Wireless Dual Technology Displacement Sensor Power Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic displacement sensor systems, particularly those using reed switches, face issues such as maintenance requirements, gap sensitivity, interference from ferromagnetic materials, and vulnerability to magnetic fields, leading to reliability and aesthetic concerns in security applications.
Innovation Solution
A displacement sensor system incorporating a dual-sensor approach, where an optical proximity sensor acts as a trigger to wake up a VL6180X range measuring sensor, eliminating the need for magnetic fields and reducing power consumption, thereby addressing the limitations of reed switch-based systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reed switches are used in magnetic displacement sensor systems, then the system can detect door or window states, but the system requires maintenance and has reliability issues due to magnet movement and switch failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reed switch system with an optical sensor system. The optical sensor detects the position of a reflective tape on the moving door/window without physical contact, eliminating wear and maintenance issues associated with mechanical switches and magnets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective tape as an intermediary element between the sensor and the moving door/window. The reflective tape reflects optical signals back to the sensor, enabling indirect detection of position without requiring direct contact or magnetic fields.
2Reliability
If the gap between reed switch and magnets is minimized for security, then security is improved, but the system becomes more sensitive to misalignment and requires stronger magnets increasing size and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an optical sensor system that dynamically adapts to different gap distances. The sensor can accurately detect door/window states over a range of distances without requiring precise alignment, allowing installers to use larger gaps for easier installation while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from magnetic field strength to optical reflection detection. This allows the system to operate reliably over a wider range of distances and alignments, eliminating the need for precise gap control and strong magnets.
3Reliability
If spacers are used to lift magnets and reed switches away from metal surfaces, then interference from ferromagnetic materials is reduced, but installation becomes harder and requires additional tamper detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spacer system with an optical sensor that can detect through or near metal surfaces without being affected by ferromagnetic interference. The optical detection method eliminates the need for physical spacers and their associated installation complexity and tamper detection requirements.
4Reliability
If strong magnetic fields are used in reed switch systems, then the reed switch can be reliably actuated, but the system becomes vulnerable to magnetic field attacks and affects operation of other components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic field-based reed switch actuation with optical detection. The optical sensor uses light reflection to detect door/window states, completely eliminating magnetic fields and their associated vulnerabilities to magnetic attacks and interference with other electronic components.
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 dual-sensor system effectively determines door or window states without magnetic fields, reduces power consumption, and simplifies installation, enhancing reliability and battery life while minimizing false alarms and aesthetic concerns.
Implementation Method 1
an optical proximity sensor acts as a trigger to wake up a VL6180X range measuring sensor
Implementation Method 2
a VL6180X range measuring sensor configured to transmit infrared light to measure the range from the analyzing sensor to the measuring point
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A wireless dual technology displacement sensor ("displacement sensor system") and method are disclosed. The displacement sensor system includes an analyzing sensor for determining a range to a measuring point and a trigger sensor for activating the analyzing sensor. The trigger sensor is an accelerometer or an optical proximity sensor (OPS), in examples. The analyzing sensor is preferably a time of flight range sensor. When installed as part of a door system having a door and door frame, for example, the trigger sensor detects movement of the door, and activates the analyzing sensor in response. The analyzing sensor then determines the range to the measuring point, such as the door frame. This two sensor system can be thus used to prevent the high current consumption of existing displacement sensor systems.