Universal Sensor Detecting Building Products via Acceleration Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and complexity of using multiple sensors for different types of building products, such as windows, doors, and ventilation systems, due to the need for specific sensors for each type, result in increased costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A wireless, autonomous sensor equipped with a multi-axis accelerometer and logic processing unit that can be configured to detect various types of building products by learning their specific characteristics through movement analysis, allowing it to execute appropriate detection programs based on the product type, thereby reducing the need for multiple sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple specific sensors are used for different types of building products, then detection precision for each product type is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal sensor platform that can detect multiple types of building products (windows, doors, ventilation systems, rolling shutters) using a single device. The sensor incorporates an accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer that can identify different product types through movement pattern recognition, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensors while maintaining detection precision across all product categories.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor changes its detection parameters and processing algorithms based on the identified building product type. Through learning programs that analyze movement characteristics, the sensor adapts its detection thresholds, sensitivity levels, and processing methods to optimize measurement precision for each specific product category, thereby maintaining high detection accuracy with a single multi-functional device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple specific sensors are used for different types of building products, then detection precision for each product type is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal sensor platform that can detect multiple types of building products (windows, doors, ventilation systems, rolling shutters) using a single device. The sensor incorporates an accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer that can identify different product types through movement pattern recognition, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensors while maintaining detection precision across all product categories.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor changes its detection parameters and processing algorithms based on the identified building product type. Through learning programs that analyze movement characteristics, the sensor adapts its detection thresholds, sensitivity levels, and processing methods to optimize measurement precision for each specific product category, thereby maintaining high detection accuracy with a single multi-functional device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a general-purpose sensor is used for all building products, then cost and complexity are reduced, but measurement precision for specific products may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor performs preliminary learning and characterization of the building product type through analysis of movement patterns, acceleration profiles, and operational characteristics during installation and initial operation. This preliminary action enables the sensor to pre-adapt its detection parameters and algorithms for the specific product category, ensuring high measurement precision from the outset without requiring multiple specialized sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor detection results and refine its understanding of the specific building product type. Through iterative learning from operational data, the sensor optimizes its detection algorithms and parameters for each product category, thereby maintaining high measurement precision with a single general-purpose device that adapts to specific applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables a single sensor to perform multiple functions across various building products, reducing costs and complexity while maintaining effective detection capabilities, such as obstacle detection during automatic maneuvers and wind gust recognition.

Implementation Method 1

comprising a multi-axis accelerometer (11), in particular a three-axis accelerometer, designated by ACC

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration measurement: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

logic processing unit (12), designated by MPU... means for analyzing the recording and means for determining the type of building product using the result of step d

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal analysis:

Implementation Method 3

a transmitter (13), designated by RFT, communicating for example unidirectionally by radio frequencies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency transmission:

Data Source

PatentEP2118397B1Home-automation sensor comprising an accelerometer, method of configuring same and adjusting tool for implementing said method
Publication Date: 2011.04.20 SOMFY SAS
  • EP2118397B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2118397B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~5B
  • EP2118397B1 patent drawingFigure 6A~8

AI summary

Method of configuring a sensor (10) with accelerometer (11) intended to equip building products (SCR1, SCR2, SCR3) of various types, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: mounting the sensor in a building product, recording signals delivered by the accelerometer, analysing the recording, determining the type of building product by virtue of the result of the analysis step.