts and contact points that require cleaning and maintenance, resulting in a much simpler system that is easier to operate and maintain in harsh environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If wireless energy transmission is used, then sparking is eliminated, but energy transmission efficiency may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesparking eliminationVSAvoidenergy transmission loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs wireless electromagnetic induction for energy transmission, which completely eliminates sparking hazards while maintaining efficient energy transfer. The system uses electromagnetic fields to transmit energy without the resistive losses and contact degradation associated with mechanical connectors, and the induction-based transmission allows for controlled and efficient energy delivery to the mobile device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 ensures reliable and safe energy transmission without mechanical connections, reducing the risk of sparking and contamination, while allowing for cost-effective manufacturing and improved handling in harsh environments.

Implementation Method 1

the interface for transmitting electric energy from the base station to the battery unit of the mobile gas-measuring device is designed such that the electric energy is transmitted at least partly in a wireless manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8358105B2Rechargeable gas-measuring system

Publication Date: 2013.01.22 DRAGER SAFETY AG & CO KAAA

AI summary

The transmission of energy from the base station (3) to the mobile gas-measuring device (2) is carried out reliably and with a high level of safety, even in the presence of explosive gases with a gas-measuring system (1) including a mobile gas-measuring device (2) with a battery unit (6) and with at least one sensor (8, 9, 10, 11) for detecting a gas concentration. A base station (3) for the mobile gas-measuring device (2) is provided as well as an interface (7) for transmitting electric energy from the base station (3) to the battery unit (6) of the mobile gas-measuring device (2). The interface (7) for transmitting electric energy from the base station (3) to the battery unit (6) of the mobile gas-measuring device (2) is designed such that the electric energy is transmitted at least partly in a wireless manner.