Luminaire Radar Sensor Phase Shift Detection Area Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Movement detectors for luminaires often require a tilted installation position to set the detection area, which limits design options and space availability, making it desirable to configure the detection area independently of the installation position.

Innovation Solution

A movement detector using a radar sensor with an antenna array, where at least two antennas emit electromagnetic waves with a phase shift to set the detection area, allowing for directivity without the need for a specific installation position, enabling the detection area to be adjusted by changing the phase shift between the waves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the movement detector is installed in a tilted position to set the detection area, then the detection area can be directed to a desired direction, but there is not enough space in or on the luminaire for the tilted installation position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection area directionVSAvoidspace in luminaire
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the antenna array by applying phase shifts to the electromagnetic waves emitted by individual antennas. This allows the detection area to be electronically steered to desired directions without physically tilting the movement detector, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving proper detection area orientation and maintaining sufficient installation space in the luminaire.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of stationary object

If the movement detector is installed without tilting to save space, then more space is available in the luminaire, but the detection area cannot be directed to a desired direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace in luminaireVSAvoiddetection area direction
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical tilting mechanism with an electronic phase shifting system. Instead of physically orienting the movement detector by tilting it to a specific angle, the system uses phase shifts applied to the electromagnetic waves from individual antennas to electronically steer the detection area. This substitution allows the detector to be installed in a straightforward position while still achieving the desired detection area orientation.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If a tilted position is required for the movement detector, then the detection area can be set to a desired direction, but the design options for designing a luminaire are limited due to the space needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection area configurationVSAvoidluminaire design flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables flexible detection area configuration through parameter changes in the electromagnetic wave phase shifts rather than through fixed mechanical tilting. This allows the luminaire design to maintain full flexibility without being constrained by the space requirements for tilted installation, as the detection area can be electronically adjusted to various directions after installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution allows the movement detector to set its detection area independently of its installation position, enhancing design flexibility and eliminating the need for tilted installations, thereby optimizing space usage and design options for luminaire placement.

Implementation Method 1

The movement detector comprises a radar sensor (2a), wherein the radar sensor comprises an antenna array with a plurality of antennas (2b)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

At least two antennas of the plurality of antennas are configured to set the detection area of the movement detector by emitting electromagnetic waves with a phase shift between each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase shift: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP4071508A1Movement detector for a luminaire
Publication Date: 2022.10.12 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4071508A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4071508A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4071508A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a movement detector (2) for a luminaire (1), wherein the movement detector (2) comprises a radar sensor (2a), the radar sensor (2a) comprising an antenna array with a plurality of antennas (2b). The movement detector (2) is configured to detect, in a detection area (Al, A2), movement of a physical object, optionally a person, using the radar sensor (2a). At least two antennas of the plurality of antennas (2b) are configured to set the detection area (Al, A2) of the movement detector (2) by emitting electromagnetic waves with a phase shift between each other. The present invention further provides a luminaire (1) comprising such a movement detector (2), and a method for setting a detection area (Al, A2) of a movement detector (2) for a luminaire (1).