Wireless Moisture Sensor for Building Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moisture measurement devices for building materials face challenges in accurately and efficiently recording moisture parameters, particularly due to measurement method deviations and the need for external power sources for sensors.
Innovation Solution
A mobile measuring device with an integrated sensor unit and an external sensor unit that communicates wirelessly using RFID, allowing for non-destructive, parallel measurement of moisture characteristics, and contactless energy supply to the external sensor, which can detect moisture parameters radiometrically, resistively, capacitively, or via microwave methods, and corrects for measurement inaccuracies by calculating compensation parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an integrated sensor unit is used for moisture measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for internal power sources and signal processing circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is separated from the measuring device and embedded directly in the building material, dividing the system into distinct functional parts: the sensor unit (with its own power source) and the measuring device (for signal acquisition and processing). This segmentation reduces the complexity of the integrated sensor unit while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication unit acts as an intermediary between the external sensor unit and the measuring device, enabling wireless signal transmission. This intermediary component simplifies the integration by providing a standardized interface for data exchange without requiring direct electrical connections or complex internal wiring.
2Measurement precision
If external sensor units with internal power sources are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to additional power supply requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit is extracted from the measuring device and placed inside the external sensor unit. This extraction eliminates the need for complex power transmission mechanisms between the measuring device and sensor, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The external sensor unit becomes self-powered with its own battery, enabling it to operate independently without requiring power transmission from the measuring device. This self-service capability reduces the complexity of power supply integration and allows for more flexible sensor placement.
3Productivity
If multiple sensor units are integrated for parallel measurement, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple signal processing paths
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensor unit is independent with its own signal processing capability, segmenting the signal processing function across multiple distributed units rather than consolidating it in a single complex processor. This segmentation enables parallel measurement while distributing computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication unit serves multiple functions: it transmits signals from sensor units, receives data for processing, and coordinates between multiple sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high productivity.
4Measurement precision
If compensation parameters are calculated for measurement correction, then measurement precision is improved, but computing resources and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Compensation parameters are calculated in advance during the measurement process rather than requiring extensive post-processing. The computing unit processes signals and determines compensation factors as part of the measurement sequence, reducing overall processing time while maintaining high precision through systematic correction of measurement deviations.
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
Enables precise, efficient, and cost-effective measurement of moisture parameters in building materials, reducing measurement errors and extending sensor runtime without the need for internal power sources, facilitating easy data retrieval and long-term monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The integrated sensor unit is designed as a moisture sensor unit, which is configured to preferably non-destructively detect at least one moisture parameter of a building material. In particular, the integrated sensor unit can detect the at least one moisture parameter radiometrically and/or resistively and/or capacitively and/or by means of a microwave/radar method
Implementation Method 2
the integrated sensor unit can detect the at least one moisture parameter radiometrically and/or resistively
Implementation Method 3
the integrated sensor unit can detect the at least one moisture parameter radiometrically and/or resistively and/or capacitively
Implementation Method 4
the integrated sensor unit can detect the at least one moisture parameter radiometrically and/or resistively and/or capacitively and/or by means of a microwave/radar method
Implementation Method 5
the communication unit be designed to wirelessly receive and/or wirelessly transmit at least one signal. The term 'receive wirelessly' is understood to mean that the communication unit is designed to receive the signal via an advantageously incorporeal information carrier, for example, via sound, light, and/or preferably radio waves. Preferably, the communication unit is designed as an RFID communication unit
Implementation Method 6
the measuring device (10) comprises an energy transmission unit (24) configured for a contactless energy supply to the at least one external sensor unit (18)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A measuring device includes an integrated sensor unit. The integrated sensor unit is configured to record at least one moisture characteristic value of at least one building material. The measuring device further includes a communication unit. The communication unit is configured to receive at least one signal from at least one external sensor unit.