Window Sensor Unit With Signal Transport Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor units for monitoring window or door positions lack flexibility in integration with different systems and evaluation units, limiting their adaptability and usability due to fixed designs and geometric constraints.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a signal transport module between the sensor surface and the sensor receiving device, allowing for variable arrangement and amplification of signals, enabling the use of diverse sensors and flexible configurations, including a ferromagnetic signal transport module for magnetic field extension and a plastic housing for adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor module is directly attached to the window frame with the sensor close to the control element, then the signal detection is reliable, but the integration flexibility with different evaluation units is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module is divided into separate functional components: the sensor receiving device, the signal transport module, and the sensor surface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates flexible integration with different evaluation units while maintaining reliable signal detection through the dedicated signal transport pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
A signal transport module is introduced as an intermediary component between the sensor surface and the sensor receiving device. This intermediary transports detected variables from the control element to the sensor receiving device, enabling flexible sensor placement away from the control element while maintaining reliable signal transmission.
2Ease of manufacture
If the sensor is placed away from the control element to allow flexible module design, then the manufacturing and installation flexibility is improved, but the signal transmission reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The signal transport module serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between the sensor surface and the sensor receiving device. It actively transports and amplifies detected variables over distance, enabling flexible module design with extended component spacing while maintaining reliable signal transmission that would otherwise be impossible at such distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal transport module dynamically adapts the signal strength and characteristics as it transports detected variables from the sensor surface to the receiving device. This dynamic signal adjustment compensates for signal degradation over distance, enabling flexible physical layouts while maintaining transmission reliability.
3Productivity
If a fixed sensor design is used during production, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the adaptability to different evaluation units and installation locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module is designed with universal interfaces and standardized components that enable it to function with multiple types of evaluation units and installation configurations. The separable sensor receiving device and signal transport module architecture allows the same basic module to be adapted to different applications without remanufacturing, maintaining high manufacturing efficiency while achieving broad system compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module incorporates dynamically configurable elements, particularly in the signal transport module which can be adjusted or reconfigured for different evaluation units and installation locations. This dynamic adaptability allows a single manufactured design to serve multiple purposes, bridging the gap between fixed manufacturing and flexible deployment.
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 enhances flexibility and reliability in sensor unit configuration, allowing for a flat and adaptable sensor module that can accommodate various sensors and installation geometries, ensuring reliable signal transmission and operation across different installation scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet usually being arranged as a control element on the movable window sash. The sensor, which can be designed, for example, as a reed contact, as a Hall sensor, as an AMR/GMR sensor or based on RFID, reacts directly to the magnetic field(s) at its installation location
Implementation Method 2
a ferromagnetic signal transport module for magnetic field extension
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The sensing unit (1) has a control member (4) i.e. control magnet, arranged at a closure mechanism of a window wing. A sensor module (2) made of plastic is arranged on a sensor surface (6). The control member is arranged in a region of the sensor surface in a closed position. The sensor module comprises a sensor receiving unit. A signal transportation module is arranged between the sensor surface and the sensor receiving unit. The control member and the signal transportation module are partially made of a permanent magnetic material and a ferromagnetic material, respectively. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a window (2) a building monitoring system comprising an evaluation unit.