Wireless Sensor Measuring Device for Harsh Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring devices face challenges in harsh environments due to susceptibility of electrical or optical connectors to failure and high costs, especially in conditions like sewage treatment plants and explosive systems, where reliable communication and energy supply are compromised, and transducers like electrodes wear out quickly.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with an active metrological functional unit and a passive device that uses electromagnetic radiation for both energy and data transmission, allowing for wireless communication and calibration without the need for electrical contacts, featuring a self-contained, IP67/IP68 compliant housing for use in harsh conditions and enabling flexible operation with near-field communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical or optical connectors are used for communication and energy supply, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but the connectors are susceptible to failure and expensive in harsh environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical/optical connectors with wireless electromagnetic communication and energy transfer. The active measuring device uses electromagnetic radiation to transmit data and supply energy to passive sensors and transducers, eliminating physical connectors that are susceptible to failure in harsh environments like sewage treatment plants, fish farms, and mining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic radiation as an intermediary medium to transfer both data and energy between the active measuring device and passive components. This intermediary eliminates the need for direct physical contact through connectors, allowing communication and energy supply through the air or vacuum without electrical or optical contact.
2Reliability
If electrical connectors are used to connect transducers, then signal transmission is achieved, but the connectors are prone to failure and expensive in harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical electrical connectors with wireless electromagnetic energy and data transfer. The active measuring device transmits energy and signals to passive transducers through electromagnetic radiation, eliminating the need for physical connector assembly and disassembly in harsh environments where connectors are prone to failure.
3Ease of operation
If wireless energy and data transmission is implemented, then ease of operation in harsh environments is improved, but energy transmission efficiency and data integrity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electromagnetic radiation to simultaneously perform multiple functions: energy transfer to passive sensors, data communication between devices, and calibration signal transmission. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single electromagnetic communication channel, improving operational flexibility while managing energy and data transmission efficiency.
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
The solution provides a reliable, cost-effective, and flexible means to control and calibrate measuring devices in harsh environments, reducing the need for frequent transducer replacement and ensuring continuous operation by using wireless energy and data transmission, while maintaining data integrity and security.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one active metrological functional unit with its data processing system, its connection to at least one transmitting and receiving unit for electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring device for determining physical properties, chemical properties, biological properties, and/or materials in the surroundings of at least one sensor or of the at least one sensor itself as a component of the respective measuring device. The measuring devices are characterized in particular in being simple, robustly controllable, and able to be influenced in the function thereof. In addition, the measuring device comprises at least one sensor as a component of a passive device and/or as a component of an active metrological functional unit. The active metrological functional unit further comprises a data processing system and a transmission and receiving unit for electromagnetic radiation and is connected to an electrical energy source. Furthermore, the transmission and receiving unit of the active metrological functional unit is wirelessly connected to at least one transmission and receiving unit for electromagnetic radiation of at least one passive device, – to at least one operating element, – to at least one switching device, – for controlling the measuring device, – for signaling, – for obtaining measured values, – for displaying an operating state, – for calibrating the sensor, – as a data medium, and/or – as a data memory.