Wireless Sensor Nodes Relay Data Through Obstructions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underground monitoring systems face challenges in communicating sensor data due to radio frequency (RF) transmission obstructions within enclosures, such as conduits and metal structures, which hinder effective wireless communication to central locations.
Innovation Solution
A wireless sensor communication system with a communication gateway and multiple communication nodes, each equipped with a processor and communication module, enables wireless data transmission and reception within and outside the enclosure, using 'hopping' methods to bypass obstructions by aggregating data from obstructed nodes and transmitting it through visible nodes to the gateway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless RF transmission is used for sensor communication in enclosures, then installation complexity and wiring requirements are reduced, but transmission reliability deteriorates due to radio-opaque structures such as conduits, cables, and metal structures obstructing the signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate relay nodes (other communication nodes) that act as mediators to forward data from obstructed nodes to the gateway. When a node cannot communicate directly with the gateway due to RF obstructions, its data is relayed through intermediate nodes that have line-of-sight paths, thereby maintaining transmission reliability while preserving the wireless installation advantage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication network into multiple independent communication nodes, each capable of autonomous operation and data forwarding. This segmentation allows the network to route data through multiple paths, bypassing obstructed areas and maintaining reliable communication without requiring direct line-of-sight from every node to the gateway
2Loss of information
If multiple sensors are deployed in enclosures, then monitoring coverage and data quality are improved, but wiring complexity and installation difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. Each sensor node communicates via RF signals to other nodes or directly to the gateway, eliminating the need for physical wire connections between multiple sensors and the central location, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The communication nodes are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as sensors for environmental monitoring and as relay stations for data transmission. Each node can independently sense conditions, process data, and forward information through wireless communication, reducing the need for separate wiring infrastructure while expanding monitoring capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless sensor communication system for an enclosure includes a communication gateway and communication nodes within the enclosure. Each communication node includes a processor, a sensor, and a communication module. Each of the communication nodes is configured to wirelessly transmit information within the enclosure to another one of the communication nodes, and at least one of the communication nodes has an obstruction with the communication gateway impeding direct wireless communication with it. The communication nodes are configured to aggregate information received from obstructed communication nodes and wirelessly transmit the aggregated information. The aggregation of information for transmission provides for hopping communication to send sensor data or other information from the obstructed communication nodes to the communication gateway via other communication nodes.