Radial Multi-Sensor for Orientation-Independent Light Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart window technologies face challenges in achieving orientation-independent light sensing and efficient energy management, particularly in controlling electrochromic windows, as they require precise orientation adjustments and consume significant power.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sensor device with radially-oriented photosensors and infrared sensors, including a diffuser to distribute light uniformly, allowing for orientation-independent light detection and integration with a network system to control electrochromic windows, reducing power consumption and enhancing energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional single-direction light sensors are used to control electrochromic windows, then the sensing accuracy in a specific orientation is improved, but the device requires precise orientation adjustments and cannot function independently of mounting orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensing function is segmented into multiple independent photosensors arranged radially around a central axis. Each photosensor detects light from a specific radial direction, and the controller processes signals from all sensors to determine total light levels independent of device orientation. This segmentation allows the system to maintain measurement precision while eliminating orientation adjustment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-direction sensing approach to a multi-dimensional radial sensing arrangement. By distributing photosensors around a central axis in a planar configuration, the system captures light information from multiple spatial dimensions simultaneously, enabling orientation-independent operation while maintaining sensing accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and a diffuser are integrated into a compact housing, then orientation-independent light detection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple photosensors, a diffuser element, and control electronics are merged into a single integrated housing unit. The diffuser is positioned to distribute incident light uniformly across all radial sensors, while the controller integrates signals from all sensors. This merging achieves orientation independence while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-sensor device is designed as a universal controller that can be mounted in any orientation without requiring reconfiguration. The radial sensor array and diffuser combination creates a system that performs light sensing functions independently of mounting orientation, making it universally adaptable to different installation scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a radial array of photosensors with a diffuser is used, then orientation-independent light sensing is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photosensors are arranged in a radial pattern around a central axis, creating a circular or annular configuration rather than a linear array. This curved geometric arrangement simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing sensors to be positioned equidistantly around the circumference, making assembly more straightforward while achieving orientation-independent sensing.
4Loss of energy
If the multi-sensor device integrates with a network system to control electrochromic windows, then energy management efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives light sensing data from the radial photosensor array and uses this feedback to automatically adjust electrochromic window tinting levels. The system continuously monitors light conditions and modifies window opacity accordingly, reducing the need for manual intervention and optimizing energy management while the network interface enables remote monitoring and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-sensor device with radial photosensors and integrated controller operates autonomously to manage electrochromic window tinting based on detected light conditions. The system self-regulates without requiring constant user input, and the network connection enables it to provide energy management services independently while reducing overall power consumption.
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
The multi-sensor device enables efficient, orientation-independent light sensing and control of electrochromic windows, reducing power consumption and improving energy management by integrating with a network system to optimize lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-sensor device with radially-oriented photosensors and infrared sensors, including a diffuser to distribute light uniformly
Implementation Method 2
multiple light sensors positioned equidistantly along a circumference of the ring
Implementation Method 3
A multi-sensor device with radially-oriented photosensors and infrared sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
Various implementations relate generally to a multi-sensor device. Some implementations more particularly relate to a multi-sensor device including a ring of radially-oriented photosensors. Some implementations more particularly relate to a multi-sensor device that is orientation-independent with respect to a central axis of the ring. Some implementations of the multi-sensor devices described herein also include one or more additional sensors. For example, some implementations include an axially-directed photosensor. Some implementations also can include one or more temperature sensors configured to sense an exterior temperature, for example, an ambient temperature of an outdoors environment around the multi-sensor. Additionally or alternatively, some implementations can include a temperature sensor configured to sense an interior temperature within the multi-sensor device. Particular implementations provide, characterize, or enable a compact form factor. Particular implementations provide, characterize, or enable a multi-sensor device requiring little or no wiring, and in some such instances, little or no invasion, perforation or reconstruction of a building or other structure on which the multi-sensor device is mounted. Another impementation relates to a window controller 1900 which includes a processing unit 1904, a power circuit 1906, a drive circuit 608 and a feedback circuit 1910. In one implementation, the window controller 1900 additionally includes a communications circuit 1912.