Thermostat Sensor Grille for Concealed Occupancy and Temperature Sensing
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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 accurate and concealed.
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
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated into the thermostat to enhance HVAC control capabilities and energy efficiency, then the sensing functionality and energy-saving potential are improved, but the visual appearance and form factor compactness deteriorate due to the need to accommodate additional sensor components
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is nested within a recessed cavity in the thermostat housing, allowing the sensor to be housed inside the existing thermostat structure without increasing its external dimensions. This nesting approach enables integration of sensing functionality while preserving the compact form factor and visual appearance of the thermostat.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent or translucent window is introduced as an intermediary element between the sensor and the external environment. This window allows infrared radiation to pass through to the sensor while maintaining the visual appearance of the thermostat housing, effectively mediating between the need for sensor exposure and aesthetic requirements.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are exposed on the thermostat surface to maximize sensing effectiveness, then the sensing accuracy is improved, but the visual appeal and protection of the thermostat deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is nested within a recessed cavity that is covered by a transparent window. This nesting configuration allows the sensor to be protected from physical damage and dust while the transparent window maintains sensing effectiveness by allowing infrared radiation to pass through, thus resolving the conflict between protection and sensing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A thin transparent or translucent window material is used to cover the sensor recess. This thin film allows infrared radiation to pass through effectively while providing physical protection for the sensor and maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the thermostat housing.
3Volume of moving object
If the thermostat housing is made compact to improve visual appeal and ease of installation, then the form factor is improved, but the integration of multiple sensors becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor recess and the main thermostat housing are merged into a single integrated structure. The recess is formed as part of the housing itself rather than as a separate component, which simplifies manufacturing and allows compact sensor integration without increasing the overall form factor of the thermostat.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is nested within the housing structure, utilizing the existing volume of the compact thermostat. This nesting approach allows multiple sensors to be accommodated within the limited space of a compact form factor by efficiently utilizing the internal volume of the housing.
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 design 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 grille member is formed from a thermally conductive material such as a metal, and the temperature sensor is placed in thermal communication with the metallic grille
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.