Wireless Position Sensor Power-State Switching From Movement Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Limited wireless sensor solutions face challenges due to the limited power capacity of batteries, necessitating innovative power management strategies to optimize electronic design and extend battery life.
Innovation Solution
A wireless position sensor utilizing a magnetic-field-dependent sensor to monitor mechanical component movement, which also enables identification of operating conditions to adjust power states, such as switching to low power mode when the vehicle is stationary, thereby conserving battery life without the need for additional sensors like accelerometers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the wireless position sensor continuously monitors and transmits position data, then the position monitoring accuracy is improved, but the battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sampling rate and transmission frequency adjustable based on operating conditions. The controller dynamically changes the operational mode of the sensor and transmitter according to whether the vehicle is moving or stationary, optimizing the balance between measurement accuracy and power consumption in different scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (sampling rate, transmission frequency, power state) based on detected movement conditions. When the vehicle is stationary, the system reduces sampling rate and enters low-power mode, while maintaining higher accuracy when in motion, thus adapting power consumption to actual monitoring needs
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional sensors like accelerometers are added to detect operating conditions, then the ability to optimize power states is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the magnetic-field-dependent sensor perform multiple functions: it not only measures position but also detects movement conditions by analyzing changes in magnetic field strength over time. This eliminates the need for separate accelerometers or motion sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining power optimization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the position sensing function and movement detection function into a single magnetic-field-dependent sensor system. By processing temporal changes in the same sensor's output, the system achieves both position monitoring and operating condition detection without adding extra components
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 approach enhances the efficient utilization of the wireless position sensor by implementing power-saving features and increasing overall utilization without adding extra components, effectively reducing battery consumption and extending the sensor's operational life.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic-field-dependent sensor of the wireless position sensor registers a strength of a magnetic field of a magnet
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for optimizing utilization of a wireless position sensor are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a controller of the wireless position sensor receives output from a magnetic-field-dependent sensor of the wireless position sensor. The magnetic-field-dependent sensor is configured to register the strength of a magnetic field of a magnet attached to a mechanical component. In this example, the registered strength corresponds to a position of the mechanical component along a directional path. According to this embodiment, the controller generates a comparison of the output to one or more predefined movement signatures and based on the comparison, determines whether to change an operating state of one or more components of the wireless position sensor.