Movable Sensor for Automatic Window Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic window or door systems face challenges in effectively monitoring the movement range of sashes for obstacles over a wide range of positions, often requiring multiple sensors and limiting design choices due to the need for secure closing edges, which can lead to interference from non-target objects and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device that can be moved relative to its mounting component, allowing for optimal monitoring of the remaining movement range when the sash is closed, with the ability to adjust its alignment and monitoring area based on the sash's position and movement, using technologies like time-of-flight sensors for precise detection of obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to monitor closing edges, then monitoring reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single sensor device is designed to perform multiple functions: monitoring the closing edge for obstacles, detecting the sash position, and adapting its monitoring area dynamically. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate sensors while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage across different sash positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device incorporates dynamic adaptability by adjusting its monitoring area based on the current sash position. The sensor can expand or contract its detection zone to focus on relevant areas, allowing one sensor to effectively cover the functions that would traditionally require multiple fixed sensors.
2Reliability
If sensor device is made visible for monitoring, then monitoring coverage is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is designed to change its visibility state dynamically based on sash position. When the sash is closed, the sensor device is positioned to be hidden from external view, preserving aesthetic appearance. When the sash opens, the sensor device becomes visible and active, providing necessary monitoring coverage only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device is integrated into the window structure in a nested manner, allowing it to be concealed within the frame or sash assembly when not in use. This nesting approach enables the sensor to remain hidden during closed positions while being accessible and functional when the sash is open.
3Reliability
If monitoring area is expanded to cover all positions, then monitoring coverage is improved, but interference from non-target objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device dynamically adjusts its monitoring area size and position based on the current sash state. When the sash is closed, the monitoring area is minimized or repositioned to avoid detecting stationary objects like plants or furniture. When the sash is open or moving, the monitoring area expands to cover the movement zone, ensuring obstacles are detected while minimizing false triggers from non-target objects.
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 enables reliable and efficient contactless monitoring of the sash's movement range, minimizing interference and ensuring effective protection against obstacles, while maintaining a visually appealing design by hiding the sensor device when closed, and adapting to changing hazardous situations.
Implementation Method 1
using technologies like time-of-flight sensors for precise detection of obstacles
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to an automatic window or door system with a sash driven by a drive device and a sensor device arranged on a moving or stationary component of the system, in particular on the sash or frame, for non-contact monitoring of a movement area of the sash for obstacles such as persons or objects, characterized in that means are provided by which the sensor device can be moved relative to the component when the sash is closed.