Method for determining an open state of an openable panel of a room of a building and associated determining device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the opening state of a room's openings, such as windows or doors, are inaccurate and economically unfeasible, especially when temperatures inside and outside the room are equal or slightly different, making it difficult to manage energy consumption effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method using temperature and humidity sensors to calculate absolute humidity and analyze its temporal variations, with thresholds for determining the opening state, allowing for precise detection of open or closed states and enabling control of home automation devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If temperature-based methods are used to detect opening state, then detection can be implemented without dedicated sensors, but detection accuracy deteriorates when indoor and outdoor temperatures are equal or similar

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidopening state detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameter from temperature to absolute humidity. By measuring humidity instead of temperature, the system maintains high detection accuracy regardless of temperature conditions. The control device calculates absolute humidity from relative humidity and temperature measurements, then detects opening state based on humidity variation rates, thereby resolving the accuracy problem when temperatures are similar.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If dedicated opening sensors are installed on each window or door, then opening state detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening state detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor installation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing temperature and humidity sensors serve multiple functions. These sensors, originally intended for comfort control, are now also used for opening state detection. By analyzing the temporal variation of absolute humidity from these multi-purpose sensors, the system achieves accurate opening detection without requiring additional dedicated sensors, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by stationary object

If temperature difference-based detection is used, then energy management can be simplified, but detection reliability deteriorates when no temperature difference exists between inside and outside

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy management efficiencyVSAvoiddetection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent switches from temperature difference as the detection basis to absolute humidity variation rate. This parameter change ensures reliable detection regardless of temperature conditions. The system calculates absolute humidity from sensor data and detects openings by monitoring its temporal changes, maintaining high reliability even when indoor and outdoor temperatures are equal, thus solving the reliability problem while keeping energy management efficient.

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 approach provides a simple, reliable, and precise method for determining the opening state, improving energy management by accurately distinguishing between open and closed states, regardless of temperature differences, and optimizing air renewal rates.

Implementation Method 1

a step of measuring by the humidity sensor the relative humidity of the air inside the room

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRelative humidity measurement: Hygrometer

Implementation Method 2

a step of measuring by the temperature sensor the temperature of the air inside the room

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature measurement: Thermocouple

Implementation Method 3

a step of determining, in particular a calculation step, the absolute humidity of the air inside the room from the relative humidity of the air inside the room and the temperature of the air inside the room

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsolute humidity calculation: Hygrometer

Data Source

PatentEP3267121B1Method for determining an open state of an openable panel of a room of a building and associated determining device
Publication Date: 2019.06.05 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP3267121B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3267121B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3267121B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Method for determining an opening state of an opening of a room of a building, the room being equipped with the opening, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, the method comprising : - a step of measurement by the humidity sensor of the relative humidity of the air inside the room and of measurement by the temperature sensor of the temperature of the air inside the room; - a step of determining, in particular a step of calculating, the absolute humidity of the air inside the room from the relative humidity rate of the air inside the room and the temperature of the air inside the room; - a step of analysis of the temporal evolutions of the interior absolute humidity; and - a step of using the results of the analysis step to determine the opening state of the leaf.