Battery-Powered Occupancy Sensor Wireless Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing occupancy and vacancy sensors face challenges in optimal installation and detection due to wall-mounted configurations, which can be hindered by direction and obstacles, and require advanced system components and configuration procedures.
Innovation Solution
A wireless load control system with battery-powered occupancy sensors that include a controller, detector circuit, wireless transmitter, and visual indicator, allowing for optimal placement and providing visual battery status indication, enabling efficient power control and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If occupancy sensors are wall-mounted in standard electrical wallboxes, then installation is simplified to replace a standard light switch, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to directional limitations and obstacles in the space
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the sensor into two functional components: a wall-mounted load control device for easy installation and a separate portable occupancy sensor for optimal detection positioning. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function effectively without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication link acts as an intermediary between the wall-mounted load control device and the portable occupancy sensor. This wireless intermediary enables the two components to communicate and cooperate without requiring physical connection, allowing the sensor to be positioned independently for optimal detection while the controller remains conveniently installed at the wall.
2Measurement precision
If occupancy sensors are mounted on ceiling or high on wall for optimal detection, then detection accuracy improves by positioning optimally to detect user presence in all areas, but system complexity increases requiring advanced system components and configuration procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The portable occupancy sensor automatically performs detection and transmits signals wirelessly without requiring complex configuration procedures. The wall-mounted load control device automatically receives and processes these signals. This self-service operation eliminates the need for advanced system components and complex setup procedures that would otherwise be required for ceiling-mounted sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by using wireless communication instead of wired connections, and by using a portable sensor instead of a fixed ceiling-mounted sensor. This parameter change simplifies the system architecture while maintaining optimal detection capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If wall-mounted load control devices are used, then installation is straightforward replacing a standard light switch, but detection capability deteriorates due to direction and obstacles limiting energy detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the functionality into a wall-mounted control device for easy installation and a portable sensor for reliable detection. This segmentation allows the sensor to be positioned where it can reliably detect occupancy without being constrained by wall mounting limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
Wireless communication serves as an intermediary that connects the reliably positioned portable sensor with the conveniently installed wall-mounted controller, enabling the system to achieve both installation ease and detection reliability simultaneously.
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 system ensures effective detection and control of lighting loads with improved installation ease and reduced complexity, enhancing detection accuracy and user feedback on battery status.
Implementation Method 1
An occupancy sensor typically operates to turn on the lighting load when the occupancy sensor detects the presence of a user in the space
Data Source
AI summary
A load control system comprises a load control device and a battery-powered occupancy sensor, which transmits a first wireless signal to the load control device in response to detecting the presence of an occupant in a space. The load control system further comprises a visual indicator for providing a visual indication when the magnitude of a battery voltage of a battery of the occupancy sensor has dropped below a predetermined low-battery voltage threshold. The occupancy sensor may comprise the visual indicator, such that the visual indicator is illuminated when the occupancy detects the presence of the occupant in the space and the magnitude of the battery voltage is less than the predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the load control device may comprise the visual indicator, such that the visual indicator is illuminated in response to receiving a second wireless signal, which is transmitting by the occupancy sensor when the magnitude of the battery voltage is less than the predetermined threshold.