Barrier Position Sensor Calibration via Closed-Loop Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing barrier position detection systems require manual calibration, which can lead to insufficient recalibration, causing sensor signal drift and reduced reliability over time.

Innovation Solution

A method that automatically calibrates the first sensor every time the barrier is detected in a closed position using a second sensor, eliminating the need for a specific calibration mode and ensuring regular calibration during regular use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual calibration mode is required, then calibration can be performed, but user intervention is needed and calibration may not occur frequently enough

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor calibration accuracyVSAvoiduser intervention requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic calibration without user intervention by detecting when the barrier is in the closed position using the second sensor, and automatically recalibrating the first sensor at these moments. This self-service approach eliminates the need for users to manually initiate calibration while ensuring it occurs regularly during normal barrier operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs calibration in advance during normal barrier closing operations, so that the sensor is already calibrated and ready for accurate position detection. By calibrating whenever the barrier closes, the system ensures calibration occurs before any potential drift affects measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If calibration is performed manually, then system complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to insufficient recalibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor reading reliabilityVSAvoidcalibration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from the second sensor detecting barrier closed position to trigger automatic recalibration of the first sensor. This feedback mechanism ensures the system continuously monitors and corrects sensor drift, maintaining high reliability without requiring complex manual calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration system serves itself by automatically detecting when calibration is needed (when barrier is closed) and performing the calibration without external intervention. This self-service capability improves reliability through frequent recalibration while keeping the system relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If automatic calibration is implemented, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor calibration reliabilityVSAvoidcalibration mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second sensor serves dual purposes: it detects when the barrier is closed for normal operation and simultaneously triggers the calibration process. This multi-functionality allows automatic calibration without adding separate dedicated calibration hardware, thus improving reliability while minimizing increased complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own operational states (barrier closed detection) to trigger calibration, eliminating the need for separate calibration initiation mechanisms. This self-service approach achieves automatic calibration with minimal additional system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3387201B1Detecting position of a barrier
Publication Date: 2020.01.29 ASSA ABLOY AB
  • EP3387201B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~3B
  • EP3387201B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7

AI summary

It is presented a method for detecting a position of a barrier. The method is performed in a status monitor device and comprising the steps of: detecting a barrier position of the barrier using a first sensor, the barrier position indicating a degree of opening of the barrier; detecting when the barrier is in a closed position using a second sensor; and calibrating the first sensor to indicate a closed position each time the barrier is detected to be in the closed position.