Dual-Sensor Shock Detection for Portable Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shock sensors for electronic devices are cumbersome, power-intensive, and difficult to integrate into portable devices due to their complex circuitry and high power consumption, limiting their ability to accurately measure shocks beyond a certain intensity level.
Innovation Solution
A method and electronic device design that employs a first sensor to monitor acceleration and activate a second, high-range shock sensor only when necessary, allowing for precise data acquisition and storage of shock events, thereby enabling accurate sensing and notification of external shocks to users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional shock sensor is used to measure high-intensity shocks, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sensor activation where the high-range shock sensor is activated only when the low-range acceleration sensor detects acceleration values exceeding its measurement range. This dynamic switching strategy ensures precise shock measurement when needed while minimizing power consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the shock sensing function into two segments: a low-range acceleration sensor for normal operation and a high-range shock sensor for extreme events. This segmentation allows each sensor to operate within its optimal range, improving overall measurement precision while reducing the need for continuous high-power operation.
2Measurement precision
If a conventional shock sensor is used to measure high-intensity shocks, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two different sensors (acceleration sensor and shock sensor) into a coordinated sensing system. The acceleration sensor serves as a trigger for the shock sensor, combining their capabilities to achieve both low-power operation and high-range shock measurement without requiring a complex dedicated shock sensor circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The acceleration sensor acts as an intermediary that triggers the activation of the shock sensor. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to achieve precise shock measurement capability while avoiding the continuous operation of complex shock sensor circuits, thereby reducing overall device complexity and power consumption.
3Measurement precision
If the shock sensor is continuously activated to capture all shock events, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling through event-triggered activation rather than continuous operation. The shock sensor is activated periodically based on events detected by the acceleration sensor, ensuring that all significant shock events are captured with high precision while minimizing the total active time and power consumption of the high-range sensor.
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 approach allows for precise sensing and notification of external shocks, reducing power consumption and enabling the integration of shock sensors into portable devices, thus enhancing user safety and reducing post-service diagnostic time.
Implementation Method 1
The acceleration sensor may measure gravity acceleration applied to the electronic device
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor configured to measure acceleration within a second range that is higher than the first range
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an electronic device are provided for sensing an external shock applied to the electronic device. A method includes monitoring acceleration using a first sensor; generating an event based on the monitored acceleration; activating a second sensor based on the event; acquiring data due to external shocks on parts of the electronic device by using the activated second sensor; and storing the acquired data and information related to the external shocks.