Configurable Radar Motion Detector Wireless Parameter Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Motion detectors integrated into building automation devices are difficult to access and configure, requiring disassembly and potentially disrupting other devices on the same supply line, which complicates parameter adjustments such as delay time, sensitivity, and sensor settings.

Innovation Solution

A radar-based motion detector with a control unit that evaluates radar signals for configuration parameters, allowing parameter changes via specific movement patterns or encoded signals, eliminating the need for physical access and reducing the necessity for safety measures and device disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the motion detector is integrated into a light fixture or building automation device, then the device becomes compact and integrated, but configuration and parameter adjustment become difficult requiring disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration compactnessVSAvoidconfiguration accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms (potentiometers, push buttons, screws) with wireless communication-based configuration. The control unit receives configuration data wirelessly via radio frequency signals, eliminating the need for physical access to adjustment mechanisms and resolving the contradiction between integrated compactness and configuration accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If adjustment mechanisms such as potentiometers, push buttons, or screws are made inaccessible when installed, then safety is improved, but configuration capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact protectionVSAvoidparameter adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms with wireless configuration capability. The control unit can be reconfigured remotely via radio frequency signals, maintaining safety by keeping adjustment mechanisms inaccessible while preserving full configuration capability through wireless communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the supply voltage is switched off for safety during configuration, then safety is improved, but functionality of other devices on the same supply line deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact protectionVSAvoidsystem availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces power-based configuration methods with wireless communication-based configuration. Configuration data is transmitted via radio frequency signals that do not require switching off the supply voltage, allowing safe remote configuration while maintaining continuous operation of the building automation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If configuration data is transmitted during regular predefined time intervals, then communication capability is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to signal interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidmotion detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic communication intervals specifically designed for configuration data transmission. By scheduling configuration transmissions during predefined time intervals when motion detection is temporarily suspended or less critical, the system allows accurate configuration without permanently compromising detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a signal processing intermediary that distinguishes between configuration signals and motion detection signals. The control unit evaluates signal characteristics to differentiate configuration data from actual motion events, preventing false detections during configuration transmissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 easy configuration of motion detector parameters without disassembling the device, reducing costs and safety concerns, while maintaining normal operation of connected devices like lights, by using radar signals to trigger parameter changes based on predefined criteria.

Implementation Method 1

a radar transmitter (7b) and a radar receiver (7a), wherein the control unit (5) is configured to use a received radar signal as a configuration signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Data Source

PatentEP3035075B1Configurable motion detector
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3035075B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3035075B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3035075B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In one aspect, a radar-based motion detector is provided, wherein the motion detector comprises: a radar transmitter, a radar receiver, and a control unit configured to control the radar transmitter to transmit and to evaluate radar signals received by the radar receiver, wherein the control unit is configured to use a received radar signal as a configuration signal for at least one operating parameter of the motion detector if the received radar signal meets a predetermined signaling criterion.