Wireless SAW Sensor Integration for Container Transport Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container transport systems face high costs and electromagnetic compatibility issues due to extensive wiring and sensor integration, which complicates maintenance and increases installation complexity.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising multiple transport units with wireless sensor devices that use SAW or Hall sensors to detect container states and transmit signals to control units, reducing wiring needs and enabling energy harvesting from movement, along with a central control system for coordinated operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired sensor devices and BUS lines are used for sensor integration, then measurement and control functions are achieved, but installation costs and electromagnetic compatibility issues increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor integration reliabilityVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless communication technology. Sensor devices transmit measurement signals wirelessly to control devices, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and BUS lines. This substitution resolves the technical contradiction by maintaining reliable sensor integration while dramatically reducing wiring complexity and improving electromagnetic compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the communication function from the physical wiring system by implementing wireless transmission capabilities in sensor devices. By taking out the wired connection requirement and replacing it with wireless communication protocols, the system achieves the same integration reliability without the harmful effects of extensive wiring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If extensive wiring and BUS lines are installed for sensor connection, then control functionality is achieved, but maintenance difficulty and installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with wireless communication, allowing control functionality to be maintained while eliminating the maintenance burden of physical connections. Sensor devices can be replaced or repositioned without requiring cable reconfiguration, significantly improving ease of repair and installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless sensor devices autonomously transmit their data without requiring physical connection infrastructure. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual wiring during installation and maintenance, allowing operators to simply power the devices and have them automatically integrate into the control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If wired sensor systems are used, then electromagnetic compatibility can be achieved through shielding, but installation complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic compatibilityVSAvoidshielding measures
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the electromagnetic compatibility problem entirely by replacing wired connections with wireless communication. Since there are no physical cables to act as antennas or conduct interference, shielding measures become unnecessary, resolving the technical contradiction by achieving EMC without additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the electromagnetic interference issue from the system by removing all wired connections that could serve as transmission paths for electromagnetic noise. Wireless communication at appropriate frequencies avoids the EMC problems inherent in wired systems, eliminating the need for shielding infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This solution reduces costs, improves electromagnetic compatibility, and simplifies maintenance by using wireless communication and energy-efficient sensors, allowing for flexible installation and efficient error detection and response in container transport systems.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sensor device (12, 14) has at least one transmitting device (22) for wirelessly outputting a signal which is characteristic of the state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface Acoustic Wave: Surface Acoustic Wave

Implementation Method 2

A device comprising multiple transport units with wireless sensor devices that use SAW or Hall sensors to detect container states

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2489613B1Device and method for transporting containers or container assemblies with wireless status detection
Publication Date: 2016.05.18 KRONES AG
  • EP2489613B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The device (1) has a transport unit (2), which transports the containers (10) or container bundle along a predetermined transport section (A1). The transport unit has a drive unit (16) for moving the containers or container bundle. A sensor unit (12,14) is provided with a transmitting unit in order to output a signal wirelessly to a receiving unit. An independent claim is also included for a method for transporting containers or container bundle.