Infrared Curtain Sensor for Automatic Door Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infrared (IR) sensors used in automatic door systems face challenges in providing a large coverage area while minimizing interference from moving doors, requiring complex designs and multiple units, and lack flexibility in adjusting detection size and shape.
Innovation Solution
The proposed IR sensor system includes a novel configuration with multiple rows of emitters and receptors, using refractive elements to form adjustable IR patterns, allowing for individual control of emitters and receptors to change the width, shape, and angle of the detection area, enabling intelligent adjustments during door opening and closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional IR sensors are used to detect presence in automatic door systems, then basic detection function is achieved, but the coverage area is limited and interference from moving doors occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The detection area is divided into multiple independent IR curtains (first curtain, second curtain, third curtain) that can be individually controlled. Each curtain is formed by specific emitters and receptors working together, allowing selective activation of different detection zones to avoid door interference while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which IR curtains are active based on door position and traffic patterns. The controller can selectively enable or disable specific emitters and receptors to form different detection patterns, adapting the coverage area in real-time to minimize door interference while maximizing detection effectiveness.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple IR sensors are deployed to increase coverage area, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single IR sensor unit achieves multiple functions by forming different IR curtains with the same physical components. The same emitters and receptors can create various detection patterns (first curtain, second curtain, third curtain) by selective activation, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensor units while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the dimension of temporal control and selective activation to the spatial arrangement of emitters and receptors. By controlling which components are active at different times, the system creates multiple detection planes and patterns from a single physical unit, effectively expanding coverage without increasing physical complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed IR pattern is used for detection, then system design is simplified, but flexibility in adjusting detection size and shape is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed detection patterns to dynamic, adjustable IR curtains. The controller can selectively activate different emitters and receptors to change the width, shape, and position of detection areas in real-time, providing adaptability to various door configurations and traffic patterns without requiring physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (which emitters and receptors are active) to adjust detection characteristics. By modifying the activation state of individual components, the system can alter the detection area's width, shape, and position to match different operational requirements while using the same physical hardware.
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 provides a highly energy-efficient, less susceptible to noise, and more flexible IR sensor system that can adapt to varying detection areas, enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of automatic door systems by allowing precise control over the IR pattern for improved traffic sensing.
Implementation Method 1
Each emitter of the plurality of emitters may be configured to emit an emission beam comprising IR light
Implementation Method 2
Each receptor of the plurality of receptors may be configured to receive a reception beam comprising the IR light reflected off of a surface
Implementation Method 3
One or more lenses comprising refractive elements may be configured to duplicate and direct one or more of the emission beams and one or more of the reception beams onto the surface to form an IR pattern
Data Source
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AI summary
An infrared (IR) sensor (106) for use in a door sensor (100). The IR sensor may include a plurality of emitters (300) arranged in multiple rows. Each emitter of the plurality of emitters may be configured to emit an emission beam comprising IR light. A plurality of receptors (200) may be arranged in multiple rows. Each receptor of the plurality of receptors may be configured to receive a reception beam comprising the IR light reflected off of a surface. One or more lenses comprising refractive elements may be configured to duplicate and direct one or more of the emission beams and one or more of the reception beams onto the surface to form an IR pattern. The IR pattern may include multiple IR curtains. One or more of the receptors and/or emitters may be deactivated to change a width of the IR pattern and/or number of IR curtains.