Self-Configuring Door and Window Sensor for Universal Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home security systems require multiple types of door/window sensors for different types of windows and doors, leading to increased inventory costs and complexities for installers, as there is no way to determine which type of sensor is installed during maintenance or failure.
Innovation Solution
A self-configuring sensor that uses multiple sub-sensors to automatically determine its installation configuration, allowing a single sensor type to monitor various doors and windows, reducing the need for multiple sensor types and simplifying inventory management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of door/window sensors are used for different types of windows and doors, then the sensor can match particular types of different windows or doors, but the inventory requirements increase, costing money and taking up space
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is designed with multiple sub-sensors that can detect various installation configurations (magnet position, mounting orientation, door/window type), allowing a single universal sensor type to replace multiple specialized sensor types. The processor analyzes signals from these sub-sensors to automatically determine the installation configuration, enabling the same sensor hardware to adapt to different applications without requiring inventory of multiple sensor variants.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of door/window sensors are used for different types of windows and doors, then the sensor can match particular types of different windows or doors, but it becomes difficult to determine which type of sensor is installed during maintenance or failure
Solution Approach 1:
The processor automatically determines the installation configuration by analyzing signals from multiple sub-sensors and provides feedback about the detected configuration. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system always knows which type of installation is present, eliminating confusion during maintenance or failure scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor performs self-identification of its installation configuration automatically without requiring external documentation or manual configuration. The processor uses the signals from sub-sensors to self-determine the sensor type and installation orientation, making the system self-aware of its own configuration state.
3Quantity of substance
If a single sensor type is used for all door and window types, then inventory requirements are reduced, but the sensor cannot accurately determine the installation configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple functional sub-sensors, each responsible for detecting specific aspects of the installation configuration (magnet position, mounting orientation, door/window type). This segmentation allows the single sensor to gather comprehensive information about its installation environment, enabling accurate determination of the configuration despite using universal hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds temporal and analytical dimensions to the detection process. By analyzing the timing, pattern, and combination of signals from multiple sub-sensors over time, the processor can distinguish between different installation configurations even when using identical sensor hardware, effectively adding informational dimensions to the detection capability.
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
Enables efficient monitoring of door and window statuses with reduced inventory requirements, allowing installers to minimize stock and easily manage sensor failures by determining the type of window or door the sensor is installed in, thus enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the reed switch comprising an electrical contact or switch that opens and closes upon application/removal of a magnetic field
Data Source
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AI summary
A self-configuring sensor and method of operation of the sensor is described. In one embodiment, the self-configuring sensor comprises a first sub-sensor for determining a first status of a door or window, a second sub-sensor for determining a second status of the door or window, a wireless transmitter, a memory for storing processor-executable instructions, and a processor coupled to the first sub-sensor, the second sub-sensor, the wireless transmitter and the memory for executing the processor-executable instructions that cause the sensor to monitor the first and second sub-sensors for detecting changes in a first sub-sensor state and a second sub-sensor state, respectively, and determine an installation configuration based on the changes in the first sub-sensor state and the second sub-sensor state, the installation configuration comprising a type of hardware where the self-configuring sensor has been installed.