Method of controlling a heating apparatus comprising at least a co2 detector and at least an occupancy sensor, and associated heating apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating appliances struggle to accurately detect user presence, especially when obstacles obstruct the detection field of infrared absence/presence detectors, leading to false negatives and inefficiencies in heating regulation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a CO2 sensor in conjunction with infrared, ultrasonic, or sound motion sensors to robustly detect user presence, with the regulation module actuating the heating means based on combined sensor data, including periodic interrogation and threshold-based CO2 level analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an infrared absence/presence detector is used to detect user presence, then the heating appliance can activate heating when users are present, but the detection fails when obstacles obstruct the detector's field of vision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection technologies (infrared absence/presence detector, CO2 sensor, ultrasonic sensor) into a unified detection system. The regulation module integrates signals from all sensors to determine user presence, ensuring reliable detection even when obstacles block the infrared detector's field of vision, as CO2 and ultrasonic sensors can detect presence through obstructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces CO2 sensors and ultrasonic sensors as intermediary detection means that can detect user presence through obstacles. These sensors act as mediators that overcome the limitation of infrared detectors by measuring CO2 concentration changes or ultrasonic wave reflections, which are not blocked by furniture or other objects in the room.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a CO2 sensor is used to detect user presence, then detection can occur through obstacles, but the CO2 sensor alone cannot reliably distinguish between presence and background CO2 levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges CO2 sensor detection with infrared absence/presence detector and ultrasonic sensor to create a multi-sensor detection system. The regulation module processes signals from all sensors simultaneously, using the infrared and ultrasonic sensors to confirm actual user presence and eliminate false positives from background CO2 variations, thereby achieving both obstacle penetration and high detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulation module implements feedback processing by continuously monitoring signals from multiple sensors and adjusting the detection logic based on combined information. When CO2 levels rise but infrared or ultrasonic sensors detect no presence, the system recognizes this as background CO2 variation rather than user presence, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while benefiting from CO2's ability to detect through obstacles.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are combined to improve detection reliability, then presence detection becomes more robust, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regulation module serves multiple functions: it processes signals from infrared detectors, CO2 sensors, and ultrasonic sensors; determines user presence based on combined sensor data; and controls the heating means activation. This multi-functional design integrates the complex sensor system into a single intelligent control unit, managing the complexity while achieving high detection reliability through comprehensive sensor fusion.
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
Enhances the reliability of user presence detection, allowing for efficient heating control, improved comfort, and energy savings by leveraging CO2 level increases and stabilization thresholds to differentiate between user presence and background CO2 levels.
Implementation Method 1
at least one CO2 sensor used to detect the presence of user(s)
Implementation Method 2
at least one other absence/presence detector chosen from among an infrared motion sensor
Implementation Method 3
an ultrasonic or sound motion sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The object of the invention is a method for regulating a heating device (1) comprising at least one CO2 sensor (2) and at least one absence/presence detector (3), the heating device (1) further comprising heating means (5), characterized in that the regulation method comprises the following steps: the periodic interrogation of the at least one CO2 sensor (2) and of the at least an absence/presence detector (3) relating to detection of the presence of user(s), and the actuation of the heating means (5) when at least one of the at least one CO2 sensor (2) and the at least one absence/presence detector (3) detects a presence of user(s).