Optical Motion Detection for Reliable Operation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion detection systems in apparatuses, such as clothing irons and lawnmowers, rely on unreliable electromechanical switches and moving parts, leading to malfunctions and inefficiencies in controlling operations based on motion or lack thereof.
Innovation Solution
A motion detection apparatus using optical detection methods with a light source and optical detector to process reflected light into electrical signals, determining movement or absence of movement, and generating control signals to switch the apparatus to different operational modes, such as sleep or shutdown, without relying on electromechanical switches or moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromechanical switches and moving parts are used for motion detection, then the apparatus can detect motion and control operations, but the system becomes unreliable and prone to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical switches and moving parts with an optical detection system consisting of a light source, optical detector, and logic circuitry. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and contact reliability issues while maintaining motion detection capability through optical signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system that detects motion through changes in reflected light patterns rather than direct mechanical contact. The optical detector and logic circuitry act as intermediaries to translate physical motion into control signals without requiring mechanical switches.
2Reliability
If electromechanical switches are used to control apparatus operations, then the apparatus can switch between operational modes, but the switches are prone to malfunction and reduce system reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical switches with solid-state logic circuitry that processes optical detector signals to generate control outputs. This electronic substitution eliminates mechanical wear in the switching mechanism while achieving the same operational mode control function.
3Reliability
If optical detection methods are used instead of electromechanical switches, then the system becomes more reliable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the light source, optical detector, and logic circuitry into a unified motion detection apparatus that serves multiple functions: detecting motion, determining absence of motion, and generating control signals. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to separate electromechanical components.
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 solution provides a reliable and efficient method to control apparatus operations based on motion detection, reducing power consumption and preventing malfunctions by eliminating the need for electromechanical components, ensuring consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
The light reflected from a surface or object external to the apparatus being monitored is received in an optical detector, which converts the reflected optical energy into electrical signal.
Data Source
AI summary
A motion detection apparatus and method for detecting motion in an apparatus being monitored, and for controlling operations of the apparatus being monitored. First logic of the apparatus processes electrical signals output from an optical detector to produce values that represent movement or an absence of movement of the apparatus being monitored. Second logic of the apparatus receives the values from the first logic and processes them to determine whether the values indicate that the apparatus being monitored has moved. When a determination is made that the apparatus being monitored has not moved, the apparatus being monitored is change from a current mode of operations to a different mode of operations.