Dispenser Power Switching Using Passive Infrared Presence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated dispensers for sheet materials and fluids face significant power consumption issues due to steady state current drain, particularly in low-traffic areas, leading to battery life reduction and operational disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A power management system utilizing passive infrared radiation sensors to detect user presence, activating the dispenser only when needed, and entering a low power mode when no user is detected, reducing power consumption to minimal levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dispenser remains in full power state to ensure immediate responsiveness to user presence, then user convenience is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between full power state and low power state based on detected user presence. When a user is detected via sensors (proximity, camera, microphone), the dispenser activates to full power for immediate responsiveness. When no user is present, it transitions to low power state to conserve energy, thus resolving the contradiction between user convenience and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic sensing and state transitions rather than continuous operation. Sensors periodically detect user presence, triggering transitions between power states. This periodic action ensures the dispenser is ready when needed while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods, balancing responsiveness with energy efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the dispenser transitions to low power state to conserve energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but responsiveness to user presence deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection using low-power sensors (proximity sensors, cameras, microphones) even when in low power state. These sensors can detect user approach or presence indicators before full activation is needed, allowing the dispenser to transition to full power state in advance, thus maintaining responsiveness while minimizing the duration of high power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses intermediary sensing mechanisms (proximity sensors, cameras, microphones) that operate at lower power levels than full dispensing operations. These intermediaries detect user presence and trigger full power activation only when necessary, bridging the gap between energy conservation and rapid responsiveness.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are continuously active to accurately detect user presence, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is segmented into multiple independent sensor modules (proximity sensor, camera, microphone) that can operate independently or in combination. This segmentation allows the system to use only the necessary sensors for each detection scenario, reducing overall complexity and energy consumption while maintaining high detection accuracy when multiple sensors are coordinated.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed with multi-functionality where sensors serve multiple purposes. For example, the camera can detect both user presence and gesture commands, the microphone can detect both presence and voice commands. This universality reduces the total number of sensors needed, simplifying the system while maintaining high detection accuracy across various interaction modes.
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
Substantially reduces power usage to less than 100µA in low power mode, conserving battery life and preventing operational disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
a passive infrared radiation sensor arranged along the dispenser and configured to detect infrared radiation emitted by one or more users within a prescribed detection range
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A~3
AI summary
A power management system for a dispenser that includes a passive infrared radiation sensor arranged along the dispenser and configured to detect infrared radiation emitted by one or more users within a prescribed detection range, area, or zone of the dispenser. When the passive infrared radiation sensor does not capture infrared radiation within the prescribed detection range, area, or zone, the dispenser is placed in a low power state with the passive infrared sensor remaining connected to a power source and a controller, a dispensing mechanism, and/or the proximity sensor being disconnected from the power source. Other aspects also are described.