Side-Looking Occupancy Sensor for Wall Switch Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing occupancy sensors for controlling electrical loads, such as lighting, often require complex mounting systems or special doorjambs, leading to unneeded complexity and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A side-looking occupancy sensor is integrated into a conventional wall switch, mounted adjacent to a door opening, which uses active and passive infrared sensors to monitor door movement and determine entry or exit, allowing for efficient control of electrical loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If occupancy sensors are mounted in a doorjamb using special assemblies, then occupancy detection function is achieved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the occupancy sensor with a standard wall switch into a single integrated unit. The sensor housing is mounted in the wall switch opening, eliminating the need for separate doorjamb mounting structures. This merging of functions achieves occupancy detection while simplifying the overall device structure and installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall switch serves multiple functions: it provides the mounting structure for the occupancy sensor, acts as the control interface for lighting, and the occupancy sensor itself performs both detection and counting functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for special doorjamb assemblies and reduces device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If counting-type occupancy sensors are used to track entry and exit, then accurate occupancy control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection space into two distinct zones: a first zone near the door opening and a second zone further into the room. By monitoring activation sequence of sensors in these zones, the system determines entry vs. exit events. This segmentation achieves accurate counting functionality while keeping each individual sensor simple and standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to occupancy detection by creating zones at different positions and depths. The first zone is positioned close to the door opening while the second zone extends into the room interior. This dimensional approach enables direction detection (entry/exit) using simple proximity sensors rather than complex motion analysis.
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
This solution simplifies the installation and operation of occupancy sensors by leveraging the normal position of a wall switch relative to a door, effectively controlling lighting based on accurate entry and exit detection, thereby saving energy.
Implementation Method 1
one or more active infrared proximity sensors in the housing and operably coupled to the controller for sensing people passing through the doorway
Implementation Method 2
a passive infrared sensor in the housing and operably coupled to the controller for sensing when people remain and leave the room
Data Source
AI summary
A side looking occupancy sensor is incorporated in a conventional wall switch mounted into a switch box adjacent to a door. The side-looking proximity sensor preferably is mountable to either side of the doorjamb to make the side-looking proximity sensor face the door opening. During operation, the side-looking sensor monitors the door movement or senses the passage of a person for indication that a person is entering or leaving the space. Entry and exit determination is made based on activation of the side-looking sensor.