Time-of-flight sensor on window sash for edge protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic window systems face challenges in protecting shearing and crushing edges, particularly for windows under 2.5m in height, as current sensors are complex, require multiple installations, and are vulnerable to external interference and weather exposure.
Innovation Solution
An automatic window system equipped with a time-of-flight sensor that travels on the sash, eliminating the need for separate transmitter and receiver elements, additional components, and external mounting, allowing for reliable edge protection with a simple structure and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light barriers are used for edge protection, then detection capability is provided, but device complexity increases due to requiring separate transmitter and receiver elements that must be installed and wired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmitter and receiver elements into a single integrated sensor unit mounted on the sash. This merging eliminates the need for separate transmitter and receiver installations, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining the light barrier detection function for edge protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both transmitter and receiver for detecting obstacles, and it moves with the sash to provide continuous protection along the entire closing edge. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If retro-reflective light barriers are used, then detection range is extended, but device complexity increases due to requiring additional reflector components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the separate reflector component from the system. By integrating both transmitter and receiver in a single unit mounted on the sash, the system no longer requires external reflectors, thereby reducing component quantity and installation complexity while maintaining detection capability.
3Reliability
If safety edges are used for protection, then edge coverage is provided, but device complexity increases due to requiring tailoring to window dimensions and corner connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic solution where the sensor unit is mounted on the sash itself and moves with it during operation. This eliminates the need for static safety edges that must be customized to fit specific window dimensions and require corner connectors at each angle, thereby reducing installation complexity.
4Reliability
If sensors are mounted outside for top-hung outward-facing sashes, then external intrusion protection is achieved, but exposure to weather and tampering increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting sensors outside the sash as in conventional systems, the patent inverts the mounting approach by placing the sensor unit on the inside of the sash. This internal mounting protects the sensor from weather exposure and external tampering while still enabling detection of obstacles in the closing path through the sash material.
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 system effectively secures window edges without contact, using fewer sensors, reducing complexity and exposure to weather, while ensuring reliable safety reactions such as stopping or reversing the sash movement upon detecting obstacles.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter element is configured to emit a scanning beam, and the receiver element is configured to detect the scanning beam after it has been reflected from an object. The time of flight of the scanning beam can be used to determine the distance from the sensor device to the object.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an automatic window system with at least one sash pivotably mounted on a stationary frame, with a drive unit for motorized opening and/or closing of the sash, and with a sensor unit for detecting body parts and/or objects in the movement area of the sash, wherein the sensor unit, upon detecting body parts and/or objects in the movement area of the sash, sends an output signal to a control unit of the drive unit, whereupon the control unit can execute a safety reaction during the sash movement, wherein the sensor unit comprises a time-of-flight sensor and is arranged to move along with the sash.