Wireless Sensor Tag Power Control for Hard-to-Reach Inspections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patrol inspections in plants face challenges such as the inability of ground-traveling robots to reach high or blind spots, high costs due to the need for high-performance manipulators and accurate camera alignment, and increased maintenance costs from battery-powered fixed sensors.
Innovation Solution
A wireless tag system that uses radio waves or magnetic fields to power and control sensors, allowing for efficient inspection without batteries or complex power supply facilities, enabling remote operation and accurate data transmission from sensors installed in hard-to-reach areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If ground-traveling robots are used for patrol inspection, then automation is improved, but the ability to reach high places and blind spots deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is segmented into multiple independent wireless sensor nodes distributed at different locations (high places, ground level, blind spots). Each node independently performs sensing and transmits data, eliminating the need for a single complex robot to reach all positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical robot system is replaced with a wireless sensor network that uses electromagnetic fields for power transmission and data communication. This substitution eliminates the physical mobility limitations of ground-traveling robots while maintaining automation.
2Measurement precision
If high-performance manipulators and accurate camera alignment are used for robot inspection operations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex robot system with manipulators and cameras is extracted and replaced with simple wireless sensor nodes that directly measure physical quantities. The sensing function is separated from the mobility function, with sensors stationed at fixed locations and powered wirelessly.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection approach changes from active robot-based visual measurement to passive sensor-based physical quantity measurement. Sensors directly detect parameters like temperature, vibration, and gas concentration, providing accurate data without complex positioning or alignment systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed sensors are powered by batteries, then ease of installation is improved, but maintenance cost increases due to battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
Battery-based electrical power supply is replaced with wireless electromagnetic power transmission. Sensors receive power inductively through the wireless field, eliminating the need for physical battery installation and replacement while maintaining ease of deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless power transmission system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both power supply and data communication to the sensors through the same electromagnetic field, reducing system complexity and maintenance requirements.
4Reliability
If power cables are laid for fixed sensors, then reliability of power supply is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Physical power cables are replaced with wireless electromagnetic power transmission. The inductive coupling between transmitter and sensor creates a contactless power supply system that is equally reliable but much simpler in terms of installation and system complexity.
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 reduces inspection costs and maintenance by eliminating the need for batteries and complex power setups, enabling reliable data transmission and accurate identification of inspection points, even in areas inaccessible to ground-traveling robots.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna for receiving a radio wave or a magnetic field transmitted from an external wireless device
Implementation Method 2
a power generation unit configured to generate electric power based on the radio wave or the magnetic field received by the antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless tag for sensor control is connected to a sensor and configured to control execution of measurements using the sensor. The wireless tag for sensor control includes: an antenna for receiving a radio wave or a magnetic field transmitted from an external wireless device; a power generation unit configured to generate electric power based on the radio wave or the magnetic field received by the antenna; and a control unit configured to control the sensor using generated power, which is the electric power supplied from the power generation unit, wherein the control unit includes: a power supply control unit configured to use a portion of the generated power to execute power supply to the sensor; an acquisition unit configured to receive a detection result from the sensor operated by the execution of the power supply; and a transmission processing unit configured to transmit communication information including the detection result to the outside.