Wireless Remote Power Meter Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power meters are either stationary or bulky and impractical for outdoor use by maintenance engineers, lacking the convenience and accuracy of countertop models without physical connection.
Innovation Solution
A wireless remote sensing power meter system comprising a handheld unit and remote sensor units that use RF technology for wireless communication, allowing remote monitoring and control, GPS capability, and easy updates, with separate sensor and reader units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stationary or bulky power meters are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but portability and ease of outdoor use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The power meter is divided into two separate modules: a remote sensor unit that can be placed at the measurement location and a handheld reader unit that the engineer carries. The sensor unit contains the power sensing elements while the reader unit handles display and control, allowing the measurement function to be separated from the processing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical connection requirements with wireless communication technology. The handheld reader communicates with the remote sensor unit wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical cables and mechanical connections, thereby enabling portable outdoor use while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If physically connected monitors are used, then accurate power measurement is achieved, but remote placement and wireless operation become impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between the remote sensor unit and the handheld reader. This intermediary enables data transmission without physical connection, allowing the sensor to be placed remotely while maintaining accurate measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into a stationary remote sensor unit for accurate measurement and a mobile handheld reader for wireless communication and display. This segmentation allows the measurement function to remain fixed and accurate while the interface function becomes portable and flexible.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate sensor and reader units are used, then remote monitoring and flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld reader unit is designed to be multi-functional, serving as both a display device and a communication interface. It can interact with multiple sensor units and perform various operations (reading, writing, configuring), which simplifies the overall system architecture despite the separation of functions.
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 accurate, portable, and convenient power measurements from multiple locations, facilitating the monitoring of distribution networks from a central location, enhancing ease of use and maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first module may be configured to generate an analog signal representative of a power level of a radio frequency (RF) signal
Implementation Method 2
transmit said digital signal communicating said power level and information identifying said radio frequency power sensing unit over said wireless communication channel to said device
Data Source
AI summary
A remote radio frequency (RF) power sensing unit includes a first module and a second module. The first module may be configured to generate an analog signal representative of a power level of a radio frequency (RF) signal. The second module may be configured to (i) receive a particular frequency of a plurality of frequencies over a wireless communication channel from a device, (ii) generate a value conveying a magnitude of said power level of said RF signal in response to said analog signal, (iii) convert said value into a digital signal communicating said power level based on said particular frequency indexed into a table, and (iv) transmit said digital signal communicating said power level and information identifying said radio frequency power sensing unit over said wireless communication channel to said device.