Capacitive Occupancy Detection for Automated Recliner Furniture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional occupancy-detection technologies do not seamlessly integrate with automated bedding systems, leading to challenges in controlling features and accessories, and existing systems often generate false presence indications, necessitating a reliable detection method for furniture like automated recliners and lift chairs.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive-based occupancy detection system that incorporates detection pads, grids, and sinuous wires with a processor to determine presence by monitoring changes in capacitance, allowing for accurate detection and synchronization of features in automated furniture items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional occupancy-detection technology is used, then occupancy detection function is provided, but false presence indications are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection technologies (capacitive sensors, pressure sensors, optical sensors) into a unified occupancy detection system. By merging these different sensing methods, the system cross-validates detection results and eliminates false positives that would occur with any single technology, thereby improving both reliability and measurement precision simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where detection results from multiple sensors are continuously monitored and adjusted. The controller receives feedback from capacitive, pressure, and optical sensors, processes this information, and adjusts the occupancy determination accordingly. This feedback loop allows the system to learn from false indications and improve detection accuracy over time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If occupancy detection technology is integrated into automated bedding systems, then control of features and accessories is enabled, but integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the occupancy detection system with universal interfaces and protocols that can work across different automated furniture types (beds, recliners, lift chairs). The controller uses standardized communication methods to integrate with various features and accessories, allowing one detection system to serve multiple functions and reduce overall integration complexity despite the diversity of applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary controller that acts as a mediator between the occupancy sensors and the various furniture features/accessories. This intermediary layer simplifies integration by providing a standardized interface that translates sensor data into appropriate control signals for different components, reducing the complexity of direct integration between multiple specialized components.
3Reliability
If pressure sensors and mechanical triggers are used, then occupancy detection is achieved, but ease of integration into automated furniture is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical triggers and pressure sensors with capacitive sensors that detect occupancy through electrical field changes rather than physical contact. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical installation while maintaining detection reliability, as capacitive sensors can be integrated into existing furniture structures without requiring mechanical modifications or disassembly.
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 capacitive system provides reliable occupancy detection, preventing false indications and enabling seamless integration with automated furniture, allowing for precise control of features and accessories based on actual occupancy.
Implementation Method 1
the capacitive component is adapted to have a voltage based on proximity of an object to the capacitive component
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for incorporating occupancy-detecting technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to detecting occupancy in a recliner using a sinuous wire detection array incorporated into a seat. Further embodiments of the invention are directed to a system and method for incorporating capacitance detection technology with one or more conductive features of a recliner mechanism. In some aspects, a sensor is provided based on coupling one or more conductive features to a control component of the capacitance detector control component. A controller may determine the corresponding response based on occupancy detection and/or presence detection. A processor may receive information regarding changes in capacitance and determines when a change in voltage satisfies a threshold. Based on a determination of occupancy and/or presence, a variety of corresponding features of the adjustable recliner may be activated.