Thermostat Sensor Alignment With Fresnel Lens for Occupancy Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart thermostats face challenges in accurately assessing occupancy and providing a user-friendly interface, as they require advanced environmental data and energy management capabilities while maintaining comfort and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a proximity sensor and temperature sensor within a thermostat, combined with a Fresnel lens and flexible circuit board, allows for precise detection of user presence and ambient temperature, enabling efficient energy management and intuitive user interaction through advanced sensor alignment and motion detection systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated into the thermostat to improve occupancy detection and environmental sensing, then measurement precision and functionality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (proximity sensor, temperature sensor, Fresnel lens) into a single integrated thermostat housing. The sensor mount assembly integrates the proximity sensor and temperature sensor in close proximity, while the lens assembly with the Fresnel lens is positioned to work with both sensors. This merging approach improves occupancy detection accuracy by coordinating multiple sensing elements while managing the complexity through unified integration.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned close to the lens assembly to improve detection precision, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lens assembly features an asymmetric design with a first area and a second area having different thicknesses. The second area, which includes the Fresnel lens, is thicker than the first area. This asymmetric structure creates distinct alignment zones that facilitate precise positioning of the proximity sensor and temperature sensor at different locations relative to the lens assembly, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while managing manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different regions in the lens assembly with specific properties. The second area with the Fresnel lens has different optical and structural characteristics compared to the first area. This allows the proximity sensor and temperature sensor to be positioned in optimized locations with appropriate spacing, improving detection precision while the varied local structure helps accommodate manufacturing variations.
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 enhances the smart thermostat's ability to manage energy consumption based on occupancy, providing a comfortable and efficient environment while offering a user-friendly interface that conserves resources and improves user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a lens assembly including a first area, a second area, and a second alignment feature, where the second area includes a Fresnel lens
Data Source
AI summary
A thermostat may include a proximity sensor and a temperature sensor. The thermostat may also include a sensor mount assembly containing the proximity sensor, the temperature sensor, and a first alignment feature. The thermostat may additionally include a lens assembly having 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 further include a front cover where the outward-facing surface of the lens assembly is shaped to continuously conform to a curvature of the front cover. 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.