Always-On Shock and Orientation Detection for Warranty Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard warranties for electronic devices do not cover physical damage caused by user-induced shock events, leading to deceptive claims and unnecessary repairs by companies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing shock and orientation detection using a multi-sensor device with an always-on accelerometer and gyroscope to detect device motion and orientation, storing data in non-volatile memory for evaluating warranty claims.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shock detection and orientation detection are performed continuously, then the ability to evaluate warranty claims is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs detection operations periodically based on device state rather than continuously. The accelerometer remains always-on to detect motion, but the gyroscope and shock detection are suspended when the device is stationary, activating only when motion is detected. This periodic activation pattern reduces power consumption while maintaining reliable shock event detection for warranty evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on real-time device motion status. The system transitions between active and suspended states of different detection components according to whether the device is in motion or stationary, optimizing the balance between detection reliability and power consumption.
2Measurement precision
If the device performs motion detection using accelerometer measurements, then the ability to detect device movement is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerometer operates continuously at low power to detect motion, while more power-intensive detection functions are activated only when motion is detected. This layered approach maintains accurate motion detection capability while minimizing overall power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If shock detection and gyroscope measurements are suspended when the device is stationary, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to detect shock events may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerometer performs preliminary motion detection continuously and at low power. When motion is detected, it triggers the activation of the gyroscope and shock detection functions. This preliminary action ensures that shock events are not missed while keeping power consumption low during stationary periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the accelerometer's motion detection to dynamically control the state of the gyroscope and shock detection. When the accelerometer detects motion, it provides feedback to activate the other detection components, ensuring reliable shock detection only when needed.
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 companies to validate warranty claims by detecting shock events and orientations, reducing unnecessary repairs through low-power, continuous monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The shock detection detects shock events, such as accidental drops of the device, and the orientation detection detects the orientation of the device at the time of the shock event
Implementation Method 2
In case the device is determined to be in motion, shock detection, gyroscope measurements, and orientation detection are performed
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to shock and orientation detection for an electronic device. The shock detection detects shock events, such as an accidental drop of the device, and the orientation detection detects the orientation of the device at the time of the detected shock event. The detected shock event and orientations are stored in non-volatile memory. The shock and orientation detection are implemented in low power hardware without any host intervention, and may be implemented as an always-on feature that executes even when the device is in an off or low power state.