System, method and apparatus for metering configuration in a wireless sensor network
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high installation and maintenance costs of wireless sensor networks limit their penetration into the marketplace due to the need for customized and static sensor solutions that do not easily adapt to changing application requirements, leading to inefficiencies and increased expenses when new sensors or features are added.
Innovation Solution
A plug-and-play universal sensor interface allows for the separation of wireless nodes from sensor module units, enabling flexible deployment and modification of wireless sensor networks without reconfiguring the infrastructure, allowing any type of sensor module unit to be connected to any wireless node at any time, thereby reducing redeployment costs and enabling seamless scaling with dynamic sensor application objectives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless sensor networks use customized and static sensor solutions, then installation and maintenance costs are high, but the system lacks adaptability to changing application requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sensor interface that can accommodate multiple sensor types through a single standardized connection mechanism. This allows the wireless sensor network to adapt to changing application requirements by simply changing sensor modules rather than deploying entirely new customized solutions, thereby reducing installation and maintenance costs while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of sensor networks by allowing hot-swappable sensor modules that can be added, removed, or replaced without shutting down the entire network. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to changing requirements in real-time without the high costs associated with static, customized deployments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless sensor networks are deployed with integrated sensors, then the system is stable, but it cannot easily add new sensors or features without reconfiguring the infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor system into separate functional modules: a stable wireless node infrastructure and interchangeable sensor modules. This segmentation allows new sensors or features to be added by simply attaching new modules without reconfiguring the core infrastructure, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining system stability and reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal sensor interface acts as an intermediary between the stable wireless node infrastructure and various sensor types. This intermediary layer enables easy addition of new sensors through standardized connections without requiring changes to the underlying infrastructure, thus improving adaptability while keeping the infrastructure simple and stable.
3Ease of manufacture
If sensor module units are permanently attached to wireless nodes, then the system is reliable, but redeployment costs increase when sensors need to be moved or replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic attachment system where sensor modules can be connected and disconnected reliably through standardized interfaces. The connection mechanism is designed to maintain reliable electrical and mechanical connections during operation while allowing easy removal and reattachment, thus reducing redeployment costs without compromising connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal sensor interface is designed to be self-aligning and self-latching, allowing sensor modules to be attached and detached without specialized tools or complex procedures. This self-service capability enables reliable connections that can be easily reconfigured, reducing redeployment costs while maintaining connection integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote user can specify data collection and processing characteristics of a wireless sensor network. In one example, a configuration station enables a user to activate/deactivate different sensor channels of data to support a delivery of data streams to customers. In another example, a configuration station enables a user to specify reporting intervals for different sensor channels of data. In yet another example, a configuration station enables a user to specify transformation functions for different sensor channels of data. The remote configuration process can be applied to every sensor in every sensor module unit attached to every wireless node at a monitored location.