Detection Unit Inclinometer Anti-Tamper Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current security and surveillance systems face challenges in detecting unauthorized tampering or damage, particularly in outdoor installations where the detector is not directly connected to the wall, and misadjustments or unscrewing of the arm fixing plate are not detectable.

Innovation Solution

A detection unit equipped with an inclinometer to measure absolute angle variations and store a reference angular position, triggering an alarm if deviations exceed a threshold, combined with a capacitive proximity detector to monitor changes in the box's orientation and unauthorized openings, allowing for enhanced security without physical links to the support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the detector is fixed to the wall using an articulated arm or ball joint to allow precise adjustment of the monitored area, then the adaptability of the detector is improved, but the reliability of detecting tearing or unauthorized tampering deteriorates because the detector is no longer in close connection with the wall support

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of monitored areaVSAvoiddetection of tearing or tampering
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical connection-based detection (physical link between detector and wall) with an inclinometer-based measurement system. The inclinometer uses gravitational reference to measure angular position and detect unauthorized movements, eliminating the need for direct mechanical coupling while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The inclinometer acts as an intermediary between the detector and the wall support. Instead of directly monitoring the mechanical connection, the inclinometer measures the angular position of the detector housing relative to the vertical, providing indirect but reliable detection of unauthorized movements or tampering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the detector is mounted on an articulated arm with ball joint to enable precise pointing adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of detecting misadjustment or unscrewing deteriorates as these events are neither detected nor reported

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment of camera pointingVSAvoiddetection of misadjustment or unscrewing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inclinometer provides continuous feedback on the angular position of the detector. By comparing the measured angle with the installed position, the system can detect unauthorized misadjustments or unscrewing events and report them, maintaining operational ease while improving security monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical locking or physical constraint-based detection with an inclinometer-based angular measurement system. This allows the detector to maintain easy adjustability while providing reliable detection of unauthorized changes through gravitational reference measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If protective contacts are used to detect opening or tearing of the detector housing, then the reliability of detecting unauthorized access is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for direct physical links between the support and the detector

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection of unauthorized accessVSAvoidphysical link between support and detector
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical protective contacts that require direct physical links with an inclinometer-based system. The inclinometer measures angular position changes caused by unauthorized access or tampering, eliminating the need for complex mechanical connections while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The inclinometer serves as an intermediary that detects unauthorized access through angular position changes rather than requiring direct mechanical contact with the housing. This simplifies the physical link requirements while maintaining reliable detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution enables the detection of unwanted changes in the detection unit's orientation and unauthorized openings, providing robust protection against tampering and misalignment, while maintaining operational efficiency and reducing electrical consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a means 5 able to measure a variation of the absolute angle with respect to the vertical of a reference surface of the housing 2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

a means 9 capable of measuring a variation in capacitance between at least two parts forming electrodes 10

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2113896B1Detection unit protected against removal and/or theft and system comprising at least one such unit.
Publication Date: 2013.10.16 RADIO SYST INGIE VIDEO TECH
  • EP2113896B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2113896B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2113896B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a detection unit integrating at least one motion detector, one presence detector, one camera, or a combination of at least two such devices, particularly as a component of a security, alarm, and/or surveillance system. The functional elements of said unit are housed in a casing fixed to a wall, mast, roof, or the like, particularly by means of a mounting accessory, especially of the articulated arm or similar type. The unit (1) is characterized in that it also comprises a means (5) capable of measuring a variation in the absolute angle with respect to the vertical of a reference surface of the casing (2), of a portion of the casing (2), of at least one internal functional element, or of a group of such internal functional elements (3), and of delivering a measurement signal usable by the unit (1) and/or the system to which said unit (1) belongs.