Wireless Sensor Power Management in Bio-Processing Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bio-processing systems face challenges in modifying wired configurations, which hampers easy monitoring and control of operations, and requires laborious efforts for powering sensors, especially with the need for numerous wired connections.
Innovation Solution
A bio-processing system that wirelessly powers sensors using energy harvesting units, energy storage, and a power management subsystem to monitor energy consumption and select active energy sources for self-sustaining operation, reducing the need for wired connections and enhancing workflow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired electrical connections are used to power and control sensors in bio-processing systems, then reliable power supply and control are achieved, but the system complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates due to numerous connections required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical electrical connections with wireless power transfer technology. The wireless power transfer system uses electromagnetic fields to transmit power through the bioreactor wall without physical contact, eliminating the need for cables and connectors while maintaining reliable power supply to sensors inside the bioreactor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless power transfer system that bridges the boundary between the external power source and the internal sensor. The system uses the bioreactor wall itself as a medium for wireless power transmission, allowing power to cross the boundary without penetrating it physically.
2Reliability
If wired connections are used for sensor placement in bio-processing systems, then stable electrical connection is achieved, but monitoring and controlling operations becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired electrical connections with wireless communication and power transfer systems. Sensors inside the bioreactor communicate data and receive power wirelessly through the bioreactor wall, eliminating the need for cables that complicate monitoring and control operations.
3Power
If traditional wired sensor powering methods are used, then sufficient power can be supplied to sensors, but the installation process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired power transmission with wireless power transfer technology. Power is transmitted through electromagnetic fields across the bioreactor wall, eliminating the time-consuming process of installing cables, connectors, and ensuring proper electrical connections during sensor installation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If numerous wired connections are used in bio-processing systems, then all sensors can be powered and controlled, but the system becomes more complex and harder to modify
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex web of wired connections with a wireless system. Multiple sensors can be powered and controlled independently through wireless signals, simplifying the overall system architecture and making it easier to add, remove, or reposition sensors without modifying physical connections.
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 system enables self-powering and self-sustaining sensor operations, simplifying the workflow, reducing wear and tear on wires, and allowing for more flexible and cost-effective bio-processing operations with enhanced process control.
Implementation Method 1
Each sensor includes an energy harvesting unit configured to harvest energy from one or more energy sources in the bio-processing environment
Implementation Method 2
an energy storage unit configured to store the harvested energy
Data Source
AI summary
A bio-processing system (100) for wirelessly powering one or more sensors (116-128, 400) is presented. The system (100) includes bio-processing units (106-110), process supporting devices (112-114), energy sources (146-148), and sensors (116-128, 400) including an energy harvesting unit (402) and an energy storage unit (404). The system (100) includes a power management subsystem (104, 200) wirelessly coupled to the sensors (116-128, 400) and including a processor (202) configured to wirelessly monitor energy consumption of the sensors (116-128, 400) and a level of energy stored in corresponding energy storage units (404), select at least one sensor (116-128, 400) based on the energy consumption of the sensors (116-128, 400) and corresponding levels of energy stored in the energy storage units (404), and identify at least one active energy source (146-148) as a power source, where the identified power source is configured to wirelessly transfer power to the selected sensor (116-128, 400).