PIR Sensor Surface Lens Segmentation for Non-Overlapping Detection Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing PIR sensor devices face challenges in seamlessly dividing large areas into detection zones without overlap, making it difficult to implement defined, location-dependent activation of consumers, especially in large rooms or corridors, and they often have an unsightly design.

Innovation Solution

A flush-mounted PIR sensor device with a surface lens arrangement featuring multiple lenses or lens sections, designed with parallel and angled contour edges, allowing for seamless subdivision of areas into non-overlapping detection zones, and a housing that is aesthetically pleasing with a minimal visible profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple PIR sensor devices are used to monitor large areas, then the detection coverage is improved, but the detection areas overlap significantly making seamless division into distinct zones difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverage areaVSAvoiddetection zone division complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection area is segmented into distinct non-overlapping zones using a square envelope contour that can be seamlessly tiled across large areas. The surface lens arrangement is divided into multiple lens sections (e.g., hexagonal honeycomb pattern) that correspond to specific detection sub-areas, enabling clear spatial division without overlap when multiple sensors are deployed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the detection area are assigned different functions or properties through the lens section arrangement. Each lens section focuses infrared radiation from a specific direction or area onto the PIR sensor, creating localized detection zones with distinct characteristics that can be activated independently based on location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Shape

If the sensor device is designed to be flush-mounted with minimal visible profile, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the mounting precision and alignment requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisible profile heightVSAvoidmounting alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The housing contour sections serve a dual function: they provide the aesthetic flush-mounted profile and simultaneously serve as alignment references during installation. The parallel housing contour sections corresponding to the detection area envelope contour enable the technician to self-align the device by matching the housing contours with the desired detection zone orientation, eliminating the need for separate alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the detection area has an envelope contour that allows seamless division into non-overlapping zones, then the location-based activation precision is improved, but the housing design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection zone positioning precisionVSAvoidhousing contour design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection area uses a square envelope contour with specific directional orientation rather than a circular symmetric design. This asymmetric square shape allows for precise directional coverage and seamless tiling in orthogonal arrangements, enabling accurate location-based activation while the housing contour sections replicate this asymmetric pattern for alignment purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 and non-overlapping coverage of large areas with precise activation of consumers, while maintaining a slim, aesthetically appealing design, ensuring effective motion and presence detection without visible obstructions.

Implementation Method 1

passive infrared sensor device for use as a motion and/or presence detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

surface lens arrangement comprising several individual lenses and/or lens sections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLens focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP2650849B1Built-in passive infrared sensor device
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 STEINEL
  • EP2650849B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2650849B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2650849B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The installation-passive-infrared-sensor device has a passive-infrared-sensor unit arranged in a housing (2) and a surface lens arrangement arranged with a distance to passive-infrared-sensor unit. The surface lens arrangement is formed such that the sensor device in a detecting plane has detecting area (18) with a casing contour that has two parallel casing contour edges (19). The housing has an installation section retractable in a mounting opening and a visibility section (5) providing a contact surface (6) for external engagement to a wall or cover section surrounding the mounting opening.