Seismic Detection via Inertial Sensors in Smart Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building safety systems lack effective early warning mechanisms for impending seismic events, which can lead to inadequate time for occupants to seek shelter and reduce bodily injury and loss of life during earthquakes and other natural disasters.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising optically switchable windows, inertial sensors, and seismic event detection logic that analyzes building response signatures to detect seismic waves, particularly P-waves, allowing for early alerts before more destructive S-waves arrive, and includes additional sensors for comprehensive data collection and structural integrity monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional building safety systems are used, then basic structural monitoring is available, but early warning capability for seismic events is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The inertial sensors integrated into window controllers serve dual purposes: controlling optically switchable windows and detecting seismic P-waves. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide early seismic warning without adding dedicated sensing infrastructure, thereby improving reliability while limiting complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes existing building infrastructure (window controllers and optically switchable windows) to provide seismic detection capabilities. The window controllers already present in the building are repurposed to host inertial sensors, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring completely new infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If more inertial sensors are deployed throughout the building, then seismic detection accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each window controller is equipped with inertial sensors that serve both window control functions and seismic detection functions. This approach distributes sensing capabilities throughout the building using existing infrastructure, improving measurement precision through multiple distributed sensors while avoiding the complexity of a separate dedicated sensor network.
Solution Approach 2:
The building is divided into multiple zones, each monitored by inertial sensors integrated into window controllers at different locations. This segmentation allows distributed detection across the building structure, improving overall detection accuracy by capturing seismic waves from multiple spatial points without requiring a fully centralized complex system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If inertial sensors are integrated into window controllers, then system integration is improved, but manufacturing complexity of window controllers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inertial sensors are integrated directly into the window controller housing, merging the seismic detection function with the existing window control function. This integration improves system adaptability and versatility by creating a unified platform, while the physical integration into existing controller housings minimizes the impact on manufacturing processes.
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 system provides timely warnings to building occupants, potentially saving lives by offering seconds to minutes of warning before seismic activity begins, and enables data collection for improved understanding and preparedness against earthquakes and other disasters.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of inertial sensors, each configured to measure inertial data in at least one direction when affixed to the building
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of optically switchable windows
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments herein relate to systems and methods for detecting seismic events. Systems may include inertial sensors distributed on or in communication with a network of optically switchable windows in the building. In some systems, inertial sensors are located within a window controller, within an insulated glass unit, or in some way rigidly attached to the structure of a building. Logic is described for leveraging sensed inertial data to predicted a seismic event and/or evaluate the structural health of the building. In some cases, logic may be used to issue an alert to building occupants about impending shear waves that will arrive at the building's location. In some cases, a window network may respond to a detected seismic event by, e.g., changing the optical state of windows and/or providing occupants with evacuation instructions.