Acoustic Detector Automatic Sensitivity Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing acoustic detectors require cumbersome and time-consuming manual adjustments of sensitivity settings during installation, often resulting in suboptimal performance due to the need for frequent ladder access and manual switch changes, which can lead to less than ideal installations.

Innovation Solution

An automatic sensitivity adjustment method for acoustic detectors, where a calibration device transmits a unique acoustic signal to the detector, allowing it to determine acoustic properties and optimize sensitivity based on measured voltage levels, eliminating the need for manual switch adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual sensitivity adjustment is used, then sensitivity can be customized for different locations, but the adjustment process is time-consuming and cumbersome requiring frequent ladder access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensitivity customizationVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service calibration by allowing the acoustic detector to automatically adjust its own sensitivity settings based on environmental noise measurements, eliminating the need for installer intervention. The detector autonomously measures ambient acoustic properties and configures optimal sensitivity parameters without requiring manual switch changes or ladder access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the sensitivity parameter based on measured acoustic environmental conditions. By automatically adjusting the detection threshold and sensitivity settings according to the specific installation location's noise profile, the system optimizes performance for each unique environment without manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If manual sensitivity adjustment is used, then sensitivity can be optimized for given site, but the process is cumbersome leading to less than ideal installations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation qualityVSAvoidadjustment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic detector performs self-calibration by automatically measuring environmental noise characteristics and adjusting its sensitivity settings accordingly. This eliminates the cumbersome manual adjustment process while ensuring optimal installation quality, as the detector independently configures itself for the specific installation location without requiring installer expertise or repeated access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical switch-based sensitivity adjustment with an automated electronic calibration process. Instead of manually changing physical switch settings, the detector uses microprocessor-controlled algorithms to electronically adjust sensitivity parameters based on measured acoustic conditions, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining installation reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If installer manually adjusts sensitivity multiple times, then proper sensitivity level can be achieved, but substantial effort and time are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensitivity accuracyVSAvoidinstallation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary automatic calibration during the initial setup phase by measuring environmental acoustic conditions and pre-configuring optimal sensitivity settings. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated manual adjustments later, achieving both high sensitivity accuracy and improved installation efficiency in a single automated process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detector implements feedback-based automatic calibration by continuously monitoring acoustic environmental conditions and adjusting sensitivity settings accordingly. The system measures the ambient noise profile, processes this information through calibration algorithms, and automatically configures optimal detection parameters, ensuring accurate sensitivity adjustment without requiring multiple manual intervention cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

This method streamlines the installation process by automatically setting the optimal sensitivity level, reducing installer effort and ensuring better performance without the need for manual adjustments, thus improving the accuracy and efficiency of acoustic detector installations.

Implementation Method 1

an acoustic sensor for detecting an acoustic signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8036063B2System and method for automatic sensitivity adjustment of an acoustic detector

Publication Date: 2011.10.11 RESIDEO USA LLC

AI summary

A method and system for automatically adjusting a sensitivity of an acoustic detector. The method comprises receiving an acoustic signal from a remote device, detecting the unique pattern embedded therein, changing a mode of operation based upon the detection, measuring a voltage created by the reception of the acoustic signal and adjusting the sensitivity of the acoustic detector based upon a measured voltage. The acoustic signal contains a unique pattern indicative of the remote device.