Zero power micromechanical switch-based sensing and monitoring system

    公开(公告)号:US12169145B2

    公开(公告)日:2024-12-17

    申请号:US17422861

    申请日:2020-01-21

    Abstract: Zero-power system for remote monitoring of heat sources is provided. The systems detect failure indicators of remote equipment including power substations, oil rigs, large inaccessible machinery in a factory, and communications equipment. The systems also can be used to detect the presence of people in buildings or in other locations, so as to improve HVAC utilization in large buildings. When the zero-power monitoring systems detect heat sources, such as the presence of people, failure indicators, or a targeted environmental signal, a circuit is closed using the energy of the detected radiation, and activating an RFID tag, a radio transmitter, or an alarm. The monitoring systems can remain deployed and active for many years without the need for battery replacement.

    Zero-power wireless chemical sensor for agricultural pests and disease monitoring

    公开(公告)号:US11346799B2

    公开(公告)日:2022-05-31

    申请号:US16653938

    申请日:2019-10-15

    Abstract: An ultra-miniaturized, low-cost, and maintenance-free chemical sensor is capable of continuously monitoring the concentration of specific volatile organic compound (VOC) vapors released from crop plants and green plants under distress from pests or disease. The sensor is based on micromechanical structures and relies on the mechanical actuation induced by the chemical interaction between the VOCs and materials in the microstructure to passively generate a wake-up bit when the concentration of VOCs exceeds a predetermined value. The sensor does not consume power while in standby mode (i.e., when certain VOC vapors are not present), and wirelessly communicates the location of impending outbreaks upon detection of a predetermined concentration of certain VOC vapors.

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