Home Automation Sensor With Separable Support And Dual Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communicating sensors for home automation systems, particularly those used for regulating blinds based on sunlight intensity, face challenges with bulkiness and limited versatility in attachment methods, which hinder efficient light collection and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A communicating sensor with a separable support that allows the main module to be fixed in two orientations, enabling light collection through either the front or rear opening, and is compact and versatile for attachment to various surfaces, including windows and walls without the need for specific supports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a suction cup is used to fix the sensor to a window pane, then the sensor can be easily attached, but the suction cup blocks part of the light collection surface and increases the overall bulk of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light collection function from the mounting mechanism by providing a separate light collection surface that is optically coupled to the sensor chip. This allows the suction cup to be positioned away from the light path, eliminating the blocking problem while maintaining easy attachment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the mounting function (suction cup) from the light collection function by positioning them in different spatial dimensions. The suction cup attaches to the rear of the device while the light collection surface is positioned at the front, allowing both functions to coexist without interference and reducing overall device bulk.
2Illumination intensity
If the front of the sensor is made large enough to offset the light collection surface from the suction cup, then light collection is improved, but the device becomes more bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the sensor chip within a housing that contains the light collection surface. The sensor chip is positioned inside the housing structure, allowing the light collection surface to be optimally positioned for light gathering while the entire assembly maintains a compact form factor through efficient spatial nesting of components.
3Ease of operation
If a specific support structure is used to attach the sensor to a wall, then the sensor can be properly positioned, but the device complexity increases and versatility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a universal mounting structure with a rear surface that can attach to various surfaces (windows, walls, ceilings) using standard adhesive or mechanical mounting methods. This eliminates the need for specific support structures for different surfaces, increasing versatility while maintaining proper sensor positioning through the integrated housing design.
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 provides a compact and versatile attachment method that enhances light collection efficiency and ease of use, allowing the sensor to be easily positioned for optimal light capture regardless of the surface type, thereby improving the automation system's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a communicating sensor for a home automation system, the communicating sensor comprising a main module externally presenting a light collection surface
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A communicating sensor (1) for a home automation system comprises a main module (7) provided externally with a light-capturing surface (9). For the purpose of versatile and compact attachment, the communicating sensor (1) comprises a separable support (8) including an attachment element (22) for attaching to a support surface (24), and a body (26) forming a through-housing (28) with front (30) and rear (32) openings. The attachment element (22) is provided on the side of the rear opening (32). The through-housing (28) houses the main module (7) alternately in two orientations: a first orientation, in which the light-capturing surface (9) receives light through the front opening (30), and a second orientation, in which the light-capturing surface (9) receives light through the rear opening (32).