Smart building sensing device with field replaceable sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensors in buildings are hardwired, making their replacement difficult and costly, requiring expertise in building infrastructure, which hinders timely upgrades and adaptations to changing user needs or technological advancements.
Innovation Solution
A sensing device with field replaceable sensors that can be removed and replaced without modifying building infrastructure, utilizing a flexible jumper to connect the sensor assembly to a PCB assembly, with automatic power control via microswitches, enabling easy sensor updates and changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are hardwired to building infrastructure, then sensor stability and reliability are improved, but sensor replacement difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into two separate modules: a fixed infrastructure module (enclosure with PCB assembly and wiring) and a removable sensor module. This segmentation allows the sensor module to be easily replaced without affecting the stable infrastructure, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is extracted as a separate, removable component from the building infrastructure. The flexible jumper cable enables the sensor module to be disconnected and replaced without modifying the fixed infrastructure, allowing reliable installation while enabling easy replacement when needed.
2Reliability
If sensors are hardwired to building infrastructure, then sensor stability is improved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sensor system into fixed and removable modules, the installation process is simplified. The pre-assembled sensor module with integrated wiring connections can be quickly installed by connecting to the infrastructure, reducing installation time while maintaining stability through the secure enclosure mounting.
3Reliability
If sensors are hardwired to building infrastructure, then sensor reliability is improved, but adaptability to new technologies decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of sensor and infrastructure allows independent upgrades. New sensor technologies can be adopted by simply replacing the sensor module while keeping the proven infrastructure in place, enabling adaptability without compromising the stability of the installed base.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized enclosure and connection interface create a universal platform that can accommodate different sensor modules. This multi-functionality allows the same infrastructure to support various sensor types and technologies, improving adaptability while maintaining system reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing device includes an enclosure, a sensor assembly with sensors, a PCB assembly, and a flexible jumper. The flexible jumper includes first and second ends. The first end couples to the sensor assembly. The second end couples to the PCB assembly. The sensor assembly is decoupled from the first end of the flexible jumper and removed from the enclosure without decoupling the second end from the PCB assembly and without removing the PCB assembly from the enclosure. The sensing device may be installed in a wall or utility box in a building, without the need to configure or modify the building infrastructure to replace sensors. This provides a practical way to enable sensors to be replaced for repair, to install new sensors as they are introduced to the market, or to change the sensors to meet changes in user needs or building use cases.