Sash Window Lock Sensing for False-Alarm-Free Status Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window security systems often produce false alarms and fail to accurately determine whether windows are both closed and locked, leading to potential security vulnerabilities and user apathy towards alerts.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with dual sensors and a detent mechanism that ensures the locking element is fully engaged, providing reliable feedback on the locked position of the window sash and locking mechanism, integrated with a home automation system for remote monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple alarm sensor is used to detect window opening, then the system is simple and low-cost, but false alarms occur and reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm system is segmented into multiple independent sensor components: a first sensor detects window opening/closing events, while a second sensor verifies actual intrusion attempts. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between legitimate alarms and false alarms by requiring both sensors to trigger simultaneously, thereby improving reliability without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
A microcontroller unit acts as an intermediary between the two sensors and the alarm output. It processes signals from both sensors, applies logical evaluation to determine true intrusions, and controls the alarm activation. This intermediary layer enables sophisticated decision-making logic while keeping the individual sensor components simple and low-cost.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to verify window status, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate sensing functions (window position detection and intrusion detection) are merged into a single integrated sensor assembly mounted on the window frame. The first sensor detects whether the window is open or closed, while the second sensor detects attempts to force entry. By combining these functions in one physical location and using a microcontroller to coordinate them, the system achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly serves multiple functions: it monitors window position, detects intrusion attempts, and provides data for both local and remote alarming. The microcontroller processes multiple sensor inputs and can trigger different alarm responses based on the combination of sensor states, making the system multi-functional while using a unified sensor platform.
3Loss of information
If remote communication means are added to the alarm system, then information transmission capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical/wired alarm notification system is replaced with electronic wireless communication modules. A communication module using wireless protocols (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular) transmits alarm signals and sensor data to remote destinations including mobile devices and monitoring centers. This substitution eliminates the need for complex physical wiring infrastructure while enabling robust remote information transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The alarm system incorporates self-service capabilities through automated remote notification. When an intrusion is detected, the system automatically sends alerts to predetermined contacts and monitoring services without requiring manual intervention. The microcontroller manages the entire process from sensor detection to remote notification, reducing the need for external system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device for a sash window having a window sash moveably mounted in a window frame, the locking device comprising a body and a locking element moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The device includes a sensor system to detect whether the window sash is in a closed position in the window frame and also to detect whether the locking element is in the locked position. The device includes a first sensor comprising a first lock sensor component mounted for movement with the locking element and a second lock sensor component mounted to the body. The device also includes a second sensor comprising a first window sensor component arranged to be mounted to the sash window and a second window sensor component mounted to the body. The device includes a detent mechanism which acts with the positional arrangement of the sensors to provide a reliable system.