Thermostat Grille Design for Concealed PIR Sensor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermostats face a challenge in balancing the need for advanced HVAC control capabilities with energy efficiency and occupant comfort, while also maintaining a compact and visually appealing design, as they require multiple sensors that need to be both concealed and effective.
Innovation Solution
A thermostat design that incorporates a passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor and temperature sensor concealed behind a grille member, which is thermally conductive and has slit-like openings to allow infrared radiation to pass through, enabling effective detection of occupancy and ambient temperature while maintaining a sleek appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are integrated into the thermostat to enhance HVAC control capabilities, then the thermostat's sensing functionality and energy-saving performance are improved, but the visual appearance and form factor compactness deteriorate due to the need for additional sensor components and openings
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is nested within the housing and concealed by the grille member, allowing the thermostat to maintain a clean, compact appearance while incorporating advanced sensing capabilities. The sensor elements are integrated into the internal structure rather than protruding externally.
Solution Approach 2:
The grille member acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the need for sensor functionality and visual appearance. It selectively allows infrared radiation to reach the sensor while maintaining a sleek, concealed appearance from the external view.
2Shape
If the thermostat is designed with a compact and visually pleasing form factor, then the overall appeal and ease of installation are improved, but the effectiveness of sensor detection deteriorates due to limited space for sensor placement and radiation reception
Solution Approach 1:
The design transitions from external protruding sensors to internal concealed sensors, utilizing the third dimension (depth within housing) to resolve the contradiction. The grille member with selective openings allows radiation detection while maintaining a flush, compact front surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The grille member is designed with specific local properties - it is visually opaque for aesthetic purposes but has selective transparency to infrared radiation for sensor functionality. This local differentiation of material properties allows simultaneous achievement of compact appearance and effective sensing.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor is exposed on the forward-facing surface for optimal detection, then the sensing accuracy is improved, but the visual appeal and protection from damage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is nested within the housing behind the grille member, protecting it from physical damage, dust, and environmental factors while maintaining detection capability through the selectively transparent grille structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The grille member serves as a protective intermediary that shields the sensor from harmful external factors while allowing the necessary infrared radiation to pass through for accurate occupancy detection.
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 allows for accurate data collection and energy-efficient HVAC control while preserving the aesthetic appeal and durability of the thermostat, ensuring sensors remain protected and functional.
Implementation Method 1
a passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor disposed inside the housing for sensing occupancy in the vicinity of the thermostat. The PIR motion sensor has a radiation receiving surface and is able to detect the lateral movement of an occupant
Implementation Method 2
the thermostat further comprises a temperature sensor disposed inside the housing for sensing the ambient temperature. The grille member is thermally conductive and configured to convey ambient air temperature to the temperature sensor
Implementation Method 3
The grille member is configured and dimensioned to visually conceal and protect the PIR motion sensor disposed inside the housing, the visual concealment promoting a visually pleasing quality of the thermostat, while at the same time permitting the PIR motion sensor to effectively detect the lateral movement of the occupant
Data Source
AI summary
Provided according to one or more embodiments is a thermostat having a housing, the housing including a forward-facing surface, the thermostat comprising a passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor disposed inside the housing for sensing occupancy in the vicinity of the thermostat. The PIR motion sensor has a radiation receiving surface and is able to detect the lateral movement of an occupant in front of the forward-facing surface of the housing. The thermostat further comprises a grille member having one or more openings and included along the forward-facing surface of the housing, the grille member being placed over the radiation receiving surface of the PIR motion sensor. The grille member is configured and dimensioned to visually conceal and protect the PIR motion sensor disposed inside the housing, the visual concealment promoting a visually pleasing quality of the thermostat, while at the same time permitting the PIR motion sensor to effectively detect the lateral movement of the occupant. In one embodiment, the grille member openings are slit-like openings oriented along a substantially horizontal direction.