Adjustable Entry Security Sensor with Multi-Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current door and window sensors operate in a binary mode, limiting their ability to detect positions other than fully open or closed, and can be easily defeated by securing a magnet in a specific position, restricting their dynamic range and requiring multiple magnets for partial openings.
Innovation Solution
A user-adjustable sensor device with a large dynamic range magnetic field detection system, allowing for multiple user-defined positions, including partial openings, by sampling magnetic fields and triggering an alarm for deviations from set positions, and detecting attempts to override the sensor with external magnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reed switch sensor is placed in close proximity to a magnet to detect open or closed states, then the sensor can reliably detect binary positions, but the dynamic range for magnet placement is restricted and the sensor can be easily defeated by securing a magnet in a correct position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static binary detection system to a dynamic multi-position detection system. The sensor now continuously samples magnetic field strength and compares it against multiple user-defined thresholds, allowing the system to adapt to different magnet placements and door/window configurations while maintaining reliable security detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from simple binary state (open/closed) to continuous magnetic field strength measurement. By sampling the analog magnetic field value and comparing it against multiple thresholds, the system achieves both reliable detection and flexible adaptability to different installation scenarios
2Ease of operation
If the sensor operates in binary mode with limited dynamic range, then the system is simple to operate, but the homeowner cannot monitor partially open doors or windows without triggering false alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous magnetic field range into multiple discrete detection zones by implementing several user-defined thresholds. This allows the sensor to distinguish between different door/window positions (fully closed, partially open, fully open) while maintaining simple operation through automated threshold comparison and state machine logic
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple magnets are installed to detect different positions, then partial opening detection is possible, but the device complexity increases and installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of multiple magnets into a single magnet by using multiple software-defined thresholds. Instead of requiring physical multiplication of magnetic components, the system achieves multi-position detection through computational logic that compares the magnetic field strength against multiple user-configurable thresholds, significantly reducing hardware complexity
4Ease of manufacture
If the sensor uses a fixed threshold for open/closed detection, then the system is easy to manufacture, but the dynamic range between magnet and sensor is restricted to narrow separations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic threshold adjustment through user configuration rather than fixed manufacturing thresholds. The system samples magnetic field strength at installation and allows users to define multiple thresholds based on their specific door/window geometry, extending the acceptable magnet-sensor separation range while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized hardware
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
Enables secure monitoring of partially open doors or windows without triggering alarms, detects unauthorized attempts to override the sensor, and simplifies installation with increased flexibility in magnet placement and gap options.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field sensor configured to measure and sample magnetic fields from a magnet external to the device
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable security sensor device is described. The device comprises a magnetic field sensor, a user input element, and a processor. The magnetic field sensor measures and samples magnetic fields from a magnet external to the device. The magnetic field sensor generates a first range of magnetic fields measurements sampled based on a first position of the magnet relative to the magnetic field sensor. The user input element identifies a second range of magnetic fields measurements based on a second position of the magnet relative to the magnetic field sensor. The device generates a sampling of magnetic fields measurements using the magnetic field sensor, compares the sampling of magnetic fields measurements with the first range of magnetic fields measurements and the second range of magnetic fields measurements, and identifies a position of the device relative to the magnet based on the comparison.