Wireless Transceiver for Passive Sensors in Harsh Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for transmitting information between a first unit and a second unit, where the second unit lacks a sufficient energy source, face challenges such as faulty electrical or optical connectors, limited bidirectional data processing, and inability to handle harsh environmental conditions, especially in applications like sewage plants or fish-farming environments.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first unit with a data-processing system and transceiver unit connected to an electrical power source, wirelessly coupled with a second unit that includes a transceiver unit for electromagnetic radiation, allowing power and data transmission without the need for electrical connectors, and enabling control, calibration, and feedback mechanisms using electromagnetic coupling in the near field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical or optical connectors are used for communication between units, then information transmission is achieved, but the connectors are prone to faults under harsh environmental conditions and are expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical and optical connectors with wireless electromagnetic communication. The first unit transmits information wirelessly to the second unit using electromagnetic waves, eliminating the need for physical connectors that are prone to faults in harsh environments. This substitution maintains information transmission capability while improving reliability and reducing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium for communication between units. Instead of direct physical connection through connectors, the electromagnetic field serves as the mediator to transmit information, allowing communication without physical contact and thus avoiding connector-related reliability issues in harsh environments.
2Reliability
If electrical connectors are used to connect transducers to active units, then signal transmission is achieved, but the connectors are expensive and cannot be safely handled under dirty and moist conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical electrical connectors with wireless electromagnetic signal transmission. The transducer in the second unit communicates with the active unit through electromagnetic waves, eliminating the need for physical connectors that are difficult to handle under dirty and moist conditions. This maintains signal transmission reliability while significantly improving ease of operation in harsh environments.
3Device complexity
If the second unit contains no energy source, then the system is simplified and cheaper, but the transmission of information requires the second unit to receive power wirelessly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electromagnetic communication channel serve dual functions: both power transmission and information transmission. The first unit transmits both power and data wirelessly to the second unit, allowing the passive unit to operate without an internal energy source while maintaining system simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power transmission and information transmission functions into a single wireless communication system. By combining these functions, the system avoids the complexity of separate power and data connections, maintaining simplicity while enabling the second unit to operate without an internal energy source.
4Adaptability or versatility
If extensive communication between second unit and first unit is provided, then bidirectional data processing is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single wireless communication interface to handle multiple communication tasks including bidirectional data processing, control signals, and feedback. This multi-functional approach enables extensive communication capabilities without proportionally increasing system complexity, as one communication channel serves multiple purposes.
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 robust, efficient, and secure transmission of information and power between units, allowing for operation in harsh environments without the need for electrical connections, with features like near-field communication, cryptographic security, and feedback mechanisms for successful operation confirmation.
Implementation Method 1
a transceiver unit for electromagnetic radiation, which is wirelessly connected to at least one transceiver unit, for electromagnetic radiation, of at least one second unit
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for transmitting information between a first unit and a second unit, wherein the second unit does not contain its own energy source sufficient for the transmission of information and includes measuring devices for determining various properties and/or substances in the environment of a transducer or the transducer itself as a component of the particular measuring device. The measuring devices are in particular characterised in that they are simple and robust to control and their function can be influenced. For this purpose, the measuring device comprises at least one transducer as a component of a second unit/passive device and/or as a component of first unit/an active measuring functional unit. The first unit/active measuring functional unit further consists of a data-processing system and a transceiver unit for electromagnetic radiation, and is interconnected to an electric power source.