Threshold Barrier System Using Linear Magnetic Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor animal containment systems using circular electromagnetic signals face challenges in allowing animals to move freely within a room without receiving unnecessary stimuli, as they require large magnetic fields that can interfere with movement and often result in incorrect polarity detection when animals cross thresholds.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a threshold barrier system that generates a uniform magnetic field in one direction, using a flat antenna coil or multiple coils wired in series, allowing animals to cross thresholds without receiving stimuli until they fully exit or enter a defined area, and incorporating PIR motion detection to conserve battery life by reducing unnecessary signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If circular electromagnetic signals are used for indoor animal containment, then the system can detect animal position, but animals receive unnecessary stimuli when moving freely within the room and the system requires large magnetic fields that interfere with movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the indoor space into multiple detection zones using linear magnetic field segments (thresholds) rather than using a single large circular magnetic field. Each threshold creates a specific detection region, allowing the system to accurately determine animal position relative to boundaries without requiring a large encompassing field that would interfere with animal movement throughout the room.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies magnetic field detection locally at specific threshold locations rather than throughout the entire room. By placing linear thresholds at boundary locations and detecting animal crossing events at these specific points, the system achieves reliable position detection without creating a large magnetic field that would interfere with animal movement in other areas.
2Area of stationary object
If large magnetic fields are generated for indoor containment, then the system can cover the entire room, but the magnetic field interferes with animal movement and causes incorrect polarity detection
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of generating a single large circular magnetic field to cover the entire room, the system segments the coverage area by placing multiple linear thresholds at specific locations. Each threshold generates a localized linear magnetic field, and the combined effect provides room coverage while maintaining accurate polarity detection at each threshold location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical approach of using a large circular magnetic field with an electromagnetic approach using linear thresholds and PIR motion detection. This substitution allows for more precise control of magnetic field generation, creating fields only where and when needed for detection, thereby improving polarity detection accuracy.
3Reliability
If continuous signal transmission is used for threshold barrier system, then the system can maintain detection capability, but battery life is reduced due to unnecessary signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic signal transmission triggered by PIR motion detection rather than continuous transmission. The PIR sensor detects animal approach and triggers signal transmission only when needed, maintaining detection capability while significantly reducing battery consumption during periods when no animal is present or approaching the threshold.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates PIR motion detection as a feedback mechanism to control signal transmission. The PIR sensor continuously monitors for animal presence and provides feedback that triggers or suppresses magnetic field generation and signal transmission, optimizing battery usage while maintaining reliable detection capability.
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 system enables animals to utilize the full extent of a room without receiving stimuli until crossing the threshold, preventing escape by simply running through the signal field, while also extending battery life through efficient power management.
Implementation Method 1
The signal generator transmits the modulated activation signal through the transmitter coil, wherein the transmitting the modulated activation signal generates a uniform magnetic field within a region around the transmitter coil
Implementation Method 2
The system includes a motion sensing detection device, wherein the motion sensing detection device includes a passive infrared (PIR) motion sensing detection device
Data Source
AI summary
A system is described that includes a transmitter for generating a magnetic field comprising a first detection region and a second detection region, wherein the first detection region is different than the second detection region. The system comprises a receiver configured to detect at a location of the receiver in the magnetic field a magnetic field vector, a polarity, and at least one additional vector. The system comprises the receiver configured to use the magnetic field vector, the polarity, and the at least one additional vector to determine a position of the receiver in the magnetic field.