Wireless Obstruction Sensor Power Management for Movable Barriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barrier control systems lack efficient methods to conserve battery power while effectively communicating obstruction information to barrier operators, leading to potential battery drain and reduced system reliability.
Innovation Solution
A wireless system is developed using a first transceiver coupled to a barrier operator and a second transceiver connected to an obstruction sensor, where the second transceiver transitions from a low power state to a higher power state only in response to receiving a request, conserving battery power by transmitting information on demand, such as detection of obstructions or low battery levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the second transceiver continuously monitors and transmits obstruction information, then the barrier operator can reliably detect obstructions, but the battery power is rapidly depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The second transceiver operates in periodic cycles, transitioning between low-power sleep mode and active transmission mode. It activates only when triggered by a request from the first transceiver or when an obstruction is detected, then returns to sleep mode. This periodic operation pattern significantly reduces average power consumption while maintaining necessary monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements event-driven operation where the second transceiver autonomously activates in response to specific triggers (requests from first transceiver or obstruction detection) without requiring continuous power supply. The transceiver serves itself by managing its own power state transitions, activating only when service is needed.
2Loss of time
If the second transceiver remains in active state to immediately communicate obstruction information, then communication timeliness is improved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The first transceiver proactively sends requests to the second transceiver when the barrier operator is about to operate, prompting the second transceiver to prepare and transmit obstruction information in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when the barrier needs to operate, the obstruction status is already available, reducing actual communication delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a request-response feedback mechanism where the first transceiver sends requests and the second transceiver responds with obstruction information. This feedback loop ensures timely communication only when needed, rather than continuous transmission, optimizing the balance between response time and power consumption.
3Measurement precision
If the second transceiver frequently wakes from low power state to check battery level and transmit status, then battery status monitoring is accurate, but unnecessary power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second transceiver performs battery status monitoring and transmission only when partially triggered - either by a request from the first transceiver or when the battery level crosses a predefined threshold. This partial action approach avoids excessive wake-ups while ensuring critical battery status information is communicated when necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a first module and a second module. The first module may include a first transceiver, the first module configured to transmit a request using the first transceiver. The second module may include an input connection for an obstruction sensor and a second transceiver configured to receive a request from the first transceiver. The second module may be configured to receive sensor information from the obstruction sensor and send a response to the first module based on the sensor information.