Barrier Status Detection Using Accelerometer and Gyroscope

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the open/close status of barriers on moveable platforms, such as truck containers, face challenges due to changing orientations and the potential for wiring damage during rough handling, which complicates accurate detection and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

A sensor device mounted on the barrier, incorporating an accelerometer and a rotation sensor like a gyroscope, determines the open/close status by analyzing acceleration and rotation data, activating the gyroscope only when necessary to conserve power and avoid external wiring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external wiring is used to connect sensors to the barrier, then the barrier status can be detected, but the wiring is susceptible to damage during rough handling and increases installation complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor connection reliabilityVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the wiring requirement entirely by mounting the sensor device directly on the barrier itself. The barrier incorporates the sensor device as an integrated component, eliminating the need for external wiring connections between separate sensors and processing units. This direct integration removes the vulnerable wiring infrastructure while maintaining detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier serves itself by incorporating the sensor device as an integral part of its structure. The barrier's own movement and position changes are detected by the mounted sensor, eliminating the need for external wiring to transmit this information. The system uses the barrier's inherent motion characteristics for self-monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If the gyroscope is continuously activated to accurately detect barrier status, then detection precision is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebarrier status detection precisionVSAvoidsensor device power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The gyroscope operates periodically rather than continuously, being activated only when the accelerometer detects motion events that warrant barrier status verification. This intermittent operation maintains detection precision for actual barrier movements while significantly reducing overall power consumption during stationary periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial action by using the accelerometer to perform initial screening of barrier movements, activating the more power-intensive gyroscope only when necessary. This selective activation provides sufficient detection precision for actual barrier status changes while avoiding excessive power consumption from continuous gyroscope operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 solution allows for reliable detection of barrier status regardless of orientation changes, reducing the need for external wiring and minimizing power consumption, thus enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

A sensor device mounted on the barrier, incorporating an accelerometer and a rotation sensor like a gyroscope, determines the open/close status by analyzing acceleration and rotation data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration measurement: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

A sensor device mounted on the barrier, incorporating an accelerometer and a rotation sensor like a gyroscope, determines the open/close status by analyzing acceleration and rotation data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation measurement: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentEP3491343B1Determining an open/close status of a barrier
Publication Date: 2020.12.23 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP3491343B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3491343B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3491343B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In some examples, a sensor device is to mount to a barrier pivotable between an open position and a closed position, the barrier being on a moveable platform. The sensor device includes an accelerometer to measure acceleration data and a rotation sensor to measure rotation about an axis. The sensor device includes at least one processor configured to determine an open/close status of the barrier based on the acceleration data and the rotation data, and an orientation of the moveable platform.