Passive Optical Door Position Detection Without Local Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door and window position detection systems face challenges in power supply and signal processing, especially when monitoring multiple doors or those located far from a voltage source, and are unsuitable for environments with explosive or flammable materials.
Innovation Solution
A passive object position detector using an optical fiber with a movable mirror and springs, where the mirror changes positions to transmit or block light signals based on the object's position, eliminating the need for a light source or power supply, allowing installation in various configurations, including remote locations and explosive environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical contactors or optical sensors with light sources are used for position detection, then position detection function is achieved, but power supply requirements increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical and optical detection systems with a passive optical mirror system. Instead of using powered sensors or contactors, the invention uses a mirror that physically moves with the door to reflect or block light from an external source, converting an active electrical/optical system into a passive mechanical-optical system that requires no local power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the light source function from the door assembly and places it externally. The door only carries a passive mirror, while the light source and detection electronics are located remotely, eliminating the need to power components at the door location and reducing the power consumption burden on the door system.
2Reliability
If electrical contactors or powered sensors are installed on each door, then position detection is enabled, but ease of installation decreases due to electrical wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical wiring and powered components with a passive mechanical mirror system. The mirror is mechanically coupled to the door and moves with it, reflecting light to indicate position. This eliminates the need for electrical wiring, contactors, and powered sensors, dramatically simplifying installation in residential and remote locations.
3Reliability
If multiple doors are monitored with individual powered detectors, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal monitoring system where a single external light source and detection system can serve multiple doors simultaneously. Each door has a passive mirror that works with the shared external light source, allowing one power supply to monitor many doors, thereby reducing total power consumption while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage.
4Measurement precision
If optical sensors with light sources are used, then position detection precision is improved, but adaptability to remote and confined locations decreases due to power supply requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces powered optical sensors with a passive mirror system that can be installed in remote locations without electrical power. The mirror mechanically follows the door position and modulates an external light source, enabling precise position detection in locations previously inaccessible to powered sensors, such as remote buildings or confined spaces with explosive hazards.
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
Enables efficient detection of door or window positions without electrical power, facilitating installation in diverse settings and managing multiple objects with reduced power consumption, while maintaining robustness and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror mounted inside the body and movable relative to the input between a first position and a second position, the first position or the second position ensuring transmission of the light signal from the input to the output
Implementation Method 2
a first spring mounted in the body and configured to place the mirror in the first position in the absence of stress
Data Source
AI summary
The position detector of an object includes a body defining an input receiving an optical fibre delivering a light signal, and an output delivering a signal representative of the position of the object. A mirror is mounted to move between first and second positions in the body with respect to the input. The first position or the second position ensures transmission of the light signal from the input to the output. The other of the first position and the second position prevents transmission of the light signal to the output. A spring is mounted in the body in order to place the mirror in the first position. A tip is movable relative to the body between a first position and a second position along a direction of movement and is intended to cooperate with the object to be monitored.