Proximity Sensor Habit Trainer for Child-Only Reminder Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing products fail to consistently remind children to develop positive habits during adolescence, making it difficult for parents to provide timely reminders.

Innovation Solution

A habit-forming device equipped with ultrasonic proximity sensors detects the presence of child-height individuals and emits audio cues to remind them to perform habits, such as lifting the toilet seat or washing hands, using a primary and secondary sensor to differentiate between children and adults.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If simple proximity sensors are used to detect presence, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to differentiate between child and adult individuals is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor system complexityVSAvoidindividual height detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is segmented into two distinct proximity sensors: a primary sensor for detecting presence and a secondary sensor for determining height. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific function, maintaining simplicity while achieving the precision needed to differentiate between children and adults.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary proximity sensor acts as an intermediary element that provides height information without requiring complex imaging or identification systems. By using a second simple sensor rather than a complex camera or RFID system, the patent achieves accurate individual differentiation while maintaining device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If timely reminders are provided to children, then habit formation effectiveness is improved, but the need for parental oversight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehabit training effectivenessVSAvoidparental supervision time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables children to self-monitor and self-correct their behavior through automated reminders. The system detects when a child is at the toilet or sink and automatically provides guidance, allowing children to independently develop habits without requiring constant parental supervision and intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides immediate feedback to children when they are at locations where specific habits should be performed. This real-time feedback loop allows children to adjust their behavior based on the reminders, accelerating habit formation while reducing the need for parents to continuously monitor and remind them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are used to detect child presence and height, then detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechild presence detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic identification systems with a simpler optical/proximity-based detection system. By using ultrasonic or infrared proximity sensors rather than cameras, RFID readers, or biometric scanners, the system achieves accurate child detection with minimal complexity.

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 device helps children develop permanent habits by providing timely reminders, reducing the need for parental intervention and ensuring adults are not falsely triggered.

Implementation Method 1

At least one sensor is provided to determine the presence of a child-height individual in the environment... the sensors may include at least one of the following: an ultrasonic proximity sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic proximity detection: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

the sensors may include at least one of the following: an ultrasonic proximity sensor and a passive infrared sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS12609019B2Habit training device employing proximity sensors for subject detection

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 GOSS AARON

AI summary

A habit-forming device to sense the presence of a child-height individual in an environment is disclosed, including a housing mounted via a mounting system to a surface. At least one sensor is provided to determine the presence of a child-height individual in the environment. A speaker emits an audible cue to the child-height individual, the audible cue to provide a reminder to perform a habit. Once the device confirms the presence of the child-height individual, the audible cue is emitted to aid in the training of the habit.