Adjustable Shading Element for Sensor Assembly Wavelength Selectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor arrangements, such as PIR sensors, face limitations in functionality and versatility, particularly in photometric measurement and wireless infrared communication, due to fixed shading elements that restrict detection areas and do not effectively differentiate between different types of electromagnetic radiation.

Innovation Solution

A sensor arrangement with a housing that includes a shading element with adjustable positioning, allowing varying transmittance for different electromagnetic radiation types, enabling flexible shading of detection areas while maintaining transparency for specific wavelengths, thus enhancing functionality for both photometric measurement and infrared communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fixed shading element is used to limit detection area, then the sensor can focus on specific areas, but the adaptability and versatility of the sensor arrangement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection area controlVSAvoidfunctionality for different applications
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shading element is made adjustable and interchangeable, allowing the detection area to be dynamically modified according to different application requirements. Multiple shading elements with different geometries can be swapped to change the detection pattern, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to various needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shading function is segmented into multiple interchangeable elements rather than being a single fixed component. Each shading element can be independently designed with specific geometric patterns to create different detection zones, allowing the system to be divided into modular functional units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If a shading element blocks infrared radiation effectively, then the PIR sensor performance is improved, but the transmitting and receiving element performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfrared radiation detectionVSAvoidtransmitting and receiving element operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the opening have different shading requirements. The shading element is designed to provide selective shading - blocking infrared radiation in certain directions while allowing other wavelengths to pass through. This local differentiation of shading properties allows simultaneous optimization for PIR detection and communication functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The shading element is made from materials with specific optical properties that differentially transmit different wavelengths. By using materials with appropriate transmittance characteristics, the system achieves wavelength-selective shading that protects PIR sensor performance while maintaining communication element functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If the shading element is rigidly mounted in a specific position, then the manufacturing and installation is simplified, but the adaptability for different detection areas deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoiddetection area configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system transitions from fixed to adjustable, allowing the shading element to be positioned at different angles and orientations. This dynamic mounting capability enables the same basic component to serve multiple detection configurations without requiring custom-designed elements for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shading element is designed as a universal component that can perform multiple functions through repositioning and reconfiguration. A single shading element design can create different detection patterns when mounted in different positions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The adjustable shading element allows for improved detection and communication capabilities by selectively blocking or allowing specific wavelengths, enhancing the sensor's operational flexibility and usability without affecting the transmitting and receiving elements' performance.

Implementation Method 1

The shading element for electromagnetic radiation of the first kind has a transmittance of less than 30%. The shading element for electromagnetic radiation of the second kind has a transmittance of greater than 60%.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelective transmission of electromagnetic radiation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The PIR sensor operates by utilizing pyroelectricity; it comprises two or four closely spaced pyroelectric elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPyroelectricity: Pyroelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

the electromagnetic radiation in the second wavelength range can be light and/or further infrared radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation transmission: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3551973B1Sensor assembly for detecting the movement and/or the presence of a person
Publication Date: 2023.01.04 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3551973B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3551973B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a sensor assembly for detecting the movement and/or the presence of a person, having a housing (1) with an opening (2) for electromagnetic radiation of a first type and electromagnetic radiation of a second type, a sensor (3) which is arranged in the housing (1) for detecting the electromagnetic radiation of the first type, and a shading element (5) which is arranged on the housing (1) so as to partly shade the opening (2). The shading element (5) has a degree of transmission which is less than 30% for the electromagnetic radiation of the first type, and a transmission and/or receiving element (6) is provided which is arranged in the housing (1) for transmitting and/or receiving the electromagnetic radiation of the second type, wherein the shading element (5) has a degree of transmission which is greater than 60% for the electromagnetic radiation of the second type.