Systems and methods for sensor-based ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems require manual activation, which can be inconvenient and impractical, especially in non-residential settings, as they do not automatically provide immediate ventilation when needed, such as during toilet use or high humidity events like showering.
Innovation Solution
A sensor-based ventilation system that uses occupancy and humidity sensors to control ventilation devices, such as fans and vents, automatically activating them when a person is using a facility or when humidity levels exceed a threshold, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual activation of ventilation devices is required, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and immediate ventilation cannot be provided when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system automatically activates based on sensor inputs from occupants or environmental conditions (humidity, temperature), eliminating the need for manual user intervention. The system serves itself by detecting when ventilation is needed and initiating the ventilation process autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor environmental conditions and provide feedback to the control logic. When sensors detect conditions requiring ventilation (occupancy, high humidity, high temperature), the system responds by activating the ventilation device, creating a closed-loop feedback control system.
2Reliability
If sensor-based automatic ventilation is implemented, then immediate ventilation is provided when needed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor environmental conditions and provides feedback to the control system. When sensors detect conditions requiring ventilation (occupancy, high humidity, high temperature), the control system automatically activates the ventilation device, ensuring reliable response to actual needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation system is designed to respond to multiple different triggers and conditions (occupancy detection, humidity levels, temperature levels). A single ventilation device can serve multiple functions based on different sensor inputs, making the system versatile and adaptable to various ventilation scenarios.
3Use of energy by moving object
If ventilation is provided on a regular periodic basis to meet code standards, then energy consumption is reduced, but immediate ventilation cannot be provided when actually needed
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system transitions from static periodic operation to dynamic demand-based operation. The ventilation device operates based on real-time sensor inputs and environmental conditions, adjusting its operation dynamically to match actual ventilation needs rather than following a fixed schedule.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors environmental conditions through sensors and adjusts ventilation operation based on feedback from these sensors. Ventilation is activated only when sensors detect conditions requiring it, ensuring energy is used only when actually needed while maintaining reliability of immediate ventilation response.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor-based ventilation system includes a sensor, a ventilation device, and a controller. The controller receives a first indication from the sensor related to toilet usage or a humidity level within a room. The controller also sends a first instruction to actuate the ventilation device to initiate or increase ventilation of the room based on the first indication. The controller further receives a second indication from the sensor related to the toilet usage or the humidity level within the room changing after sending the first instruction. controller sends a second instruction to actuate the ventilation device to stop or reduce ventilation of the room based on the second indication.