Control Panel Thermal Detection Using Battery Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Control panels in home automation, security, and comfort systems are vulnerable to damage from abnormal temperature conditions, which existing technologies fail to accurately detect without increasing cost or requiring additional components.
Innovation Solution
Leveraging an existing temperature sensor at the control panel's battery, such as a thermistor, to detect abnormal temperature conditions by transitioning to a reduced operational mode to minimize heat dissipation, and using processing circuitry to output notifications or alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated temperature sensor is installed at the control panel to detect abnormal temperature conditions, then detection accuracy is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the existing battery temperature sensor to serve dual purposes: monitoring battery temperature for charging safety and detecting abnormal temperature conditions at the control panel. This eliminates the need for a dedicated control panel temperature sensor, thereby improving detection capability without increasing device complexity or cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel system uses its existing battery sensor infrastructure to monitor its own temperature conditions. By leveraging the already-installed sensor and processing circuitry, the system performs self-diagnosis and thermal monitoring without requiring external dedicated sensors, thus avoiding increased complexity.
2Productivity
If the control panel operates in normal mode continuously, then system functionality is maintained, but heat generation increases causing inaccurate temperature readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic temperature monitoring cycles where the control panel temporarily transitions to a reduced operational mode during measurement intervals. This periodic reduction of heat generation allows for accurate temperature readings without permanently compromising system functionality, as normal operation resumes between measurement cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by reducing operational mode before temperature measurement to prevent heat generation that would interfere with reading accuracy. This anticipatory measure ensures that temperature sensors read accurate ambient temperatures rather than temperatures inflated by recent operational heat, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving overall system productivity.
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
Accurately detects abnormal temperature conditions without additional components, ensuring system functionality and reducing operational heat, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and compatibility with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
use a temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, included at a battery (e.g., backup battery) of the control panel to detect an abnormal temperature condition at the control panel
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes measuring a first temperature at a control panel using a temperature sensor included at a battery of the control panel. When the first temperature at the control panel exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature, this method includes transitioning the control panel to a reduced operational mode. When the control panel is in the reduced operational mode, this method includes measuring a second temperature at the control panel using the temperature sensor included at the battery of the control panel. And, when the second temperature at the control panel exceeds the predetermined threshold temperature, this method includes outputting an abnormal temperature notification at the control panel.