Offset Pivot Axis Sensor Head for Compact Pivoting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pivotable sensor devices often have sensor heads that are optimally arranged for operation in one position but not in others, leading to protrusion issues, space inefficiency, and an unappealing design due to the fixed pivot axis being central, which restricts adaptability and compactness.

Innovation Solution

The sensor device features a pivotable sensor head with an offset pivot axis relative to its center, allowing eccentric rotation and adjustable positioning, enabling optimal placement in multiple configurations without compromising functionality, and includes a body design with recessed projections for enhanced compactness and aesthetic appeal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the pivot axis is positioned at the center of the sensor head, then the sensor device has a compact and aesthetically pleasing design in one position, but the sensor head protrudes too far in other positions and cannot be optimally positioned for different applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of sensor head positioningVSAvoidprotrusion of sensor head
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the pivot axis offset from the center of the sensor head. This asymmetric arrangement allows the sensor head to achieve optimal positioning in multiple orientations without excessive protrusion, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and compactness. The offset pivot axis creates different clearance characteristics depending on the rotation angle, enabling the sensor head to be compact in operational positions while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Volume of moving object

If the sensor head is designed to be compact in one position, then it fits well for packaging and storage, but it cannot be optimally positioned for motion detection in other positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompactness of sensor deviceVSAvoidpositioning flexibility for motion detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric pivot axis positioning enables the sensor head to present different effective volumes depending on its rotational position. When packaged or stored in a specific orientation, the sensor head appears compact; when rotated to detection positions, it achieves optimal positioning for motion detection. This resolves the contradiction between compactness and positioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sensor head protrudes further from the body to improve detection coverage, then motion detection capability is enhanced, but the device becomes less compact and more difficult to package and store

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidoverall device size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The offset pivot axis creates an asymmetric rotation path that allows the sensor head to extend further in detection-oriented positions while remaining compact in storage positions. This asymmetric geometry enables enhanced detection coverage without permanently increasing the overall device volume, as the protrusion is position-dependent rather than constant.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP4211425B1Pivotal sensor device
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 STEINEL
  • EP4211425B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4211425B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a pivotal sensor device (100) having a body (110) for securing the sensor device (100) to a wall or a ceiling, a sensor head (120) which is connected to the body (110) such that the body can be pivoted from a first position (A) to a second position (B), and a movement detector which is arranged in the sensor head (120) for detecting movements in the detection region of the movement detector. In this manner, the sensor head (120) can be pivoted about a pivot axis (z) arranged perpendicularly to a pivot direction (x), said pivot axis running through the sensor head (120) in the pivot direction (x) in an offset manner relative to the center of the sensor head.