Capacitive Glass Removal Sensor for Window Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional alarm systems fail to detect the removal of a glass pane or its frame from a window or door without breaking it, as this method does not trigger the alarm, leaving a vulnerability in security systems.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive glass removal sensor assembly is used, comprising a capacitive sensor with conductive areas and elements that detect changes in capacitance when the glass unit is removed from the sash, allowing for wireless detection and alerting the security system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional alarm systems use magnetic sensors or break detectors, then they can detect window opening or glass breaking, but they fail to detect removal of glass pane without breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/magnetic detection systems with a capacitive sensing system. The capacitive sensor detects changes in electrical capacitance caused by the removal of the glass pane, which has different dielectric properties than air. This substitution enables detection of glass removal without breaking, overcoming the limitation of magnetic sensors that only detect window opening/closing states.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention monitors changes in capacitance parameter between the conductive area on the glass pane and the reference conductive area on the frame. When the glass pane is removed, the capacitance changes due to the change in dielectric material (from glass to air), providing a detectable signal that triggers the alarm system.
2Ease of operation
If wireless sensor is used, then ease of installation and reattachment is improved, but power supply requirement adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor system is designed to be self-contained and wireless, requiring no external wiring for power or signal transmission. The sensor autonomously detects capacitance changes and communicates with the control unit wirelessly, enabling easy installation and reattachment of glass panes without complex wiring requirements.
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 sensor effectively prevents unauthorized access by detecting the removal of a glass unit, enhancing the security system's capability to monitor windows and doors without requiring wired electricity and allowing for easy reattachment of the glass unit.
Implementation Method 1
a first conductive element (7) arranged, directly or indirectly, between the first conductive area (6) of the sensor assembly, the second conductive area (11) of the sensor assembly and the glass unit (2) of the window or door such that when the glass unit (2) is removed from a sash (8) of the window or door it causes a change of capacitance in the first conductive area (6) relative to the second conductive area (11) of the sensor assembly (5)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a glass removal sensor for detecting removal of a glass unit having a glass pane and optionally a glass frame, in a window or a door, said glass removal sensor comprising: a sensor assembly comprising a capacitive sensor; a first conductive area in connection with the capacitive sensor; and a second conductive area; at least a first conductive element connected, directly or indirectly, between the first conductive area of the sensor assembly, the second conductive area and the glass unit of the window or door such that when the glass unit is removed from a sash of the window or door it causes a change of capacitance in the first conductive relative to the second conductive area of the sensor assembly, wherein the sensor assembly is configured to detect the removal of the glass unit from the sash as the change of capacitance detected by the capacitive sensor. The disclosure further relates to a window or door comprising; a sash; a glass unit comprising a glass pane and optionally a glass frame holding the glass pane; wherein the glass unit is mounted in the sash; and a glass removal sensor for detecting removal of the glass unit from the sash, the glass removal sensor comprising: a sensor assembly comprising a capacitive sensor; a first conductive area in connection with the capacitive sensor; and a second conductive area; at least a first conductive element connected, directly or indirectly, between the first conductive area of the sensor assembly, the second conductive area of the sensor assembly and the glass unit of the window.