WO2022224179A1

WO2022224179A1 - A sensor assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2022224179A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/053719
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonathan Banks; Neal Forse
Original assignee: Iot Solutions Group Ltd
Priority date: 2021-04-21
Filing date: 2022-04-21
Publication date: 2022-10-27
Also published as: GB202105690D0; GB2596896A; GB2596896B

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sensor assembly with a housing, which receives: a power supply, a proximity sensor which is operative to sense one or more variables to determine a parameter and a communication device which is operative to transmit a signal indicative of the variable. The housing of the sensor is connected to the base by way of a plurality of releasable latches, each releasable which is accessed via a respective recess. When deployed each the releasable latches latch the housing to the base and each of the latches is capable of being disengaged by the release tool which comprises a handle and a plurality of release fingers. Each of the release fingers is shaped and dimensioned to enter into a respective recess associated with each releasable latch and when a force is exerted, the tool is operative to disengage all of the releasable latches substantially simultaneously, thereby enabling the housing to be removed from the base.

Description

A Sensor Assembly

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sensor assembly comprising a housing received by a base and a release tool for removing the housing from the base.

Background Sensors are used to monitor a variety of parameters such as proximity to an object, ambient temperature or humidity. Often a sensor may be placed on a surface, in a recess or in some cases, the sensor may be mounted on surface such as the ground. Typically a mounted sensor assembly comprises a sensor that is contained within a housing and the housing attaches to a base that is secured to a surface, for example by an adhesive material or a screw threaded connection. However, although the housing of the sensor is secured to the surface by the base, there is no specific means to prevent unauthorised removal, or to detect unauthorised removal, of the sensor. As the housings often contain important and valuable components, such as batteries, there have been occasions where sensors were stolen or targeted for removal, as this was often achieved simply by unscrewing the housing from its base. The present invention provides means to prevent or at least restrict, unauthorised removal of a sensor or other components from within a housing.

Prior Art An article entitled “Connected Things’’ discloses a parking sensor with a screw used to connect the sensor to a base https://connectedthinqs.store/qb/lorawan- sensors/bosch-parkinq-lot-sensors.html US 2021/142960 (SIEMENS) discloses an explosion proof pressure resistant housing with a receiving part for electric operating components and with a closure part that closes the receiving part with a bayonet catch.

GB 2448948 (DAVIES) discloses a shroud for a water meter comprising a body and a cover. The body of the shroud has side walls and a base section. At its lower end is an aperture that is arranged to fit over a mounting for the water meter.

CN 109211323 (WEN) discloses a thermos-hygrometer with a protective device, with a body and a protective cover matched with the shape of a dial on the thermo-hygrometer body and an unlocking tool.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a sensor assembly comprising: a housing, which receives: a power supply, a sensor which is operative to sense one or more variables to determine a parameter and a communication device which is operative to transmit a signal indicative of the variables, the housing is connected to a base by way of a plurality of releasable latches, each releasable latch is accessed via a respective recess, when deployed each releasable latch connects the housing to the base, and each of the releasable latches is capable of being disengaged by a release tool, characterised in that the housing is adapted to be released from the base when all of the releasable latches are displaced simultaneously by a plurality of release fingers on the release tool, the release fingers disengage all the releasable latches substantially simultaneously.

In this way a housing containing or supporting one or more sensors can be quickly and easily removed from a base by use of the release tool, but without the release tool the housing containing the sensor is secure and cannot be easily removed. Therefore unauthorised removal of the housing is prevented or at least restricted. Likewise any valuable components contained or supported within the housing are protected.

The housing and base when assembled define recesses that correspond to location of the releasable latches. The recesses receive the release fingers of the release tool. The recesses may be formed or defined in the housing, for example in an outer wall or through a housing body portion; within the base or between both the housing and the base.

The recesses guide the release fingers of the release tool to the releasable latches in order to release the housing from the base.

In a preferred embodiment the recesses, via which each releasable latch is accessed, are substantially rectangular shaped. Their side walls may be tapered so as to receive and guide the release fingers.

The base is shaped and dimensioned to receive the housing and to lock it in place with respect to the base. Preferably the base defines an opening that corresponds to the housing so that the housing is retained? by the base.

The housing may contain or support at least one sensor for detecting and/or monitoring different variables including, but not limited to, a sensor to detect: movement, proximity of an object, ambient temperature, humidity or a concentration of specific molecule (for example a CO2 or CO sensor).

The sensors may detect or monitor using various means such as RADAR, by means of a magnetometer, a pulsed infra-red (IR) or radio frequency (RF) range detector.

In a preferred embodiment the sensor components are enclosed in a housing whose base or footprint is substantially disc shaped and whose base includes a circular opening into which the disc shaped housing is located. It is appreciated that the opening on the base may be shaped and dimensioned to accommodate any shaped housing, for example a square, cuboid, ovaloid or other multi-side housing, for example a hexagonal shaped housing. Ideally the base has at least one anchor point for fixing the base to the ground or to another surface. In this way the base may remain permanently fixed in position and only the housing is displaceable. Preferably the base has a plurality of anchor points. Anchors make it more difficult for someone attempting to steal the assembly, for example to be able to lever the base and entire housing form the ground.

The anchor point(s) may be one or more apertures for receiving a bolt, pin or screwthread that engages with the anchor, when embedded in the surface, to fix the base in position.

Ideally the base has at least one drainage channel and preferably a plurality of drainage channels that allow any liquid captured in the opening, such as rainwater or spilled liquids, to drain away. In this way the housing and the internal components are not exposed to liquid collecting via the opening, but instead liquid is free to drain away, thereby minimising the risk of liquid ingress and consequential damage to the components, within the housing of the sensor assembly.

When the housing is located in the base it is locked in position by means of the releasable latches. The release tool is arranged so that the release fingers pass through and/or along the recesses and contact the releasable latches, so that when pressure is applied, they act to release the housing from the base by disengaging the latches from the base. In some embodiments at least one of the releasable latches is provided on the housing. In another embodiment, at least one of the releasable latches is provided on the base.

In some embodiments releasable latches may be provided on both the housing and the base.

In preferred embodiments the releasable latches have tips that are shaped and dimensioned to engage with part of the base, whereby when a releasable latch is pressed by a release finger of the release tool, it causes the releasable latch to disengage its tip from the base.

In another embodiment tips may be adapted to engage with, and disengage from, an attachment rim. The attachment rim is provided on the base for releasable latches that are located on the housing, or the attachment rim is provided on the housing for releasable latches that are provided on the base.

Preferably each of the tips deflects in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to a direction of insertion of an associated release finger. When the tool is inserted by aligning the release fingers in and through the recesses the releasable latches are released. Therefore the housing can be released by a substantially downward application of the release tool.

In use, preferably a downward force of at least 5 Newtons is required in order to disengage all of the releasable latches.

In some preferred embodiments the attachment rim is an edge of a cavity into which the tip is received. Once the tips are received in the cavities and engaged with the rim of the cavities the housing cannot rotate within the base. When the releasable latches disengage, the tips are removed from the cavities and relative turning of the housing with respect to the base is permitted with the release tool. In a preferred embodiment at least two of the release fingers of the release tool have a hook provided at a distal end so that the latches are disengaged, and the hooks are located beneath the housing so that the housing is lifted and removed from the base as the tool is lifted. In this way the tool is used for both disengaging the housing from the base and lifting the housing from the base.

In another embodiment the assembly may include at least one resiliently deformable means, such as a spring or sprung member, that acts to separate the housing from the base when the latches are released. For example a lower surface of the housing may include a coiled spring that is compressed when the housing is locked in the base. Alternatively one or more spring may be arranged on the base to assist with displacing the housing when the latches are disengaged.

In some embodiments the housing may engage with the base by a twisting mechanism or by a mechanism requiring a twisting and pushing action. For example when the releasable latches are deflected and they become disengaged from the base, removal of the housing from the base may be permitted by twisting the housing relative to the base by way of at least one pip which passes through at least one guide channel, following relative rotation of the housing with respect to the base. For example the housing may include a channel and the base may have a pip, or vice-versa. The pip travels along the channel to an exit at which point the pip is freed from the channel. In this way once the fingers of the release tool have been inserted through the recesses and disengaged, the housing may be rotated by the release tool through an angle of at least 30°, preferably through an angle of at least 60° in order to guide the pip through the channel to the exit.

Preferably the housing is connected to the base by at least three releasable latches and the release tool has at least three corresponding release fingers.

Advantageously engagement between the housing and the base at multiple locations provides a secure fit of the housing to the base and makes removal more difficult as all latches must all be engaged simultaneously to enable release.

In some embodiments four or more releasable latches are provided and the tool has a corresponding number of release fingers.

In another embodiment a means is provided to identify when the housing is correctly located in the base. For example the installer may hear an audible click when the housing is correctly fitted within the housing.

In some embodiments the housing includes a tamper sensor for detecting attempted unauthorised removal.

Preferably the tamper sensor is configured to communicate an alert to the communication device which is operative to transmit an alert signal to a remote location or to the communication device of a second sensor assembly. For example a series of concatenated sensor assemblies, connected together either by way of a hardwire connector or wireless means, may relay a signal to a remote location.

In this way an authorised person, such as an installer or maintenance engineer, may be notified if there is an attempt to tamper with a sensor assembly.

Typically the communication device is operative with low-power wide area network (LPWAN), for example through means of low-power wide area network radio frequency module and an antenna. In some embodiments the communication device is operative with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, Local Area Networks (LANs).

The tamper sensor may comprise a means of detecting displacement of the housing and thereby the sensor which may be detected by monitoring location/movement of the housing. For example the housing may include a global positioning system (GPS) device and if the location of the housing changes from the installation location a signal is transmitted to an authorised person to advise of displacement of the housing.

As the housing is intended to remain in one place, any movement beyond a designated geolocation will indicate displacement of the housing from the base.

Alternatively, where it may not be possible for a GPS signal to be obtained, for example for indoor locations such as indoor parking, the sensors may be registered to an address location, such as building, and presence of the sensors within the building may be monitored. For example a network within the building may be adapted to receive periodic confirmatory signals transmitted from a sensor (in or on the housing) to a receiver (connected to the network) within a predetermined ‘geofence’ location, such as within the boundary of the building.

Failure of a confirmatory signal to be received may be interpreted as an indicator of removal of a device and may initiate a signal to be sent via the network, to a remote location. An authorised user, such as a maintenance manager, may then arrange for the sensor assembly to be checked.

In yet a further embodiment the housing may include an accelerometer which is operative to indicate a detection of movement signal which may be used to initiate a signal to be sent to a remote location to allow an authorised user to arrange for the sensor assembly to be checked.

When a signal that indicates a housing may have been removed or displaced from its base is received, a processor at the remote location is operative to analyse the signal. The processor, for example compares the signal against a database to analyse whether the removal is authorised, such as a scheduled removal, for repair or replacement, or whether the removal is unauthorised and so could indicate a malicious attack or an attempt to steal.

Following determination if the removal of the housing is authorised or unauthorised the processor may transmit an alert may to an authorised person or organisation to advise of an attempt to steal or damage the housing so that action can be taken.

It is appreciated that data relating to the removal/displacement of housings may be collected to allow an authorised user to monitor theft of devices, and/or to indicate when a device is changed or repaired to assist with maintenance planning.

The sensor assemblies may form part of a system. Communication devices are ideally provided in each assembly of a group and are operative to transmit a signal to a remote location indicating displacement of one or more of the housings from their respective bases.

Preferably the system has at least one remote receiver which is operative to receive a signal from the communication device, the signal indicates the variable the sensor is detecting/monitoring in order to determine a parameter.

For example the sensor may detect the presence of an object such as vehicle parked in a parking bay. In this example the system may include a processor that determines a vacant parking bay from a record of signals indicating the presence of a parked vehicle and is operative to cause an indicator, associated with a parking bay, in order to indicate a parking bay status.

The parking system may include a transmitter wherein a parking bay status is transmitted to a web-based parking bay booking system which is accessible using a mobile communication device.

Advantageously the parking system including the parking sensor assemblies, provides a method of monitoring occupancy of a car park which is fitted with the system.

It is appreciated that this system may be used with other sensors so that sensor data is transmitted to a web-based system which may be accessible using a mobile device. In this way if a sensor detects a variable in a parameter which indicates that action is required, this information is accessible by the mobile communication device such as a smartphone.

Preferably the communication device is also operative to transmit an alert to a remote location indicating an identity of a sensor assembly requiring maintenance or repair.

In some embodiments of the system a receiver monitors a signal strength or other signal characteristic associated with a particular sensor and a processor detects a variation in the signal strength or signal characteristic to determine when a sensor assembly is moved beyond a predefined zone. This system may be used to detect unauthorised removal of a housing from the base.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an overall view of a housing arranged in a base and an overall view of a release tool;

Figure 2 shows an exploded overall view of the housing removed from the base by the release tool;

Figure 3A shows in detail a section of the release tool, housing and base;

Figure 3B shows a section through the release tool engaged with the housing prior to its removal from the base;

Figures 3C shows a top view of the release tool, housing and base; Figures 4A shows in detail a second section of the release tool, housing and base;

Figure 4B shows a second section through the release tool engaged with the housing prior to its removal from the base;

Figure 4C shows a top view of the release tool, housing and base; and

Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the housing which shown in Figures 1 to 4.

Detailed Description of Figures

Figure 1 to 5 show a preferred embodiment of the housing 10, base 20 and a release tool 30. The pictured embodiment is a sensor assembly that is arranged on the ground in use. It is appreciated that the same features of the pictured embodiment may be for any sensor assembly that is mounted on a surface.

Housing

The housing 10 is substantially disc shaped. The housing 10 contains components of the housing (see Figure 5) and has four releasable latches 11 .

Each releasable latch 11 has a tip 12 provided at a distal end of the latch 11 . The latch 11 is resiliently deformable and connects to the housing at a proximal end 15.

The releasable latches 11 are resiliently deformable such that the latch deforms to a first position as the latch passes through the recess and contacts with part of the base 20, to a second position where the latch is released and the tip 12 engages with the attachment rim of the cavity 27. When the fingers 31 of the release tool 30 are inserted to the recesses 40 this deforms each latch 11 to the first position so that the tip 12 is forced away from the attachment rim of the cavity 27, thereby disengaging from the base 20.

An upper surface 13 of the housing has four dome regions 14 which prevent pooling or water on the upper surface 13.

Base

The base 20 has a planar lower face 21 that engages with the ground in use. An annular wall 23 projects from an upper face 22 of the base. The annular wall 23 defines a tubular opening 24 into which the disc shaped housing 10 is received.

The annular wall 23 has a plurality of drainage channels 25 to enable water to drain away from the opening 24.

The base 20 has apertures 26 which provide anchor points for fixing the base 20 to the ground. The enables the base 20 to be permanently fixed to the ground so that only the housing 10 is displaceable.

Release Tool

The release tool 30 has a plurality of release fingers 31 . The release fingers 31 are shaped and dimensioned to be received through the recesses 40 that guide the release fingers towards and against the latches 11 .

The release tool 30 is a substantially round plate with release fingers 31 extending from a lower face and a handle 33 extending from an upper face.

Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 4A, 4B and 4C show two different sections of the releasable latches 11. In Figures 3A and 3B the section shows how the finger 31 of the tool 30 displaces the tip 12 of the releasable latch 11. In Figures 4A and 4B, the second section shows how the hooks 32 of the fingers 31 locate under the tip 12 of the releasable latch 11 to enable lifting of the housing 10 from the base 20.

A distal end of each release finger 31 is forked having a tine 34 at each side of the finger 31 . The distal end of each tine 34 has a hook 32. The hooks 32 locate under the housing so as to permit the housing to be lifted from the base 20.

The latches 11 have two main regions; a tip 12 that engages with the base 20 so as to lock the housing 10 to the base 20 and a strip 17 either side of the tip 12 along which the tines 34 of the release fingers 31 of the release tool travels, either side of the tip 12, so that the hooks 32 can pass beneath a distal end of the latch 11 .

The finger 31 causes the resiliently deformable portion of the latch 11 to deform so that the tip 12 of the latch 11 disengages from the cavity 27 of the base 20.

Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the housing 10. The housing includes an upper housing 50A which engages with a lower housing 50B. A long life battery 51 is enclosed within the housing 50 and hermetically sealed by way of seal 52. Also enclosed within the housing 50 is a sensor 53 which is operatively connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) 54.

The communication device is operative to transmit the signal which indicates the variable the one or more sensor. In addition a unique identifier is used to indicate the location of each housing 10 when it is installed, fitted or fixed to a location. An operator is therefore able to associate a specific sensor contained by the housing with a particular base, for example the housing and specific sensor may be in a particular parking bay in a multi-story parking lot, or at a particular residence, or room of a residence. A theft alert or tamper evident system may include one or more receivers which are mounted within range of sensors, and which monitor a signal strength or other signal characteristic associated with a particular housing 10. The, or each, receiver is operative to detect a variation in the signal characteristic which may vary when a housing is moved or removed. In an alternative embodiment a geo-fence system is configured to transmit an alert signal where the housing contains a global positioning system (GPS) device (not shown). In this embodiment when the GPS device receives a geo location signal which corresponds to a prohibited zone, it transmits an alert indicating an authorised removal and movement.

Signals may be transmitted silently or may cause an alarm to sound on the housing. Likewise a tamper evident sensor may be configured to transmit an alert indicating a potential malicious act, such as vandalism or unauthorised removal, for example if a sudden violent impact or force is detected by a sensor mounted on the housing such as a strain gauge or accelerometer.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A sensor assembly comprising: a housing, which receives: a power supply, a sensor which is operative to sense one or more variables to determine a parameter and a communication device which is operative to transmit a signal indicative of the variable, the housing is connected to a base by way of a plurality of releasable latches, each releasable latch is accessed via a respective recess, when deployed each releasable latch connects the housing to the base, and each of the releasable latches is capable of being disengaged by a release tool, characterised in that the housing is adapted to be released from the base when all of the releasable latches are displaced simultaneously by a plurality of release fingers on the release tool which disengage all the releasable latches substantially simultaneously.

2. A sensor assembly according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of release fingers of the tool are shaped and dimensioned to enter into a respective recess associated with each releasable latch.

3. A sensor assembly according to claim 1 or 2 wherein recesses are defined in the housing of the sensor.

4. A sensor assembly according to claim 1 or 2 wherein recesses are defined in the base.

5. A sensor assembly according to claim 1 or 2 wherein recesses are defined between the housing and the base.

6. A sensor assembly according to any preceding claim wherein at least one of the releasable latches is provided on the housing.

7. A sensor assembly according to any of claims 1 to 5 wherein at least one of the releasable latches is provided on the base.

8. A sensor assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the releasable latches have tips whereby when each releasable latch is pressed by a respective release finger the releasable latch is retracted to disengage its tip from an attachment rim.

9. A sensor assembly according to claim 8 wherein each of the tips deflects in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to a direction of insertion of an associated release finger.

10. A sensor assembly according to claim 8 wherein cavities are formed in the attachment rim which receive the tips so that when the releasable latches disengage, the tips are removed from the cavities and relative turning of the housing with respect to the base is permitted when the release tool is engaged.

11 .A sensor assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the base defines an opening which receives and locates the housing.

12. A sensor assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the base has drainage holes or drainage channels.

13. A sensor assembly according to any preceding claim wherein when the releasable latches are disengaged, removal of the housing from the base is permitted by way of at least one pip which passes through at least one guide channel, following relative rotation of the housing through an angle of at least 30°, preferably through an angle of at least 60°.

14. A sensor assembly according to any preceding claim wherein at least three releasable latches are provided.

15. A sensor assembly according to any preceding wherein four releasable latches are provided.

16. A sensor assembly according to any preceding claim wherein a downward force of at least 5 Newtons is required in order to disengage all of the releasable latches.

17. A sensor assembly according to any preceding claim includes a tamper sensor.

18. A sensor assembly according to claim 17 wherein the tamper sensor is configured to communicate an alert to the communication device which is operative to transmit an alert signal to a remote location.

19. A sensor assembly according to any preceding claim wherein recesses, via which each releasable latch is accessed, are substantially rectangular shaped recesses.

20. A sensor assembly according to any preceding claim including a spring to assist with separating the housing from the base.

21 .A sensor assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the base has anchor points which enable the base to be anchored to a surface or to a structure.

22. A sensor assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the communication device is operative to transmit a signal to a remote location when a sensor indicates displacement of the housing from the base.

23. A sensor assembly according to claim 22 wherein the signal is analysed by a processor at the remote location and the processor determines whether displacement of the housing is authorised or unauthorised.

24. A sensor assembly according to claim 23 wherein the processor generates an alert identifying an unauthorised displacement of the housing.

25. A system including one or more of the sensor assemblies according to any of claims 1 to 24 wherein at least one of the communication devices is operative to transmit a signal to a remote location indicating displacement of one or more of the housings from their respective bases.

26. A system including a plurality of sensor assemblies according to any of claims 1 to 24 and at least one remote receiver which is operative to receive a signal from the communication device, the signal indicates a variable parameter being monitored.

27. A system according to any of claims 24 to 26 wherein the communication device is operative to transmit an alert to a remote location indicating an identity of a sensor assembly requiring maintenance or repair.

28. A system according to any of claims 24 to 27 wherein a receiver monitors a signal strength or other signal characteristic associated with a particular sensor and a processor detects a variation in the signal strength or signal characteristic to determine when a housing containing the sensor is moved beyond a predefined zone.

29. A release tool for removing the housing according to any preceding claim including a plurality of release fingers that are shaped and dimensioned to be received through the recesses.

30. A release tool according to claim 29 wherein at least two of the release fingers have a hook provided at a distal end, so that once the latches are disengaged the hooks are located beneath the housing so that the housing is lifted and removed from the base as the tool is lifted.