Coin-Shaped Occupant Detection System with Multi-Sensor Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for detecting a child left in a vehicle are not cost-effective, easily operable, or capable of wireless communication, and do not effectively function in a vehicle environment.

Innovation Solution

A portable system with a coin-like housing containing multiple sensors, an alerting mechanism, and a processor for user interface communication, which can be activated by a single pressable pad, and includes wireless connectivity to an emergency system, utilizing sensors such as motion, temperature, and CO2 detectors to alert users of potential hazards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional alarm systems with motion detectors and temperature sensors are used, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensor types (motion detector, temperature sensor, light sensor, CO2 sensor) into a single integrated alerting device that can be placed in a vehicle. This merging of functions into one unit maintains comprehensive detection capability while reducing the overall system complexity compared to separate distributed sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The alerting device is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting motion, monitoring temperature, sensing light levels, and detecting CO2 levels. This multi-functionality allows a single device to provide comprehensive safety monitoring without requiring multiple specialized components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If wired communication systems are used, then communication reliability is improved, but ease of operation and installation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/wired communication systems with wireless communication technology. The alerting device transmits alerts and data wirelessly to mobile devices or emergency services, eliminating the need for physical connections while maintaining communication reliability through modern wireless protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensors and communication modules are integrated, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple sensor types and communication modules into a single compact alerting device with a unified processor and power management system. This consolidation reduces manufacturing costs by sharing common components (housing, power source, processing unit) across multiple sensor functions while maintaining high detection accuracy through coordinated multi-sensor operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides a cost-effective, easily operable, and wireless means to detect and alert users of children or other occupants left in vehicles, ensuring safety through efficient communication and sensor integration, capable of functioning in various vehicle environments.

Implementation Method 1

a motion detector sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotion detection:

Implementation Method 2

a temperature detector sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Implementation Method 3

oxygen level sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxygen detection:

Implementation Method 4

CO2 level sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCO2 detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 5

voice detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound detection: Sound

Implementation Method 6

mass detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMass detection: Gravitation

Implementation Method 7

vital signs detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVital signs detection:

Implementation Method 8

sound detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound detection: Sound

Implementation Method 9

light/laser detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Light

Implementation Method 10

pressure sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 11

air exchange detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir exchange detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11065984B2System for detecting the presence of an occupant in a vehicle and means thereof

Publication Date: 2021.07.20 DO NOT FORGET LTD

AI summary

A system for detecting a child left in a vehicle, in a coin-like shaped housing, includes: at least two disparate sensors for measuring parameters within a vehicle environment, an alerting mechanism for sending a signal to the vehicle user, and a processor for providing instructions. The system further includes a user interface platform (UIP) having a wireless network connection to at least one of the housing, a user, a vehicle operation system, a social network, an emergency system, a connectable subject and any combination thereof.