Piezoelectric Sensor-Actuator Integration for Intrusion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional alarm systems are costly due to expensive sensors and actuators, require complex installation, are fragile and easily detectable, leading to reduced reliability and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where objects serve as both sensors and actuators using piezoelectric transducers integrated into the structure to detect and respond to vibrations, simplifying installation and enhancing concealment and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sensors and actuators are used in alarm systems, then the alarm function can be achieved, but the cost increases and installation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (sensor and actuator) into a single integrated device. The alarm device includes both a sensor unit for detecting intrusions and an actuator unit for emitting alarm signals, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The alarm device is designed as a multi-functional unit that can perform both sensing and actuation functions. The device can detect various types of intrusions (mechanical, optical, thermal) and respond with multiple alarm modes (acoustic, visual), making it universally applicable while simplifying the overall system architecture
2Reliability
If specialized sensors and actuators are used, then alarm detection and response capabilities are achieved, but manufacturing costs increase due to limited production scale
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal alarm device that integrates multiple functions, the patent enables mass production of a single standardized product rather than customizing separate sensors and actuators. This universality allows for economies of scale in manufacturing while maintaining the required reliability through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The integration of sensor and actuator functions into a single device creates a standardized product that can be manufactured using common components and assembly processes, improving manufacturing scalability compared to producing specialized separate components
3Reliability
If conventional sensors and actuators are installed, then alarm functionality is provided, but the system becomes easily detectable and vulnerable to disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the alarm device with the building structure itself, making it less visible and harder to detect. The sensor and actuator units are combined and positioned to leverage the building's existing features for concealment, while maintaining effective alarm coverage
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 approach reduces costs, simplifies installation, increases reliability, and enhances the alarm system's effectiveness by integrating sensors and actuators into the structure, making them harder to detect and disconnect.
Implementation Method 1
each one of a set of objects is associated with at least one transducer for detecting the induced vibration of the object
Implementation Method 2
for causing the alarm vibration of the same object
Data Source
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AI summary
A solution for alarming a structure is proposed. A corresponding anti-intrusion system detects the vibration of an object belonging to a structure and the alarm is given in the form of induced vibration of the same object. For example, the objects may be panels of a perimeter of a property, so that vibrations caused by burglars attempting to cross the fence are detected. After verification of the vibration detected (discrimination that vibration was not caused by weather conditions like rain or storm), an alarm is given by vibration actuators that are placed on the same perimeter elements as an alarm signal. Self-calibration is foreseen as historical data that can be logged and used to update detection thresholds (e.g. taking into account different background vibration during night and day).