Single Sensor Door Window State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door and window security systems require two independent sensors to determine the open/closed and locked/unlocked states, leading to increased cost and complexity due to additional sensor placement and potential points of failure.
Innovation Solution
A single sensor system that uses a magnetic field sensor or other variable parameter sensors to determine both the open/close and lock/unlock states of a door or window by measuring changes in magnetic fields or capacitance, allowing for wireless communication of these states to a central monitoring system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two independent sensors are used to determine open/closed and locked/unlocked states, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a single sensor that can detect both the open/closed state and locked/unlocked state of the window. The sensor measures magnetic field strength and uses threshold comparisons to determine multiple states, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each function while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of two separate sensors into one unified sensor. By combining the detection capabilities for window state and lock state into a single magnetic field sensor, the patent reduces system complexity while preserving the ability to accurately determine both states through signal processing and threshold analysis.
2Measurement precision
If two independent sensors are used to determine open/closed and locked/unlocked states, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing cost by designing a single sensor that performs multiple detection functions. Instead of producing and installing two separate sensors, the invention uses one sensor with enhanced signal processing capabilities to determine both window and lock states, thereby reducing component costs and assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detection functions into a single sensor unit, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured, sourced, and installed. This consolidation directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the precision required for secure detection through sophisticated signal analysis.
3Measurement precision
If two independent sensors are used to determine open/closed and locked/unlocked states, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves reliability by using a single sensor that provides multiple detection functions. This eliminates the potential points of failure associated with having two separate sensors, while the sophisticated signal processing and threshold comparison methods ensure accurate and reliable detection of both window and lock states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two sensor functions into one, reducing the number of potential failure points in the system. The unified sensor design with enhanced signal processing maintains detection accuracy while improving overall system reliability by eliminating the complexity and additional failure risks associated with multiple independent sensors.
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 reduces the complexity and cost of security systems by using a single sensor to determine multiple states, enhancing reliability and simplifying installation while maintaining effective monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for measuring an attribute that varies as a first door or window condition is achieved and as a second door or window condition is achieved
Data Source
AI summary
A security apparatus is described for determining a condition of a door or window. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a sensor for measuring an attribute that varies as a first door or window condition is achieved and as a second door or window condition is achieved, and for generating signals indicative of the attribute, and a processor coupled to the sensor for determining the first door or window condition and the second door or window condition based on the signals from the sensor.