Thermostat with multiple sensing systems integrated therein
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart thermostats face challenges in accurately assessing user presence and providing a user-friendly interface, as existing systems often require manual activation and consume excessive power, especially when not in use.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a proximity sensor system with a near-field and far-field range, along with a multi-channel thermopile, to detect user presence and motion signatures, allowing the thermostat to automatically activate the user interface only when necessary, thereby conserving energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user interface is continuously active to provide user-friendly interaction, then ease of operation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor performs preliminary detection of user presence before activating the user interface. The processor is put into a low-power state in advance and only wakes up when motion is detected, allowing the interface to be ready for interaction without continuously consuming power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on detected conditions. The processor transitions between active and low-power states, and the user interface transitions between active and dormant modes, optimizing the balance between accessibility and energy consumption in real-time.
2Use of energy by moving object
If manual activation is required to activate the user interface, then energy consumption is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the proximity sensor and motion detection capabilities to automatically detect when a user is present and needs interaction. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual activation while maintaining energy efficiency, as the system only activates when genuinely needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor provides continuous feedback about user presence and motion. The processor uses this feedback to automatically determine when to activate the user interface, creating a closed-loop system that balances energy consumption with user convenience without requiring manual input.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated to accurately detect user presence, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor and motion detection capabilities are merged into a single integrated sensing system. The sensor assembly combines multiple sensing elements that work together to detect user presence, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor serves multiple functions: detecting user presence, determining motion direction, and triggering interface activation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors for each function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
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 enables efficient power management by activating the user interface only when intended use is detected, enhancing user experience while reducing energy consumption during idle periods.
Implementation Method 1
The lens assembly includes a first area, a second area, and a second alignment feature, where the second area includes a Fresnel lens
Implementation Method 2
a multi-channel thermopile, to detect user presence and motion signatures
Implementation Method 3
a multi-channel thermopile, to detect user presence and motion signatures
Data Source
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AI summary
A thermostat may include a proximity sensor and a temperature sensor on a sensor mount assembly with a first alignment feature. A lens assembly may have a first area, a second area, and a second alignment feature, where the second area includes a Fresnel lens, and the first area is thinner than the second area. The thermostat may also include a frame member with third and fourth alignment features configured for respective matable alignment with the first and second alignment features and configured such that the proximity sensor and the temperature sensor are maintained in generally close, non-touching proximity to the lens assembly, the first area of the lens assembly being aligned with the proximity sensor, and the second area of the lens assembly being aligned with the temperature sensor.