Window Sensor Potentiometer Vibration Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for detecting the state of windows or doors, particularly in the context of violent acts or external forces, lack reliability in distinguishing between legitimate vibrations and false alarms, and do not effectively adapt to varying environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

A device incorporating a potentiometer as the first sensor unit for detecting open, tilted, or closed states, combined with a vibration sensor unit for detecting force-induced vibrations, featuring an additional evaluation unit for signal plausibility checks, a filter circuit for signal selection, and a compact weatherproof housing for enhanced reliability and precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a vibration sensor is added to detect violent acts, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the vibration sensor (second sensor unit) with the existing potentiometer-based sensor (first sensor unit) into a single integrated device. The control unit processes signals from both sensor units, merging their functions to detect both position/state and vibrations simultaneously. This integration improves detection capability while managing device complexity through unified control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes signals from the potentiometer for position detection, processes signals from the vibration sensor for violence detection, and performs plausibility checks by comparing signals from both sensor units. This multi-functionality allows a single control unit to handle diverse detection tasks, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.

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

2Reliability

If signal filtering and plausibility checks are implemented, then false alarms are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs plausibility checks by comparing signals from the first sensor unit (potentiometer) with signals from the second sensor unit (vibration sensor). When a violent act is detected through the vibration sensor, the system checks whether the potentiometer signal plausibly reflects the corresponding physical state change. This feedback mechanism reduces false alarms by validating detections against multiple independent measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary plausibility checks on vibration sensor signals before triggering alarm conditions. By evaluating whether detected vibrations correspond to plausible physical states (verified through the potentiometer reading), the system filters out false positives in advance. This preliminary validation prevents unnecessary alarms while maintaining detection sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of moving object

If multiple sensors are integrated in a common housing, then compact structure is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent places the vibration sensor and potentiometer-based sensor unit within a common housing, creating a nested structure where multiple sensor components are integrated into a single compact assembly. The control unit and signal processing components are housed together with the sensors, forming a unified device that occupies minimal installation space while containing multiple functional elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 solution provides improved detection of violent acts by reducing false alarms and adapting to different conditions, ensuring reliable state monitoring of windows or doors, including during forceful events and environmental disturbances.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one second sensor to be in the form of a vibration sensor with at least one piezoceramic bimorph element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3374976B1Device for sensing a state of a window or door
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 EIMSIG VERTRIEBS & SERVICE GMBH
  • EP3374976B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3374976B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A device (1) for sensing a state of a window or door comprises at least one first sensor unit (3) for sensing a state of an open, tilted or closed window/door by means of a potentiometer as a first sensor (4) and by means of an actuator (5) connected to the potentiometer. The device (1) further comprises at least one second sensor unit (7) for sensing another state of the window or door, said state involving vibrations or oscillations caused by the effect of force.