Sensor Device Optical State Transition Sealed Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor devices require physical user input or perforations in their housing for state transitions, which compromises durability and convenience.

Innovation Solution

A sensor device equipped with a light sensor and light source that receives a predetermined light signal to transition from a transportation state to a configuration or operational state, enabling wireless communication and providing feedback through light modulation, thus eliminating the need for physical input devices and maintaining a sealed housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a reset button is provided for state transition, then the sensor device can transition from transportation state to operational state, but the housing requires a perforation which reduces durability and reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestate transition operationVSAvoidhousing integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical reset button system with an optical control system. A light sensor detects light signals to trigger state transitions, eliminating the need for physical buttons and housing perforations. This substitution maintains ease of operation while preserving housing integrity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium for control. Instead of direct mechanical contact through a reset button, the system uses light signals that can be detected by the light sensor to initiate state transitions. This intermediary approach allows remote, contactless control while maintaining sealed housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a reset button with perforation is used, then state transition is enabled, but the sensor device becomes more vulnerable to environmental damage and physical damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual activationVSAvoidenvironmental exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical button interface is replaced with an optical sensing system. The light sensor can detect light signals through the sealed housing material without requiring physical openings, thereby eliminating pathways for environmental contaminants while maintaining user control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing can be made with light-transmissive materials that allow light signals to pass through while maintaining physical sealing. This enables the housing to remain completely enclosed and protective against environmental factors while still permitting optical control signals to reach the internal light sensor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If physical input devices are used for state transition, then the sensor device can be activated, but the device complexity increases and durability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interactionVSAvoidphysical components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the physical button component from the device design. By eliminating the mechanical input device entirely and relying on light signal detection, the system reduces component count and complexity while maintaining operational capability through the existing light sensor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 enhances durability and reliability by allowing state transitions without physical interaction, ensuring the housing remains sealed while enabling external control, reducing the risk of damage and environmental exposure, and providing secure and efficient communication.

Implementation Method 1

a light sensor; When the light sensor receives a light signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a light source; modulate light from the light source to transmit an identifier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3743691B1Functional state transition of a sensor device based on a light signal
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 ASSA ABLOY AB
  • EP3743691B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3743691B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

It is presented a sensor device comprising: an environment sensor; a processor; a light sensor; a light source; a wireless communication module; and a memory. When the light sensor receives a light signal, the sensor device is configured to transition from a first functional state, in which wireless communication is inactivated, to a second functional state, in which wireless communication module is enabled. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the sensor device to modulate light from the light source to transmit an identifier of the sensor device.