Self-Identifying Multi-Function Sensor Device Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home security and automation systems face high overhead costs and technical challenges due to the need for multiple dedicated sensors, which can be costly and difficult to integrate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A self-identifying, multi-function sensor device with a housing that detects its orientation to activate different sensor functions, allowing it to communicate with a remote controller and operate in various modes, reducing the need for multiple sensors and simplifying installation and configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated sensors are used to provide different sensor functions, then the sensor device can perform multiple operations, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single sensor device housing that can perform multiple sensor functions (motion detection, light detection, temperature sensing, etc.) by detecting its orientation and activating different functional sensors accordingly. This universal approach allows one device to replace multiple dedicated sensors, reducing system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device dynamically changes its operational mode based on its detected orientation in space. An attribute sensor (accelerometer) detects the housing orientation, and the system activates different functional sensors based on which way the housing is pointing, allowing the device to adapt its function dynamically rather than being fixed to a single operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated sensors are installed to monitor different aspects of the home environment, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but integration becomes technically challenging
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple sensor functions into a single universal device, the patent eliminates the need for consumers to integrate multiple different sensor types. The device provides comprehensive monitoring (motion, light, temperature, etc.) through one unified interface and communication protocol, significantly simplifying installation and system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device automatically determines its own function based on its physical orientation. When installed, the device uses its attribute sensor to detect which way the housing is pointing and automatically activates the appropriate functional sensor without requiring manual configuration or programming by the consumer, making the system self-configuring and extremely easy to deploy.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated sensors are used for specific functions, then precise monitoring is achieved, but overhead costs including design, manufacture, stock, distribute and sell become prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple dedicated sensor functions into a single manufactured device. Instead of designing, manufacturing, and stocking multiple different sensor products, the company produces one universal sensor device that can perform all functions, dramatically reducing overhead costs related to design, manufacturing, inventory, distribution, and sales while maintaining all detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functional sensors and their supporting infrastructure into a single integrated device. By combining motion sensors, light sensors, temperature sensors, and other detection capabilities into one housing with a unified communication interface, the system eliminates the need for separate product lines and reduces overall manufacturing and distribution complexity.
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 solution reduces manufacturing and overhead costs while providing increased system configuration options and ease of use, as the sensor device can automatically adapt to new devices and perform multiple functions with ease, enhancing home security and automation systems.
Implementation Method 1
an attribute sensor associated with the housing, the attribute sensor configured to detect an orientation of the housing. The sensor device includes functional sensors associated with the housing, the functional sensors configured to provide multiple possible sensor device operating modes
Data Source
AI summary
A home security and automation system includes multi-sensor sensor devices that communicate with a base unit. Each sensor device is a self-identifying multi-function device that includes a housing, multiple sensors disposed in the housing, and a communication device disposed in the housing that permits communication between the sensor device and the base unit. Each sensor device is configured to be operated in multiple operating modes, and an active operating mode of each sensor device, corresponding to one operating mode selected from the several possible operating modes, is determined by the orientation in space of the sensor device housing. The base unit is configured to receive from each sensor device information identifying the active operating mode.