Capacitive Recliner Occupancy Sensing With Sinuous Wire Arrays
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional occupancy-detection technologies do not seamlessly integrate with automated bedding systems, leading to challenges in controlling features and accessories, and existing systems often generate false presence indications, particularly in multi-source detection scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive-based occupancy detection system that incorporates detection pads, grids, and sinuous wires into furniture items, using a processor to determine presence through changes in capacitance, allowing for reliable detection and synchronization of features and accessories in automated furniture like beds and recliners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional occupancy-detection technology is used, then occupancy detection is provided, but integration with automated bedding systems is difficult and false presence indications occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection technologies (capacitive sensing, pressure sensing, optical sensing) into a single integrated occupancy detection system that seamlessly interfaces with automated bedding systems. This merging eliminates the need for separate detection systems and resolves integration difficulties while improving reliability through multi-sensor validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The occupancy detection system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting occupancy presence, determining occupancy position, and providing seamless integration with various automated bedding features. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate systems and reduces overall device complexity while improving reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple detection sources are used, then detection coverage is improved, but false presence indications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where detection signals from multiple sources (capacitive, pressure, optical sensors) are continuously monitored and cross-validated. The controller adjusts detection thresholds and filters based on feedback from all sensors, eliminating false presence indications while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite detection approach combining multiple sensing technologies (capacitive sensors, pressure sensors, optical sensors) into a unified detection system. This composite methodology allows cross-validation of detection signals, eliminating false positives from individual sensors while maintaining comprehensive 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
The capacitive system provides accurate occupancy detection, preventing false positives and enabling seamless control of automated furniture features, enhancing user experience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitive component, such as a detection pad or other detection material, adapted to have a voltage based on proximity of an object to the capacitive component
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for incorporating occupancy-detecting technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to detecting occupancy in a recliner using a sinuous wire detection array incorporated into a seat. Further embodiments of the invention are directed to a system and method for incorporating capacitance detection technology with one or more conductive features of a recliner mechanism. In some aspects, a sensor is provided based on coupling one or more conductive features to a control component of the capacitance detector control component. A controller may determine the corresponding response based on occupancy detection and/or presence detection. A processor may receive information regarding changes in capacitance and determines when a change in voltage satisfies a threshold. Based on a determination of occupancy and/or presence, a variety of corresponding features of the adjustable recliner may be activated.