Wireless Sensor Shelf for Agitator Cable Fracture Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratory agitators face mechanical issues with sensor signal transmission due to moving cables, which can lead to cable fractures, especially when multiple sensors are used for monitoring variables like oxygen content or pH values during biological fermentation processes.
Innovation Solution
Arranging sensors and sensor electronics on the shelf to communicate wirelessly with a fixed control unit, utilizing a central data bus and wireless communication technologies like RFID or Bluetooth, and providing wireless power transmission to eliminate cable-related problems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are arranged on the shelf to monitor media during agitation, then measurement precision is improved, but cable fracture risk increases due to permanent movement of connecting cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. Sensors on the moving shelf communicate measurement data to the control unit via wireless signals (e.g., radio frequency), eliminating the need for physically moving cables and their associated fracture risks while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the cable connection from the sensor system by implementing wireless communication. The sensors are taken out from their traditional wired configuration and reconfigured to transmit data wirelessly, separating the measurement function from the mechanical connection that causes reliability issues.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors with associated wiring and electronics are arranged on the shelf, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical wiring arrangement with a wireless communication system. Multiple sensors can communicate independently through wireless protocols, eliminating the need for extensive cable management, connectors, and wiring harnesses that would otherwise be required to support multiple measurement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication interface serves multiple functions: it transmits measurement data from various sensors, provides power transmission, and enables bidirectional communication for control purposes. This single wireless interface replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate wiring systems.
3Reliability
If wireless communication is used between shelf-mounted sensors and control unit, then cable fracture problems are eliminated, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data transmission and power transmission into a single wireless communication system. The control unit transmits both electrical energy for powering the sensors and communication signals through the same wireless interface, eliminating the need for separate power and data cables while reducing overall energy consumption compared to traditional wired systems.
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 solution prevents mechanical issues such as cable fractures, enables reliable data collection and processing, and allows for easy retrofitting of laboratory shakers by maintaining the shelf's compatibility with existing agitator designs.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor electronics communicate wirelessly with the fixed (for example arranged on the housing) control unit
Implementation Method 2
The central interface has a signal transmitter whose signals are received by a signal receiver on the fixed interface
Implementation Method 3
providing wireless power transmission to eliminate cable-related problems
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for agitating media (1), which are located on a platform (3). Said device consists of a housing (2) with an agitation mechanism, which is used to agitate the platform (3) and at least one sensor (4, 5), which is connected to a control unit (7) that is equipped with an electronic sensor system (6). According to the invention, the sensor(s) (4, 5) and the electronic sensor system (6) are located on the platform (3) and communicate in a wireless manner with the fixed control unit (7).