Gas Detector Display Orientation via Attachment Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas detectors lack efficient mechanisms to automatically adjust their display orientation based on whether they are being worn by a user, which can hinder clear communication of critical gas detection information.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an attachment sensor and processor in the gas detector to automatically control the display orientation, allowing it to rotate and face the user when attached, ensuring that vital information is easily readable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the gas detector uses a fixed display orientation, then the device structure is simple, but the display may not be readable when worn by a user

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay readabilityVSAvoiddisplay control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display orientation is made dynamic rather than fixed. The display automatically rotates or changes orientation based on detection of wearer status through sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, or attachment sensors), ensuring the display is always readable by the user regardless of how the device is worn.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensors to detect the device's orientation or attachment status and provides feedback to the control processor, which then adjusts the display orientation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures the display is always optimally positioned for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the gas detector automatically adjusts display orientation, then the usability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay adaptation to wearing conditionVSAvoidsensor and control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Existing sensors in the gas detector (accelerometers, gyroscopes, or attachment sensors) are repurposed to detect wearer status for display orientation control. This multi-functional use of existing components adds the adaptability feature without requiring entirely new hardware systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The gas detector automatically detects its own attachment status or orientation and self-adjusts the display without requiring manual user input. The device serves itself by using its own sensors to control its display, eliminating the need for additional complex control interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10877010B2Clydesdale gas detector with improved screen orientation based on input from attachment sensor

Publication Date: 2020.12.29 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for controlling the display of a gas detector. A gas detector may comprise at least one gas sensor configured to detect at least one gas in the ambient environment; a display configured to display information received from the at least one gas sensor; an attachment configured to attach the gas detector to a user; an attachment sensor configured to detect when the gas detector has been attached to a user; and a processor configured to receive information from the attachment sensor, and configured to automatically control the orientation of at least a portion of the display based on the information received from the attachment sensor which indicates that the gas detector is worn by the user so as to improve the visibility of the display to the user.