Self-powered wireless induction sensor
First Claim
1. A sensor comprising:
- an induction module configured to generate an electrical voltage induced by a change in magnetic flux within the induction module;
a sensing module configured to generate data based on a frequency of the change in magnetic flux, wherein the sensing module automatically controls a variable load based on at least one of a magnitude of the induced electrical voltage and the frequency of the change in magnetic flux;
a wireless telemetry module configured to transmit the data;
a rechargeable power source; and
an energy scavenging module configured to recharge the rechargeable power source using at least a portion of the electrical voltage induced by the change in magnetic flux, wherein the energy scavenging module comprises the variable load that adjusts a recharging power from the portion of the electrical voltage that recharges the rechargeable power source.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An induction sensor generates speed data based on a frequency of the change in magnetic flux within the sensor and powers sensor circuitry by recharging a power source using at least a portion of the electrical voltage induced by the change in magnetic flux. In this manner, the induction sensor may generate its own power to sense and transmit data. To optimize the recharging power available from the induced electrical voltage, the sensor may also include a variable load. This variable load may be automatically controlled by the sensor based on the induced voltage and/or current. The induction sensor may also wirelessly transmit generated data. In addition, the sensor may, after shutting down, automatically power up in response to the change in magnetic flux exceeding a start-up threshold.
12 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A sensor comprising:
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an induction module configured to generate an electrical voltage induced by a change in magnetic flux within the induction module; a sensing module configured to generate data based on a frequency of the change in magnetic flux, wherein the sensing module automatically controls a variable load based on at least one of a magnitude of the induced electrical voltage and the frequency of the change in magnetic flux; a wireless telemetry module configured to transmit the data; a rechargeable power source; and an energy scavenging module configured to recharge the rechargeable power source using at least a portion of the electrical voltage induced by the change in magnetic flux, wherein the energy scavenging module comprises the variable load that adjusts a recharging power from the portion of the electrical voltage that recharges the rechargeable power source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 15, 16)
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6. A method comprising:
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inducing an electrical voltage from a change in magnetic flux within an induction module of a sensor in response to a passing target structure; generating data based on a frequency of the change in magnetic flux; wirelessly transmitting the data; recharging a rechargeable power source using at least a portion of the electrical voltage induced by the change in magnetic flux; and controlling a variable load that adjusts a recharging power from the portion of the electrical voltage that recharges the rechargeable power source, wherein controlling the variable load further comprises automatically controlling the variable load based on at least one of a magnitude of the induced electrical voltage and the frequency of the change in magnetic flux. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 17, 18)
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11. A speed sensing device, the device comprising:
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means for inducing an electrical voltage from a change in magnetic flux in response to a passing target structure; means for generating data based on a frequency of the change in magnetic flux;
means for wirelessly transmitting the data; andmeans for recharging a rechargeable power source using at least a portion of the electrical voltage induced by the change in magnetic flux; means for varying a load that adjusts a recharging power from the portion of the electrical voltage that recharges the rechargeable power source; and
,means for automatically controlling the means for varying the load based on at least one of a magnitude of the induced electrical voltage and the frequency of the change in magnetic flux. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 19, 20)
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Specification