Wireless Portable Gas Detector with Distributed Sensor Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional portable gas detectors have limitations in the number of sensors they can include due to size and weight constraints, requiring multiple detectors for different gas types, which increases cost and complexity for users.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising low-cost sensor units (LCSUs) with wireless communication modules that can be strategically placed in the environment, allowing portable gas detectors and mobile devices to receive and process data from multiple LCSUs, extending detection capabilities without adding physical sensors or increasing unit costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple portable gas detectors are used to detect different gas types, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides detection functionality into separate low-cost sensor units (LCSUs), each dedicated to detecting a specific gas type. These modular sensor units can be strategically placed in the environment, while workers use portable detectors that communicate with the distributed sensor network. This segmentation allows comprehensive multi-gas detection capability without requiring each worker to carry multiple detectors, thus improving detection capability while maintaining system simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple portable gas detectors are used to detect different gas types, then detection capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments detection functionality into separate low-cost sensor units (LCSUs), each dedicated to detecting a specific gas type. These modular sensor units can be strategically placed in the environment, while workers use portable detectors that communicate with the distributed sensor network. This segmentation allows comprehensive multi-gas detection capability without requiring each worker to carry multiple detectors, thus improving detection capability while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring workers to physically possess multiple expensive detectors for different gases, the system creates virtual copies of sensor capabilities through the networked LCSUs. The portable detector communicates with remote sensor units, effectively copying their detection capabilities to the worker's device without duplicating the physical sensor hardware. This reduces system cost while maintaining comprehensive detection capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensor units are integrated into portable gas detectors, then detection capability is improved, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts sensor units from the portable gas detector and places them as separate low-cost sensor units (LCSUs) throughout the environment. The portable detector retains only the necessary processing and communication components, significantly reducing its weight. The detector communicates with the distributed sensor network to access expanded detection capabilities for multiple gas types, thus improving detection capability while keeping the wearable device lightweight.
4Adaptability or versatility
If more sensors are integrated into portable gas detectors, then detection capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts sensor units from the portable gas detector and places them as separate low-cost sensor units (LCSUs) throughout the environment. The portable detector retains only the necessary processing and communication components, significantly reducing its volume. The detector communicates with the distributed sensor network to access expanded detection capabilities for multiple gas types, thus improving detection capability while keeping the wearable device compact.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate generally to methods and systems for sensing and communicating characteristics of a work environment. A communication system may comprise one or more of the following one or more low cost sensor unit (LCSU) configured to detect one or more characteristics of the environment; one or more portable gas detector configured to be carried by a worker in the work environment, and comprising at least one sensor element, a display, and a wireless communication module; and one or more mobile device to be carried by a worker in the work environment, and comprising a display and a wireless communication module, wherein at least one of the portable gas detector and the mobile device is configured to receive sensed data from the one or more low cost sensor unit, process the received sensed data, and display the received sensed data to the worker.