Remote sensor with improved occupancy sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC systems lack efficient methods to dynamically adjust to occupancy status, leading to inefficient energy usage and comfort control in building spaces.
Innovation Solution
A wireless occupancy sensor assembly that uses a motion sensor to detect occupancy and adjust a dynamic time period, transmitting occupancy or un-occupancy signals to control HVAC systems, allowing for adaptive temperature management based on user input and sensitivity parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a fixed vacancy timeout is used in HVAC systems, then the system operation is simple and reliable, but the energy efficiency is poor because the system cannot adapt to actual occupancy patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed vacancy timeout to a dynamic time period that automatically adjusts based on detected motion patterns. The controller monitors motion events and modifies the time period length accordingly, allowing the HVAC system to adapt its operation to actual occupancy changes rather than relying on predetermined fixed timeouts, thereby improving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using motion sensors to continuously monitor occupancy status and feed this information back to the controller. The controller then adjusts the vacancy timeout dynamically based on the feedback from motion detection events, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes energy efficiency by responding to actual occupancy patterns rather than operating on fixed schedules.
2Adaptability or versatility
If motion sensing is used to detect occupancy, then the system can dynamically adjust to occupancy status, but the measurement precision is challenging due to sensitivity parameter adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the sensitivity threshold parameter of the motion sensor to be adjusted. This enables the system to adapt to different occupancy scenarios and environmental conditions by modifying the detection threshold, thereby improving occupancy detection adaptability while managing the challenges of measurement precision through configurable parameters.
3Loss of energy
If the vacancy timeout is extended to ensure comfort, then user comfort is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to prolonged HVAC operation in unoccupied spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the vacancy timeout dynamic rather than fixed. The controller adjusts the time period length based on detected motion patterns, allowing the system to extend the timeout when occupancy is detected (maintaining comfort) and reduce it when no motion is detected (improving energy efficiency). This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need to choose between fixed comfort-oriented or fixed energy-oriented timeouts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from motion sensors to continuously monitor whether spaces are occupied or unoccupied, and adjusts the HVAC operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain comfort during actual occupancy while reducing energy consumption during unoccupied periods, resolving the contradiction between comfort control and energy efficiency.
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
Enhances energy efficiency and comfort by dynamically adjusting HVAC operations according to occupancy, optimizing energy usage and user-defined settings.
Implementation Method 1
a motion sensor disposed relative to the housing... sensing an indication of motion in the building space
Data Source
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AI summary
The occupancy status of a building space may be determined by sensing an indication of motion in the building space, in response to sensing the indication of motion in the building space, starting an occupied time period having a length during which the building space is indicated as being occupied, determining a measure related to a number of subsequent sensed indications of motion in the building space during the occupied time period, and selectively adjusting the length of the occupied time period based on the measure related to the number of subsequent sensed indications of motion in the building space during the occupied time period.