BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The structure and the technical means adopted by the present invention to achieve the above and other objects can be best understood by referring to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a detection circuit of a switch detection device with a RFID tag in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a switch detection device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the switch detection device constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of the switch detection device using RFID tag constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 5 a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of the switch detection device using RFID tag constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a fifth embodiment of the switch detection device using RFID tag constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 7 shows a sixth embodiment of the switch detection device which is incorporated to a lever lock assembly;
FIG. 8 shows a seventh embodiment of the switch detection device which is incorporated to a deadbolt lock;
FIG. 9 shows an eighth embodiment of the switch detection device which is incorporated to a window sash lock;
FIG. 10 shows a ninth embodiment of the switch detection device which is incorporated to a water flow meter;
FIGS. 11 to 13 show a tenth embodiment of the switch detection device which is incorporated to a hinge;
FIG. 14 shows an eleventh embodiment of the switch detection device which is incorporated to a pneumatic door closer;
FIGS. 15
a and 15b show a twelfth embodiment of the switch detection device which is incorporated to a water faucet;
FIG. 16 shows a thirteenth embodiment of the switch detection device which is incorporated to a button; and
FIGS. 17
a and 17b shows a fourteenth embodiment of the switch detection device which is incorporated to a control knob.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 1 is a detection circuit of a switch detection device with a RFID tag in accordance with the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a switch detection device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The detection circuit of the switch detection device is generally designated with reference numeral 10, which comprises a RFID tag 1. The RFID tag 1 includes a reference voltage port 11 and a plurality of data input/output ports 12. The reference voltage port 11 is connected to a first end of a conducting circuit loop 2. The conducting circuit loop 2 is provided with, for example two second ends which are connected to the data input/output ports 12 respectively through a switch 3 capable of controlling the opening or closing of the conducting circuit loop 2.
In practice, the data input/output ports 12 may be designed in either a pull high or a pull low voltage port. If the data input/output port 12 adopts the pull high design, the reference voltage port 11 should be connected to a ground with a low level voltage source. If the data input/output port 12 adopts the pull low design, the reference voltage port 11 should be connected to a positive voltage source.
When the data input/output port 12 adopts the pull high design and the switch 3 is driven to open, the conducting circuit loop 2 between the reference voltage port 11 and the data input/output port 12 is changed from a closed state to an open state. Hence, the potential of the data input/output port 12 changes from low to high voltage level.
On the contrary, if the data input/output port 12 adopts the pull low design and the switch 3 is driven to closed, the conducting circuit loop 2 between the reference voltage port 11 and the data input/output port 12 is changed from an open state to a closed state. Hence, the potential of the data input/output port 12 changes from high to low voltage level.
The opened or closed state of the switches 3 may be detected by the RFID tag 1. The RFID tag 1 generates a conductive code when the conducting circuit loop 12 is in the closed state, and the RFID tag 1 generates an open-circuit code when the conducting circuit loop 12 becomes an open state. A RFID reader 2 located within an effective distance from the RFID tag 1 is able to read the conductive code and the open-circuit code transmitted from the RFID tag 1 and thereby detects the status of the switch 3.
As shown in the first embodiment of the switch detection device using a RFID tag in FIG. 2, the switch detection device 100 comprises the detection 10 and an actuator comprising a lever 51, a rod 52 and a resilient member 53 accommodated in a housing 4. One end of the lever 51 is pivotally mounted to a side of the housing 4. An upper end of the rod 52 is protruded outward through the top end of the housing 4 and engaged with the lever 51. The switch 3 is arranged under a lower end of the rod 52. At the normal state, the switch 3 is not in contact with the conducting circuit loop 12, and hence the conducting circuit loop 2 is in an open state.
When a downward external force is applied to the right side of the lever 51, a pressing force leads to a downward displacement of the rod 52. At the same time, the switch 3 displaces vertically downward. Subsequently, the switch 3 is in contact with the conducting circuit loop 2. The conducting circuit loop 2 becomes closed state and a conductive code is generated at the RFID tag 1.
Once the external force to the lever 51 is removed, the switch 3 is disconnected. The conducting circuit loop 2 restores to the open state.
The resilient member 53 may comprise a spring, serving as a buffer in a security system to provide buffering effect to prevent the incautious touch that would cause the activation of the switch detection device. The data input/output port 12 may be arranged at the internal surface of the housing 4 or at the external surface of the housing 4. The data input/output port 12 is made of electrically conductive material which may be copper, aluminum, alloy or conducting glue.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the switch detection device constructed in accordance with the present invention. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the switch detection device 200 further comprises a wired external switching loop 41 which includes two terminals 41a, 41b extended to the outside of the housing 4. The detection mechanism of the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, except that in the second embodiment, the state of the external switching loop 41 is also transmitted wirely.
At the normal condition, there is not external force at the lever 51 and the switching loop 41 is in closed state. When the lever 51 is pressed downward, the wired external switching loop 41 is changed to open state, and an open-circuit code is transmitted through the terminals 41a, 41b. On the other hand, the switch 3 is in contact with the conducting circuit loop 2 and the data input/output port 12, and the conducting circuit loop 2 is in closed state. Consequently, a conductive code is generated and transmitted through the RFID tag 1.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of the switch detection device using RFID tag constructed in accordance with the present invention. In the third embodiment, the switch detection device 300 further comprises a reed switch 6. As seen, the switch detection device 300 comprises a RFID tag 1, a conducting circuit loop 2 and a reed switch 6. The RFID tag 1, the conducting circuit loop 2 and the reed switch 6 are contained in a housing 4. The reed switch 6 has a first contact 61a connected to a reference voltage port 11 and a second contact 61b connected to a data input/output port 12 of the RFID tag 1. The ON/OFF state of the reed switch 6 is controlled by a magnet 62. When the magnet 62 gets close to the switch detection device 300, the magnet 62 induces magnetism to the first contact 61a and the second contact 61b. Subsequently, the first contact 61a and the second contact 61b get in touch with each other and the conducting circuit loop 2 is closed. The closed state is detected by the RFID tag 1 and a conductive code is generated by the RFID tag 1. The conductive code is read by a RFID reader (not shown) located within an effective distance.
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of the switch detection device using RFID tag constructed in accordance with the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, the switch detection device 400 comprises a wired external switching loop which includes a first terminal 61c and a second terminal 61d extended to the outside of the housing 4. The first terminal 61c is connected to the first contact 61a and the second terminal 61d is connected to the second contact 61b. When a magnet 62 gets close to the switch detection device 400, the first contact 61a is induced to contact the second contact 61b, and the detection circuit is closed. Then, a signal is transmitted through the first terminal 61c and a second terminal 61d wirely. Meanwhile, the RFID tag 1 generates and transmits a conductive code wirelessly.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a fifth embodiment of the switch detection device using RFID tag constructed in accordance with the present invention. The fifth embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment in that the fifth embodiment further comprises a second reed switch 63. The first reed switch 61 has a first contact 61a connected to a reference voltage port 11 and a second contact 61b connected to a data input/output port 12 of the RFID tag 1. The second reed switch 63 has a third contact 63a connected to a first terminal 63c and a fourth contact 63b connected to a second terminal 63d. The terminals 63c, 63d extend outward from the housing 4, forming a wired external switching loop.
When a magnet 62 gets close to the switch detection device 500, the first contact 61a is induced to contact the second contact 61b of the first reed switch 61, and the third contact 63a is induced to contact the fourth contact 63b of the second reed switch 63. Subsequently, a conductive code representing the closed state of the conducting circuit loop 2 is generated at the RFID tag 1, and a conductive code representing the closed state of the external switching loop 41 is transmitted.
In practice, multiple ways of encoding the conductive code and the open-circuit code may be adopted. For example, the conductive code (generated when the conducting circuit loop is in a closed state) may be a “0” in the binary code system, while the open-circuit (generated when the conducting circuit loop is in an open state) may be a “1”. A plurality of circuit loops may be used to enhance the precision of detection. For example, four circuit loops may be arranged in a switch detection device. A signal of “0000’ represents a perfectly closed state, while a signal of “1111” represents a completely open state. Each “1” represents a flaw of the switch. From the position of the “1”, the opening of the switch is precisely identified.
In addition, the conducting circuit loop may be arranged at the internal surface or at the external surface of the housing. The RFID tag can store the product or substrate information and provide the information to a nearby RFID reader. Besides, the RFID tag provides the ON/OFF status of a switch which may be turned on by mechanical force or magnetic induction. The conducting circuit loop may be made of pliable metal materials such as aluminum, copper or transparent conducting glue.
The switch detection device of the present invention can be applied to any articles with a switch, like fan, table lamp, door bell, water faucet and so on. The switch may be turned on/off by pressing, twisting or switching. A buffering device, e.g. a spring, may be incorporated to the switch to form a buffered switch. The buffered switch may be applied in, e.g. water faucet.
FIG. 7 shows a sixth embodiment of the switch detection device of the present invention. The switch detection device is incorporated to a lever lock assembly 71 which includes a rotatable door handle 711, a central handle axis 712 and a movable lock pin 713. The door handle 711 is manually rotatable around the central handle axis 712. When the door handle 711 is turned by the user, the door handle 711 rotates along a rotation direction I. The rotation of the door handle 711 drives the lock pin 713 to move along a direction II to engage to or disengage from a hole 81 formed at a corresponding position at a door frame 8.
The lever lock assembly 71 incorporates a detection circuit 10 of FIG. 1. The detection circuit 10 is positioned at the displacement pathway of the lock pin 713. When the lock pin 713 moves along the direction II, the lock pin 713 drives the switch 3 of the detection circuit 10 to turn on or off and the RFID tag 1 generates a signal to a nearby RFID reader to indicate the locking or unlocking of the lever lock assembly 71. Through the switch detection device, the displacement distance of the lock pin 713 from a reference position e.g. a totally locking position is detected.
FIG. 8 shows a seventh embodiment of the switch detection device of the present invention. The seventh embodiment is different from the sixth embodiment in that a deadbolt lock 71a is used instead of the lever lock assembly 71. The deadbolt lock 71a comprises a lock knob 712 and a lock pin 713. The lock knob 712 is rotatable around the central handle axis 712. The rotation of the lock knob 712 drives the lock pin 713 to move along a direction II to engage to or disengage from a hole 81 formed at a corresponding position at a door frame 8.
Similarly, a detection circuit 10 of FIG. 1 is mounted at the displacement pathway of the lock pin 713. When the lock pin 713 moves along the direction II, the lock pin 713 drives the switches of the detection circuit 10 to turn on or off and the RFID tag generates a signal to a nearby RFID reader to indicate the locking or unlocking of the lever lock assembly 71. Hence, the displacement distance of the lock pin 713 from a reference position e.g. a totally locking position is detected.
FIG. 9 shows an eighth embodiment of the switch detection device of the present invention. The eighth embodiment is different from the sixth embodiment in that a window sash lock assembly 71b is used instead of the lever lock assembly 71. The window sash lock assembly 71b comprises a lever 715, a lock axis 712 and a stopper 716 installed at a window frame 716a or other selected object. The lever 715 is manually rotatable around the lock axis 712 in a rotation direction I. As shown in FIG. 9, the window sash lock assembly 71b is in an unlocked position. When a user turns the lever 715 in an anticlockwise direction, a lock end 715a opposite to the lever 715 hooks the stopper 716 of the window frame 716a, changing the window sash lock 71b to a locking position.
A detection circuit 10 of FIG. 1 is mounted in the window sash lock assembly 71b. When the lever 715 rotates along the direction I, the lever 715 drives the switches of the detection circuit 10 to turn on or off and the RFID tag generates a signal to a nearby RFID reader to indicate the locking or unlocking of the window sash lock assembly 71b and the degree of the rotation of the lever 715 from a reference position e.g. a totally locking position is also able to be detected.
FIG. 10 shows a ninth embodiment of the switch detection device of the present invention. The switch detection device is incorporated to a water flow meter or a gas flow meter. The water flow meter 73 generally comprises a recording mechanism that includes a number of parallel odometer wheels 731 arranged along a central axle 732. Each of the odometer wheels 731 has gradations around the perimeter to indicate water usage. A detection circuit 10 is mounted at the axle 732 for detecting the degrees of rotation of each of the odometer wheels 731. The rotation of the odometer wheel 731 indicates the measured value of the corresponding odometer wheel 731. From the rotations of the odometer wheels 731, the water usage is measured. A signal representing the measured data is transmitted by the RFID tag to a nearby RFID reader.
FIGS. 11 to 13 show various applications of a tenth embodiment of the switch detection device of the present invention. In the tenth embodiment, the switch detection device is incorporated to a hinge 74, 74a, 74b for fastening a door or a window. The hinge 74, 74a, 74b comprises a first and second hinge members 741a, 741b interconnected by a central axle 741c that allows relative rotation between the first and second hinge members 741a, 741b. Generally, the first hinge member 741a is fastened to a door frame or a window frame, and the second hinge member 741b is allowed to rotate around the axle 741c along a direction I.
A detection circuit 10 is mounted in the first hinge member 741a and a magnet 62 is mounted to the second hinge member 741b. The detection circuit 10 and the magnet 62 are arranged to be adjacent to each other when the first and second hinge members 741a, 741b are at a first position e.g. a closed position. When the second member 741b is turned, the magnet 62 is removed from the detection circuit 10, and the induction to the reed switches is weaken. Hence, the degree of opening of the hinge is detected and a signal is generated by the RFID tag of the switch detection device. The signal is transmitted to a RFID reader located within an effective distance.
FIG. 14 shows an eleventh embodiment of the switch detection device of the present invention. In the eleventh embodiment, the switch detection device is incorporated to a hydraulic door closer or a pneumatic door closer. The pneumatic door closer 75 comprises a bracket 751 for fixing to a wall, a tubular body 752 and a piston rod 753. The free open end of the piston rod 753 is fixed at a door (not shown). The detection circuit 10 is mounted to the tubular body 10 and a magnet 62 is mounted to the piston rod 753.
When a user pull open the door, the piston rod 753 is pulled out of the tubular body 752 in a direction II and the pneumatic door closer 75 is stretched to its full length. When the user releases the door, the pneumatic door closer 75 slowly shrinks in length. Accordingly, the relative position of the magnet 62 to the detection circuit 10 varies as the piston rod 753 moves. From the relative position of the magnet 62, the degree of opening of the door is detected. A signal is sent from the RFID tag to indicate the degree of opening of the door.
FIGS. 15
a and 15b show a twelfth embodiment of the switch detection device of the present invention. In the twelfth embodiment, the switch detection device is incorporated to a water faucet 76a, 76b. The water faucet 76a, 76b comprises a faucet handle 761 that can be turned to rotate along a direction I for opening or closing. A detection circuit 10 is mounted below the faucet handle 761. When the faucet handle 761 rotates, the detection circuit 10 is able to detect the degree of opening of the water faucet 76a, 76b. A signal is sent from the RFID tag to indicate degree of opening of the water faucet 76a, 76b.
FIG. 16 shows a thirteenth embodiment of the switch detection device of the present invention. In the thirteenth embodiment, the switch detection device is incorporated to a switch 77 which is rotatable around an axle 771 in a rotation direction I. A detection circuit 10 is arranged adjacent to the axle 771. When the user pushes the switch 77 by his finger 8, the switch 77 rotates, and the detection circuit 10 detects the rotation of the switch 77. A signal representing the status of the switch 77 is transmitted by the RFID tag to a nearby RFID reader.
FIGS. 17
a and 17b shows a fourteenth embodiment of the switch detection device of the present invention. In the fourteenth embodiment, the switch detection device is incorporated to a rotatable lock 78a or a rotatable switch 78b. The rotatable lock 78a comprises a rotatable circular member 781 and a knob 782. The rotatable circular member 781 can be manually rotated in a rotation direction I, which may be incorporated in a lock assembly. A detection circuit 10 is mounted to the rotatable circular member 781 for detecting the rotation of the rotatable circular member 781.
As shown in FIG. 17b, the rotatable switch 78b also comprises a rotatable circular member 781 and a knob 782. The rotatable circular member 781 can be manually rotated in a rotation direction I, which may be used to for example control a volume of a speaker of an audio device. A detection circuit 10 is mounted to the rotatable circular member 781 for detecting the rotation of the rotatable circular member 781.
While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangement included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Patent Application
20080007408
