HVAC Pressure Sensing for Whole-Building Motion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motion detection systems for homes and buildings are costly and complex to install, requiring numerous sensors that can be aesthetically unappealing and difficult to deploy, especially in large spaces like hotels or assisted living facilities.
Innovation Solution
A motion detecting device that uses pressure sensors integrated into HVAC systems to detect movement events by measuring static pressure changes, allowing for whole-house or whole-building monitoring with a single or small number of sensors wirelessly coupled to a computational unit, which can classify movement events and infer location and activity without the need for extensive sensor installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If distributed direct sensing approaches (cameras, PIR sensors) are used for motion detection, then movement detection capability is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates motion detection functionality into the existing HVAC system, allowing the HVAC system to serve dual purposes: climate control and motion detection. By incorporating pressure sensors into the HVAC infrastructure, the system can detect movement events without requiring separate dedicated motion detection devices throughout the building.
Solution Approach 2:
The HVAC system performs self-monitoring for motion detection events. The pressure sensors are integrated into the HVAC system itself, and the system automatically detects and reports movement events without requiring additional external sensing infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If distributed direct sensing approaches (cameras, PIR sensors) are deployed, then movement detection accuracy is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates due to aesthetic concerns and deployment difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines motion detection sensors with the HVAC system components. The pressure sensors are integrated into the HVAC air handler or ductwork, merging two functional systems into one unified installation, thereby eliminating the need for separate sensor mounting and reducing aesthetic concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The HVAC system acts as an intermediary infrastructure that facilitates motion detection. By using the existing HVAC ductwork and air handler as the mounting platform for pressure sensors, the system leverages an intermediate structure that is already present in the building, simplifying installation.
3Area of stationary object
If a large number of sensors are installed for whole-building coverage, then movement detection coverage is improved, but loss of time and cost for installation and maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC system provides whole-building coverage through its existing air distribution network. A single or small number of pressure sensors integrated into the HVAC system can monitor movement events across multiple zones and floors, leveraging the HVAC system's comprehensive building penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional wall-mounted sensor deployment to three-dimensional airflow-based monitoring. By utilizing the HVAC air distribution system that extends throughout the building's vertical and horizontal spaces, motion detection coverage is achieved across multiple dimensions without proportionally increasing sensor count.
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
This solution reduces installation and maintenance costs by using a single or small number of sensors, effectively detecting movement events and classifying their locations, while maintaining accuracy and functionality, even when the HVAC system is not in operation.
Implementation Method 1
A motion detecting device that uses pressure sensors integrated into HVAC systems to detect movement events by measuring static pressure changes
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a motion detecting device is configured to detect whether one or more movement events have occurred. The motion detecting device can include: (a) a processing module configured to run on a computational unit; and (b) a sensing device having: (1) one or more pressure sensors configured to provide two or more pressure measurements; and (2) a transmitter electrically coupled to the one or more pressure sensors and configured to transmit the two or more pressure measurements to the computational unit. The processing module is configured to use the two or more pressure measurements to determine whether the one or more movement events have occurred. The sensing device can be configured to be placed in at least one of ductwork of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system or an air handler of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Other embodiments are disclosed.