Infrared Reflective Switch Module for Outdoor Proximity Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switches, such as infrared heat-activated sensors and tactile switches, face issues like erratic outdoor performance due to solar radiation, power outages causing reset, and vulnerability to moisture and corrosive agents, which limits their use and does not protect light fixtures and appliances from voltage spikes.
Innovation Solution
A proximity activation switch module using an infrared reflective sensor with a capacitive power supply, zero-crossing chip, and anti-moisture and anti-corrosion coating, allowing operation in humid environments and outdoors, and providing gradual voltage transition to protect appliances from voltage spikes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If infrared heat-activated sensors are used, then the switch can be activated by proximity, but the sensor cannot be exposed to solar radiation due to erratic activations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heat-activated infrared sensors with optical infrared sensors that detect reflected infrared light from objects. This substitution eliminates sensitivity to solar radiation while maintaining proximity detection capability, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability in outdoor environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from thermal infrared (heat) to optical infrared (reflected light). This parameter change allows the sensor to distinguish between ambient thermal radiation and reflected infrared signals from nearby objects, enabling reliable outdoor operation while maintaining proximity activation.
2Power
If electrical tactile switches are used, then the switch provides full electrical charge, but voltage spikes occur when turning on light fixtures and appliances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary action by gradually increasing the voltage from 0V to full operating voltage over a period of time before fully energizing the load. This gradual voltage ramp-up prevents sudden inrush currents and voltage spikes that could damage light fixtures and appliances, while still delivering the required full electrical charge.
3Ease of operation
If electrical tactile switches are used, then the switch operates indoors, but the switch cannot be exposed to moisture or corrosive agents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs protective enclosures and sealing mechanisms that create a barrier between the electrical components and the external environment. This protective shell approach allows the switch to operate reliably in humid and corrosive environments while maintaining its electrical functionality, effectively extending its operational range beyond indoor conditions.
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 module maintains operation during power outages, is immune to solar radiation, and extends the lifespan of light fixtures and appliances by preventing voltage spikes, while being resistant to moisture and corrosive agents.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared reflective sensor composed by an infrared transmitter that emits a coded light signal which bounces in objects, and an infrared receptor that captures the coded light signal
Implementation Method 2
an infrared transmitter that emits a coded light signal which bounces in objects
Implementation Method 3
The zero-crossing chip allows the switch module, when turning on, to receive an order to send a graduated charge in three hundredths of a second instead of 220 V or 110 V. That is from 0% to 100%, gradually, contributing to the lifespan of light fixtures and appliances
Implementation Method 4
a 100V to 250V optocoupler-activated thyristor that drives the electrical load
Data Source
AI summary
A proximity switch module activated by an infrared reflective sensor that is triggered solely by IR light emitted by the module itself, turning on and off when a body is brought within activation distance, receiving the electrical network charge gradually, capable of being embedded into spaces intended for mechanical switches, allowing for positioning of three or more modules in line that operate independently. The switch module is based on an electronic board that includes an infrared reflective sensor, a capacitive power supply, a 100V to 250V optocoupler-activated thyristor, terminals blocks, a thermal safety fuse, capacitors, a status indicator light, a zero-crossing chip, a casing, a casing cover, and a piece that allows only IR light from the module to pass through.