Inductive Circuit Sensor for Door Penetration Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security alarm systems, such as those using balanced magnetic switches, Video Analytics, and Passive Infrared sensors, face limitations in detecting unauthorized door entries, particularly when doors are penetrated rather than opened, leading to false alarms from light changes or environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
An inductive circuit sensor system utilizing inductive power transfer and a serpentine conductive path to detect both open and penetrated doors, with a microcontroller comparing signal strengths to generate appropriate alarm conditions, ensuring reliable detection without reliance on light levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Balanced Magnetic Switch (BMS) is used to detect door openings, then door opening detection is effective, but door penetration detection is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent sensing elements: magnetic sensors for door opening detection and inductive circuit sensors for penetration detection. This allows each sensor type to specialize in its detection function while working together to provide comprehensive security monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive circuit sensor serves multiple functions: it detects door openings through magnetic field changes, detects penetrations through circuit continuity monitoring, and can identify the type of breach (open vs. penetrate) based on signal characteristics. This multi-functionality resolves the limitation of BMS systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Video Analytics is used to detect door openings, then door opening detection is possible, but nuisance alarms increase due to light changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical-based Video Analytics with an inductive electromagnetic sensing system. The inductive circuit sensor uses electromagnetic fields and conductive paths to detect door states, eliminating dependence on light conditions and preventing nuisance alarms from lighting changes or sunlight variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from optical (video analytics) to electromagnetic (inductive sensing). By monitoring changes in electromagnetic field strength and circuit continuity rather than light levels, the system achieves reliable detection independent of ambient lighting conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor is used for intrusion detection, then detection capability is provided, but excessive nuisance alarms occur from environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal-based PIR sensing with inductive electromagnetic sensing. The inductive circuit sensor detects door states through electromagnetic field changes and circuit continuity, completely avoiding susceptibility to thermal environmental factors such as air temperature changes, heating/AC systems, and sunlight heating.
4Adaptability or versatility
If inductive circuit sensor is used to detect both open and penetrated doors, then detection versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges door opening detection and penetration detection into a single inductive circuit sensor system. The same inductive coils and conductive paths that detect door openings also detect penetrations by monitoring circuit continuity, eliminating the need for separate sensor systems and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive circuit sensor is designed to perform multiple detection functions using the same hardware components. The magnetic sensors detect both magnetic field changes from door openings and electromagnetic field changes from penetrations, while the conductive paths monitor both door position and circuit integrity, providing versatile detection without proportional complexity increase.
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 system effectively detects door breaches by maintaining signal continuity through a conductive path, reducing nuisance alarms and enhancing security by accurately distinguishing between door openings and penetrations.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitting coil is electromagnetically coupled with the first inductive coil. A receiving coil is electromagnetically coupled with the second inductive coil. The transmitting coil receives a signal from a transmit port on the microcontroller and couples the signal to the conductive sensor pattern element via the first inductive coil.
Implementation Method 2
The conductive sensor pattern element includes a first end connected to a first inductive coil and a second end connected to a second inductive coil. The conductive sensor pattern element has a conductive wire arranged in a path traversing a predetermined cross-section of the protected element.
Data Source
AI summary
An inductive circuit sensor system and method for monitoring an electromagnetic signal path through a circuit is shown. A protected element or door is movably positionable adjacent to the stationary element or frame in a monitored position. A conductive sensor pattern element is connected to a pair of inductive coils. The pattern element is a conductive wire traversing a predetermined cross-section of the door. The frame has a transmitting coil in communication with a microcontroller. The transmitting coil is coupled with the first coil and a receiving coil is coupled with the second coil. The transmitting coil receives a signal from the microcontroller and couples the signal to the pattern element. The signal is in communication with a receiving port on the microcontroller. The microcontroller is programmed to compare the signal from the transmit port with the signal at the receiving port.