Wireless sensor system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary actuators lack a reliable and user-friendly method to wirelessly communicate their operational state, especially when unattended, as they often require specialized knowledge and tools for retrofitting with position sensors.
Innovation Solution
A wireless sensor system comprising a sensor assembly with electronic circuitry, including position sensors and a wireless transmitter, is mounted to existing rotary actuators, allowing them to transmit their rotational position and operational state to remote devices, such as home computers or mobile phones, without needing extensive installation knowledge or tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless sensor systems are installed on existing rotary actuators, then operational state communication is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless sensor system is divided into separate functional modules: a sensor assembly with position sensors, a trigger assembly with magnets, and a wireless transmitter. This segmentation allows each component to be independently installed and configured on existing rotary actuators without requiring complete system replacement, thereby improving reliability while managing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless sensor system is designed to be universally applicable to various types of rotary actuators found in different appliances (stoves, ovens, grills). The sensor assembly can detect rotational position on any actuator with a shaft, and the system can communicate operational states (on/off, temperature settings) across multiple appliance types, making the solution broadly reliable without requiring appliance-specific custom installations.
2Ease of operation
If retrofitting is simplified for user installation, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables DIY installation through self-aligning mechanisms. The trigger assembly with magnets attaches to the actuator shaft, and the sensor assembly automatically detects and tracks the magnetic field position as the actuator rotates. This self-service capability allows users to install the system without specialized knowledge while maintaining precise rotational position detection through the sensor's ability to continuously track magnetic field variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless transmitter continuously monitors the position of the actuator by detecting changes in the magnetic field and provides real-time feedback about the operational state to remote devices. This feedback mechanism ensures that even with simplified installation, the system maintains accurate measurement of rotational position and reliably communicates the actuator's state (on/off, temperature levels) without requiring precise manual calibration.
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
Enables quick and easy retrofitting of rotary actuators with a wireless position sensor system, providing reliable communication of operational states to remote devices, enhancing user convenience and applicability across various appliances like stoves, ranges, and BBQ grills.
Implementation Method 1
sensor trigger assembly (204) including a sensor trigger (230) disposed distal to the axis of rotation of the rotary actuator (106). The sensors (220) and sensor trigger (230) are configured to detect changes in position of the rotary actuator (106) and generate an electrical signal in response to the detected changes in position
Implementation Method 2
The electronic circuitry (202) includes a wireless transmitter configured to communicate the operational state of the actuator to a remote device
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless sensor system includes a sensor assembly and a sensor trigger assembly. The sensor assembly includes a housing configured to be coupled to a device actuated by a rotary actuator, at least two position sensors disposed within the housing, and a power source disposed within the housing and configured to provide power to the at least two position sensors. The housing and the at least two position sensors and the power source disposed therein are coupled to the device such that the sensor assembly is stationary. The sensor trigger assembly is configured to be coupled to and rotate with a rotatable shaft of the rotary actuator. The sensor trigger assembly includes a sensor trigger carrier configured to be coupled to the rotatable shaft and a sensor trigger connected to the sensor trigger carrier. The at least two position sensors are disposed in a first position relative to the sensor trigger to sense a change in a rotational position of the sensor trigger when the rotatable shaft rotates.