HDPE Lens Bracket for Building Motion Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building controllers, particularly HVAC controllers, lack efficient motion sensing capabilities to optimize energy usage based on occupancy, leading to suboptimal comfort and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a motion sensor with a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) lens and a bracket with securement springs to direct and focus infrared radiation, enabling the controller to provide control signals based on temperature setpoints and sensed motion, thereby enhancing occupancy detection and automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motion sensor is added to the building controller to enable occupancy detection, then energy efficiency and automation capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is nested within the bracket structure, with the lens retention hook integrating the lens mounting function into the bracket itself. This nesting approach adds motion sensing capability while minimizing overall structural complexity by combining multiple functions into integrated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens acts as an intermediary component that focuses infrared radiation onto the motion sensor, enabling effective occupancy detection. The bracket with its aperture and retention hook serves as another intermediary structure that properly positions and secures the lens, facilitating the motion sensing function without requiring complex mounting mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If a lens and securement mechanism are added to focus infrared radiation on the motion sensor, then motion sensing precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lens utilizes a curved optical surface to focus incoming infrared radiation onto the motion sensor. This curvature is essential for achieving proper focal convergence of the infrared signals, thereby improving motion detection precision through effective radiation focusing.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket structure is segmented into distinct functional features: an aperture for radiation passage, a retention hook for lens securement, and spring elements for flexible mounting. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall assembly process and reducing manufacturing difficulty.
3Reliability
If the lens is securely mounted using springs and retention hooks, then reliability of motion sensing is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded retention hook mechanism provides self-adjusting securement of the lens. The spring automatically applies appropriate mounting pressure to hold the lens firmly in place while accommodating minor positioning variations, thereby ensuring reliable lens securement without requiring precision adjustment during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element introduces dynamic flexibility to the lens mounting system, allowing the retention hook to maintain consistent contact pressure on the lens while accommodating thermal expansion, manufacturing tolerances, and assembly variations. This dynamic mounting approach enhances reliability without demanding high manufacturing precision.
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
The solution improves energy efficiency by automatically adjusting HVAC settings based on occupancy, enhancing user experience and reducing energy consumption by optimizing comfort levels in buildings.
Implementation Method 1
The lens is configured to direct incoming electromagnetic radiation to the motion sensor
Implementation Method 2
a motion sensor for sensing motion is mounted to the printed circuit board... The lens is formed of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and is configured to direct incoming infra-red (IR) electromagnetic radiation to the motion sensor
Implementation Method 3
The lens securement spring of the bracket is configured to keep the lens retention hook in position against the back side of the bracket... The lens securement spring is sufficiently resilient to deflect away from the lens retention hook
Data Source
AI summary
A building controller includes a controller that is operatively coupled to a motion sensor and provides one or more control signals based at least in part on the motion sensed by the motion sensor. A lens member includes a HDPE (high density polyethylene) lens and a lens mounting structure that includes a lens retention hook. A bracket defines an aperture in registration with the motion sensor and further defines a lens securement aperture configured to accommodate the lens retention hook. The bracket may also define a lens securement spring configured to provide a biasing force to the lens retention hook of the lens mounting structure.