Distributed Witness Integrity Sensing Platform for Enclosed Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structural integrity sensing systems for vehicles face challenges in efficiently powering and communicating with multiple sensors positioned in enclosed spaces, particularly due to the difficulty of accessing hard-to-reach locations and the limitations of RF energy harvesting.
Innovation Solution
A distributed witness integrity sensing platform (WISP) system that includes a base module and edge modules connected via a daisy-chain configuration, utilizing wired connections such as RS485, I2C, or 1-Wire®, to enable power distribution and data collection from multiple sensors positioned in enclosed spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If RF energy harvesting sensors are used in hard-to-reach locations, then sensor placement flexibility is improved, but power supply reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces RF wireless energy harvesting with a wired power delivery system. A power sourcing device injects power through communication cables (Ethernet, USB, CAN bus) that connect to powered devices, eliminating the need for wireless energy transfer and providing reliable power to sensors in hard-to-reach locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces powered devices as intermediaries between the power sourcing device and sensors. These powered devices receive power through wired connections and then distribute it to sensors, enabling power delivery to locations where direct connection is difficult while maintaining system reliability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are positioned in enclosed spaces, then measurement coverage is improved, but access difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standardized communication cables that serve dual purposes: data communication and power delivery. This multi-functional approach allows sensors in enclosed spaces to be powered and communicated with through the same connection, eliminating the need for separate access to power and data interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for physical access to power sensors with wired power delivery through communication infrastructure. Sensors can be positioned in enclosed spaces without requiring access for power connection, as power is delivered through existing communication cables.
3Reliability
If wired connections are used for power and data, then power delivery reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs communication cables that simultaneously handle power delivery and data communication. This eliminates the need for separate power and communication infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges power delivery and data communication into a single wired connection system. By combining these functions into one infrastructure, the system reduces the number of components and connections needed, thereby reducing complexity while ensuring reliable power delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, a system and method are provided for witness integrity sensing. In an aspect, the system includes structural integrity sensing elements and edge modules. Each of the edge modules is connected to a respective structural integrity sensing element. The system further includes an interface unit having a host interface side and a network interface side. The network interface side is configured to collect daisy chain sensing network data and selectively power respective structural integrity sensing elements, through selective ones of the plurality of edge modules. The system also includes a daisy-chain communication link connecting the interface unit to each of the edge modules in series, wherein each of the edge modules transmits a respective data signal to the interface unit, and wherein the daisy-chain communication link ends at a network terminator.