Wireless Machinery Sensor Synchronization via Timestamped Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machinery monitoring systems require complex and time-consuming wired connections for precise synchronization and alignment of data, which is challenging, especially for installations in the field.
Innovation Solution
A wireless synchronization system for machinery monitoring components, comprising sensor motes with onboard precision clocks and antennas, and a gateway device that receives time-stamped data from sensor motes for alignment and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wired connections are used between sensors and timing signal source, then data synchronization precision is improved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. Sensors communicate with the timing signal source and data collection device via wireless signals (e.g., radio frequency communication) instead of physical wires, eliminating the need for complex wire routing and physical connections while maintaining synchronization precision through timestamp-based data tagging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a timing signal source as an intermediary that provides synchronized timing signals to all sensors and the data collection device. This intermediary enables precise synchronization without direct wired connections between each sensor and the data collection device, using the timing signals as a common reference point for all components.
2Measurement precision
If wired connections are used between sensors and timing signal source, then data synchronization precision is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. Sensors communicate with the timing signal source and data collection device via wireless signals (e.g., radio frequency communication) instead of physical wires, eliminating the need for complex wire routing and physical connections while maintaining synchronization precision through timestamp-based data tagging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary synchronization by having all sensors and the data collection device pre-synchronized to a common timing signal source before data collection begins. This preliminary timing alignment allows for precise synchronization without requiring time-consuming physical wire connections during the actual installation and operation phases.
3Manufacturing precision
If wired connections are used for sensor data collection, then data alignment accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. Sensors communicate with the timing signal source and data collection device via wireless signals (e.g., radio frequency communication) instead of physical wires, eliminating the need for complex wire routing and physical connections while maintaining synchronization precision through timestamp-based data tagging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables sensors to independently timestamp their data using the common timing signal source without requiring manual wiring or physical connection to the data collection device. Each sensor self-synchronizes to the timing signals and automatically tags its data with precise timestamps, eliminating the need for complex installation procedures while maintaining data alignment accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A condition monitoring system for monitoring a condition of a piece of machinery includes: one or more sensor motes installable proximate to a piece of machinery, each of the one or more sensor motes including a housing, a microprocessor, an onboard precision clock in electronic communication with the microprocessor, and an antenna in electronic communication with the microprocessor; one or more sensor devices in wired electronic communication with the microprocessor of one of the one or more sensor motes, the one or more sensor devices in sensory contact with the piece of machinery; a gateway device including a microprocessor and one or more antennas in communication with the microprocessor. When the gateway device is within a wireless range of the one or more sensor motes the gateway device receives time stamped sensor data transmitted to the gateway device from the one or more sensor motes.