Wireless Sensor Configuration for Harsh Environment Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature monitoring devices for temperature-sensitive products face reliability issues when exposed to harsh environmental conditions during transportation, as configuring them using buttons can compromise their functionality against water, humidity, and frost.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device configured through wireless communications or by adjusting configuration values based on tilt, allowing for temperature monitoring operations to detect undesirable conditions by setting threshold temperatures and an initial delay for acclimatization, without the need for buttons, thus maintaining reliability in harsh environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If buttons are used for configuring the sensor device, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to exposure to water, humidity and frost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical buttons with wireless communication capabilities and tilt-based detection. Configuration is achieved through wireless transmission of configuration data to the sensor device, eliminating the need for physical buttons that would compromise waterproofing. The tilt sensor detects device orientation to enable configuration mode activation without mechanical interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration process where configuration data is transmitted wirelessly from an external device to the sensor device. This intermediary approach allows configuration without direct physical contact with the sensor device, maintaining the sealed housing while enabling user interaction.
2Reliability
If the sensor device housing is made sealed to protect against water, humidity and frost, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to access configuration buttons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical button interfaces with wireless communication and tilt-based detection. The configuration process is initiated by tilting the device, which activates configuration mode without requiring physical button access. Configuration data is then transmitted wirelessly, eliminating the need for any mechanical interfaces that would compromise the sealed housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device performs self-configuration through tilt-based mode activation and wireless data reception. The device automatically enters configuration mode when tilted to a specific orientation and can receive configuration parameters wirelessly, eliminating the need for external mechanical interfaces or user interaction with physical buttons.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided in response to receiving a tactile user input by a user input device, causing a sensor device to enter into a configuration mode for configuring a temperature monitoring operation of the sensor device, and wherein the sensor device comprises a receiver for wireless communications operatively connected to the processor, the processor is configured to cause, receiving a configuration for the temperature monitoring operation, installing the received configuration, and displaying information indicating at least one installation phase of the received configuration.