Capacitive Recliner Occupancy Detection to Prevent False Presence

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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 often result in false presence indications due to integration issues with pressure sensors and mechanical triggers.

Innovation Solution

A capacitive-based occupancy detection system that uses detection pads, grids, and sinuous wires to monitor changes in capacitance, processed by a processor to accurately determine presence, allowing for reliable integration with automated furniture items like beds and recliners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional pressure sensors and mechanical triggers are used for occupancy detection, then the system can detect presence, but the system generates false presence indications and does not seamlessly integrate with automated bedding systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupancy detection accuracyVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical pressure sensors and mechanical triggers with a capacitive sensing system that uses electrical fields to detect occupancy. The capacitive component detects changes in capacitance caused by the proximity or contact of the human body, eliminating the need for mechanical elements and their associated integration complexities while improving reliability by removing false presence indications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a capacitive component as an intermediary between the user and the automated bedding system. This capacitive sensor acts as a mediator that seamlessly integrates with the existing automated system architecture, providing reliable occupancy detection without requiring complex mechanical integration while maintaining compatibility with the automated controller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If occupancy detection technology is integrated into automated bedding systems, then control of features and accessories is enabled, but traditional technologies result in false presence indications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeature control capabilityVSAvoidpresence indication accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical pressure sensors with capacitive sensing technology that detects occupancy through electrical field changes. This substitution enables reliable feature control and accessory operation while eliminating false presence indications that plague mechanical systems, as the capacitive sensor accurately distinguishes between actual occupancy and false triggers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If pressure sensors are used for occupancy detection, then presence can be detected, but integration with automated furniture items is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupancy detection capabilityVSAvoidintegration ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical pressure sensors with capacitive sensing components that can be easily integrated into automated furniture items. The capacitive sensor system requires no complex mechanical assembly, can be mounted using simple adhesive or mounting brackets, and integrates seamlessly with electronic controllers, dramatically improving ease of manufacture and installation while maintaining reliable occupancy detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 a reliable and accurate means of detecting occupancy, enabling seamless control of automated furniture features and reducing false indications, thus enhancing user experience and system functionality.

Implementation Method 1

the capacitive component is adapted to have a voltage based on proximity of an object to the capacitive component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3315049A1Drop-in occupancy detection component for furniture

Publication Date: 2018.05.02 L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO

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AI summary

A system (608) and method for incorporating occupancy-detecting technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to detecting occupancy in a recliner (296, 298) using a sinuous wire detection array (250) incorporated into a seat. Further embodiments of the invention are directed to a system (608) and method for incorporating capacitance detection (148, 168, 182) technology with one or more conductive features of a recliner (296, 298) mechanism. In some aspects, a sensor (1, 2) is provided based on coupling one or more conductive features to a control component (320, 452, 578, 622) of the capacitance (172, 192, 194, 198, 200) detector control component (320, 452, 578, 622). A controller (120) may determine the corresponding response based on occupancy detection and/or presence detection. A processor (394) may receive information regarding changes in capacitance (172, 192, 194, 198, 200) 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 (296, 298) may be activated.