Smoke detector

Abstract

A smoke detector includes a base configured to be attached to a surface, a first set of magnets is at first predetermined positions on the base and a power and control circuit of the detector is accommodated in or on the base, and a head configured to be removably attached to the base, a second set of magnets is at second predetermined positions on the head and one or more sensors of the detector is accommodated in the head; placement of the head at a predefined distance from the base magnetically engages the first set of magnets and the second set of magnets, which correspondingly causes the head to be pulled towards and secured to the base and operably connect the one or more sensors to the power and control circuit.

Description

SMOKE DETECTORCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONSThis application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63 / 653048, filed on May 29, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0001] Embodiments described herein relate to a smoke detector with an improved connection mechanism.SUMMARY

[0002] Disclosed herein is a smoke detector. The detector comprises a base configured to be attached to a surface, wherein a first set of magnets is at first predetermined positions on the base and a power and control circuit of the detector is accommodated in or on the base, and a head configured to be removably attached to the base, wherein a second set of magnets is at second predetermined positions on the head and one or more sensors of the detector is accommodated in the head, wherein placement of the head at a predefined distance from the base magnetically engages the first set of magnets and the second set of magnets, which correspondingly causes the head to be pulled towards and secured to the base and operably connect the one or more sensors to the power and control circuit.

[0003] In one or more embodiments, the base comprises a first housing having a substantially circular profile, the first housing configured to securely accommodate the first set of magnets, one or more components associated with the power and control circuit, and a first interface connector being connected to the corresponding components, and a ring-shaped member configured with a latching mechanism, where the ring-shaped member is rotatably configured with the first housing via a biasing element, wherein placement of the head at the predefined distance from the base magnetically engages the first set of magnets and the second set of magnets, which correspondingly causes the head to be axially pulled towards and secured to the ring-shaped member in a locked position and operably connect the one or more sensors to the power and control circuit, and wherein rotation of the ring-shaped member in a predefined direction from the locked position, causes the head to disengage from the base and further operably disconnect the one or more sensors from the power and control circuit.

[0004] In one or more embodiments, the head comprises a second housing having a substantially circular or disk-shaped profile configured to securely accommodate the secondset of magnets, the one or more sensors, and a second interface connector being connected to the corresponding sensors, such that the second interface connector remains accessible through an open section provided on a first side of the second housing, and a cover adapted to be attached to a second side, opposite to the first side, of the second housing, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of openings that allows smoke and / or gases to enter within the head and move towards the one or more sensors.[0005 J In one or more embodiments, the first interface connector is located at center of the first housing of the base and the first set of magnets comprises a first pair of magnets provided on opposite ends of the first interface connector, wherein the second interface connector is located at center of the second housing of the head and the second set of magnets comprises a second pair of magnets provided on opposite ends of the second interface connector, such that the first pair of magnets and the second pair of magnets remain in line upon attachment of the head to the base.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the magnetic engagement of the first and second set of magnets facilitates in alignment and engagement of the first interface connector and the second interface connector, thereby operably connecting the one or more sensors to the power and control circuit, and wherein the rotation of the ring-shaped member in the predefined direction from the locked position disengages the first interface connector and the second interface connector, thereby disconnecting the one or more sensors from the power and control circuit.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the first interface connector has a predefined height that is configured to be inserted within the open section of the second housing at the locked position and further operably connect with the second interface connector.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the latching mechanism of the ring-shaped member comprises a plurality of latch elements, each having a first cam surface and a first locking surface, and wherein the head comprises a plurality of locking paws, each having a second cam surface and a second locking surface, protruding from a circumference of the first side of the second housing.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, placement of the head at the predefined distance from the base causes the head to be axially pulled towards the base due to the magnetic engagement, which correspondingly causes the second cam surface of the plurality of locking paws to slide against the first cam surface of the respective latch elements while rotating the ring-shaped member in the predefined direction and further causes the second locking cam of the locking paws to engage and lock with the first locking surface of the respective latch whilerotating the ring-shaped member in a direction, opposite to the predefined direction, back to the locked position, and wherein rotation of the ring-shaped member in the predefined direction from the locked position, causes the second locking cam of the locking paws to disengage or unlock from the first locking surface of the respective latch elements, allowing removal of the head from the base.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the second housing comprises a set of engaging elements that is configured to remain engaged with the ring-shaped member upon disengagement of the locking paws from the latch elements while allowing removal of the head from the base upon pulling the head away from the base.

[0011] In one or more embodiments , the base comprises a magnetically-actuated switch selected from a reed switch and a tunnel magneto-resistance switch, provided at third predefined positions on the base and further connected to the one or more components, and wherein the head comprises a third set of magnets provided at fourth predefined positions on the head, such that the magnetically-actuated switch and the third set of magnets remains in magnetic contact when the head and the base are in the locked position, wherein the magnetic contact between the magnetically-actuated switch and the third set of magnets, causes the magnetically-actuated switch to enable power flow through the power and control circuit and the one or more sensors of the detector.

[0012] Also disclosed herein is a smoke detector. The detector comprises a base configured to be attached to a surface, wherein the base comprises a rotatable ring-shaped member configured with a latching mechanism that comprises a plurality of latch elements, each having a first cam surface and a first locking surface, and a head configured to be removably attached to the base, wherein the head comprises a plurality of locking paws, each having a second cam surface and a second locking surface, wherein axial movement of the head towards the base causes the second cam surface of the plurality of locking paws to slide against the first cam surface of the respective latch elements while rotating the ring-shaped member in a predefined direction and further causes the second locking cam of the locking paws to engage and lock with the first locking surface of the respective latch in a locked position while rotating the ring-shaped member in a direction, opposite to the predefined direction, and wherein rotation of the ring-shaped member in the predefined direction from the locked position, causes the second locking cam of the locking paws to disengage or unlock from the first locking surface of the respective latch elements, allowing removal of the head from the base.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the base comprises a first set of magnets at first predetermined positions on the base and a power and control circuit of the detector is accommodated in or on the base, wherein the head comprises a second set of magnets at second predetermined positions on the head and one or more sensors of the detector is accommodated in the head.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, placement of the head at a predefined distance from the base magnetically engages the first set of magnets and the second set of magnets, which correspondingly causes the head to be axially pulled towards and secured to the ring- shaped member in the locked position and further operably connect the one or more sensors to the power and control circuit, and wherein rotation of the ring-shaped member in the predefined direction from the locked position, causes the head to disengage from the base and further operably disconnect the one or more sensors from the power and control circuit.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the base comprises a first housing having a substantially circular profile, the first housing configured to securely accommodate the first set of magnets, one or more components associated with the power and control circuit, and a first interface connector being connected to the corresponding components, and wherein the ringshaped member is rotatably configured with the first housing via a biasing element.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the head comprises a second housing having a substantially circular or disk-shaped profile configured to securely accommodate the second set of magnets, the one or more sensors, and a second interface connector being connected to the corresponding sensors, such that the second interface connector remains accessible through an open section provided on a first side of the second housing, and a cover adapted to be attached to a second side, opposite to the first side, of the second housing, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of openings that allow smoke and / or gases to enter within the head and move towards the one or more sensors.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the first interface connector is located at center of the first housing of the base and the first set of magnets comprises a first pair of magnets provided on opposite ends of the first interface connector, and wherein the second interface connector is located at center of the second housing of the head and the second set of magnets comprises a second pair of magnets provided on opposite ends of the second interface connector, such that the first pair of magnets and the second pair of magnets remain in line upon attachment of the head to the base.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the magnetic engagement of the first and second set of magnets facilitates in alignment and engagement of the first interface connector and thesecond interface connector, thereby operably connecting the one or more sensors to the power and control circuit, and wherein the rotation of the ring-shaped member in the predefined direction from the locked position disengages the first interface connector and the second interface connector, thereby disconnecting the one or more sensors from the power and control circuit.

[0019] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, features, and techniques of the invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the subject disclosure of this invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the subject disclosure.

[0021] In the drawings, similar components and / or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0022] FIGs. 1A illustrates an exemplary representation of a smoke detector, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

[0023] FIG. IB illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the smoke detector of FIG. 1A.

[0024] FIGs. 2A to 2C illustrate exemplary views of a base of the smoke detector of FIG. 1A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

[0025] FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate exemplary views of a head of the smoke detector of FIG. 1A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

[0026] FIG. 4A to 4D illustrates exemplary representations depicting a process of installing and removing the head from the base in the smoke detector, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0028] Various terms are used herein. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0029] In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the subject disclosure, the components of this invention described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “first,” “second” or other like terms to describe a spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the components or a spatial orientation of aspects of such components.

[0030] Smoke detectors are safety devices employed in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. These devices are designed to detect the presence of smoke, temperature changes, and dangerous gases such as but not limited to carbon dioxide, propane, methane and the like, thereby providing early warnings of potentially life-threatening fires. A conventional smoke detector typically comprises two main components: a detector head element and a detector base element. The detector head houses various sensors necessary for detecting hazardous conditions, while the detector base includes components for mounting the detector to a surface (usually a ceiling or wall) and electrical interfaces for power and signal transmission.

[0031] The locking mechanism employed in existing smoke detectors for attaching the detector head to the base may involve either a rotary movement or a strong vertical force. Specifically, the detector head may generally be positioned onto the base and thereafter secured by either twisting it into place or pushing it down with force until the locking mechanism engages.

[0032] This method of installation has several disadvantages. For instance, applying a significant vertical force directly to the detector may disturb or damage the surface on which the detector is being installed. This is particularly problematic with surfaces such as ceiling tiles or other fragile materials, which may be common in many buildings. The force exerted while installation may cause the tile to crack, sag, or dislocate, which may necessitate additional repairs or adjustments, thereby increasing the overall time and cost associated with installation process. Further, the rotary movement required to engage the detector with the base may also be challenging. This movement may require considerable precision and torque, which may be physically demanding and difficult to achieve, especially in confined spaces or at awkward angles common in many installation environments. This difficulty may lead to improper installations, potentially compromising the detector’s functionality or its secure attachment.

[0033] Thus, there is a need for an improved connection mechanism for smoke detectors that can allow for quick, reliable, and easy installation. This mechanism may facilitate a reliable connection between the components housed in both the head and the base of the detector, without compromising the functionality of the smoke detector's components.

[0034] Referring to FIGs. 1A to 4D, a smoke detector 100 (referred to as a detector 100, hereinafter) with an improved connection mechanism is disclosed. The detector 100 may include a base 102 configured to be attached to a surface such as but not limited to ceiling, and walls. The detector 100 may further include a head 104 configured to be removably attached to the base 102, such that one or more components of the detector 100 remain enclosed within the detector 100.

[0035] The one or more components of the detector 100 may include a power and control circuit, one or more interface connectors, and one or more sensors including but not limited to a fire sensor, a smoke sensor, and a temperature sensor, but not limited to the like. Further, the power and control circuit may include a controller, a power supply unit, an electrical power interface, a magnetically-actuated switch 212, a field wiring interface connector 214-1, a relay output connector 214-2, but not limited to the like, being installed on a power printed circuit board (PCB) 216. The electrical power interface of the base 102 may be configured to connect the base 102 to an external power source or an in-built battery to supply electrical power to the detector 100. Further, in one or more embodiments, the detector 100 may be configured to be connected to a control panel associated with a fire alarm system via the electrical power interface of the base 102 and field equipment cables, where the controlpanel may enable the supply of electrical power and control signals to the detector 100 and further receive the sensor data from the sensors of the detector 100.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the power and control circuit of the detector 100 may be accommodated in or on the base 102, and the sensors may be accommodated in the head 104. However, in other embodiments, the components of the detector 100 may be accommodated at a different location in the base 102 or in the head 104, and all such embodiments are well within the scope of the subject disclosure. The detailed construction of the base 102 and the head 104 has been described in conjunction with FIGs. 2A to 3C.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, a first set of magnets 210 may be at first predetermined positions on the base 102 and a second set of magnets 314 may be at second predetermined positions on the head 104. The position, polarity, and magnetic strength of the first and second sets of magnets 210, 314 may be selected such that the placement of the head 104 at a predefined distance from the base 102 may magnetically engage the first set of magnets 210 and the second set of magnets 314, which may correspondingly cause the head 104 to be pulled towards and secured to the base 102 and further operably connect the sensors to the power and control circuit.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the base 102 may include the magnetically- actuated switch 212 selected from a reed switch and a tunnel magneto-resistance (TMR) switch, provided at third predefined positions on the base 102 and further connected to the power and control circuit of the detector 100. Further, the head 104 may include a third set of magnets 316 provided at fourth predefined positions on the head 104, such that the magnetically- actuated switch 212 and the third set of magnets 316 remain in magnetic contact or magnetically engage (with or without a clearance gap therebetween) when the head 104 is attached to the base 102. Accordingly, the magnetic engagement of the magnetically-actuated switch 212 and the third set of magnets 316 may cause the magnetically-actuated switch 212 to enable the flow of electrical power through the power and control circuit and the sensors of the detector 100. The detailed operation of the magnetically-actuated switch 212 has been described in conjunction with FIGs. 4A to 4D. In one or more embodiments, the position of the magnetically-actuated switch 212 may be kept away from the first or the second set of magnets 314 to prevent false magnetic actuation of the magnetically-actuated switch 212 by the first or second sets of magnets 210, 314, while allowing actuation of the magnetically-actuated switch 212 only by the third set of magnets 316.

[0039] It is to be appreciated that shape and number of the magnets and their positions on the head 104 and base 102 mentioned above are only exemplary, and these can be changedto a different shape and number without any limitation whatsoever, and all such implementations are well within the scope of the subject disclosure.

[0040] Referring to FIGs. 2A to 2C, in one or more embodiments, the base 102 may include a first housing 202 having a substantially circular or disk-shaped profile. The first housing 202 may include one or more mounting fixtures to facilitate attachment of the base 102 to the surface such as ceiling and walls. The base 102 may further include a petri-dish- shaped plate 206 fixed on one side of the first housing 202, which may be configured to securely accommodate the first set of magnets 210, the components associated with the power and control circuit, and a first interface connector 208 being connected to the corresponding components. The base 102 may further include a ring-shaped member 204 configured with a latching mechanism. The ring-shaped member 204 may be rotatably configured with the first housing 202 and / or with the petri-dish-shaped plate 206 via a biasing element 220 such as but not limited to a spring and the like, such that the biasing element 220 may retract the ring- shaped member 204 to its neutral position upon rotation of the ring-shaped member 204 away from the neutral position. Further, the petri-dish-shaped plate 206 and the PCB 216 may be attached to the first housing 202 using one or more fasteners 222.

[0041] Accordingly, the placement of the head 104 at the predefined distance from the base 102 may magnetically engage the first set of magnets 210 and the second set of magnets 314, which may correspondingly cause the head 104 to be axially pulled towards and secured to the ring-shaped member 204 of the base 102 in a locked position and further operably connect the sensors on the head 104 to the power and control circuit on the base 102. Further, the rotation of the ring-shaped member 204 in a predefined direction (clock-wise or anticlockwise) from the locked position to a removal position, may cause the head 104 to disengage from the base 102 without damaging or moving the components on the base 102 and the head 104, and further operably disconnect the sensors from the power and control circuit.

[0042] Referring to FIGs. 3A and 3B, in one or more embodiments, the head 104 may include a second housing 302 having a substantially circular or disk-shaped profile configured to securely accommodate the second set of magnets 314, the sensors, and a second interface connector 312 being connected to the corresponding sensors, such that the second interface connector 312 remains accessible through an open section 302-2 provided on a first side 302- 1 of the second housing 302. However, in other embodiments, the second interface connector 312 may be provided on the first side 302-1 of the housing without the open section 302-2. Further, the head 104 may include a cover 304 adapted to be attached to a second side, opposite to the first side 302-1, of the second housing 302. In one or more embodiments, the cover 304may have a conical or frusto-conical shape including a plurality of openings 306 that may allow the head 104 to receive smoke and / or gases within the head 104 and interact with the sensors for further detection.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the latching mechanism of the ring-shaped member 204 may include a plurality of latch elements 218, each having a first cam surface Cl and a first locking surface LI defining a J-shaped profile (or goose neck-shaped profile) as shown in FIGs. 2A to 2C. Further, the head 104 may include a plurality of locking pawls 308, each having a second cam surface C2 and a second locking surface L2 defining an inverted-J- shaped profile (or inverted goose neck-shaped profile). The plurality of locking pawls 308 may protrude from a circumference of the first side 302-1 of the second housing 302 as shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B. In addition, in one or more embodiments, the second housing 302 of the head 104 may include a set of engaging elements 310 (also referred to as an unlock catch) that may be configured to remain engaged with the ring-shaped member 204 of the base 102 upon disengagement of the plurality of locking pawls 308 from the latch elements 218 while allowing removal of the head 104 from the base 102 upon pulling the head 104 away from the base 102. The set of engaging elements 310 (unlock catch) may prevent the falling of the head 104 from the base 102 at the removal position upon disengagement of the plurality of locking pawls 308 from the latch elements 218 in the removal position.

[0044] Accordingly, referring to FIGs. 4A to 4D, the placement of the head 104 at the predefined distance from the base 102 may cause the head 104 to be axially pulled towards the base 102 due to the magnetic engagement between the first and second sets of magnets 210, 314 as shown in FIG. 4A. This axial pulling may correspondingly cause the second cam surface C2 of the plurality of locking pawls 308 to slide against the first cam surface Cl of the respective latch elements 218 in an axial direction towards the base 102 while rotating the ringshaped member 204 in the predefined direction from its neutral position as shown in FIG. 4B. Once the head 104 is further axially pulled towards the base 102, the cam surfaces Cl, C2 of the plurality of locking pawls 308 and the latch elements 218 may disengage and the second locking surface L2 of the plurality of locking pawls 308 may engage and lock with the first locking surface LI of the respective latch element 218 while rotating the ring-shaped member 204 in a direction, opposite to the predefined direction, back to its neutral position or the locked position as shown in FIG. 4C.

[0045] Further, upon manual rotation of the ring-shaped member 204 in the predefined direction from the locked position to the removal position as shown in FIG. 4D, the second locking surface L2 of the plurality of locking pawls 308 may disengage or unlock from the firstlocking surface LI of the respective latch elements 218, allowing removal of the head 104 from the base 102. However, the set of engaging elements 310 of the head 104 may remain engaged with the ring-shaped member 204 of the base 102 upon disengagement of the plurality of locking pawls 308 from the latch elements 218, thereby preventing the head 104 from falling or completely disengaging from the base 102, while allowing removal of the head 104 from the base 102 upon pulling the head 104 away from the base 102.L0046J In one or more embodiments, referring to FIGs. 2A to 2C, the first interface connector 208 may be located at center of the first housing 202 of the base 102 and the first set of magnets 210 may include a first pair of magnets provided on opposite ends of the first interface connector. Further, referring to FIGs. 3A and 3B, the second interface connector 312 may be located at the center of the second housing 302 of the head 104, and the second set of magnets 314 may include a second pair of magnets provided on opposite ends of the second interface connector 312, such that the first pair of magnets and the second pair of magnets remain in line upon attachment of the head 104 to the base 102. In one or more embodiments, the second pair of magnets may remain enclosed within the second housing 302 or remain on the outer surface of the second side of the second housing 302. Further, in one or more embodiments, the first interface connector 208 may have a predefined shape and predefined height that may be configured to be inserted within the open section 302-2 of the second housing 302 at the locked position and further operably connect with the second interface connector 312. The area and profile of the open section 302-2 on the second housing 302 and the distance of the second interface connector 312 from the first side 302-1 in the second housing 302 may be selected based on the shape and height of the first interface connector 208.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the polarity and magnetic strength of the pair of first and second magnets 210, 314 may be selected such that these magnets 210, 314 may magnetically engage with each other upon bringing the head 104 close (by a predefined distance) to the base 102 while orienting the head 104 with respect to the base 102 in a predefined orientation. For instance, one of the first magnets may have a visible side with a positive polarity (N pole) and another first magnet may have a visible side with a negative polarity (S pole). Similarly, one of the second magnets to be engaged with the first magnet having the positive polarity (N pole) on its visible side may have a visible side with a negative polarity (S pole). Similarly, another second magnet to be engaged with the first magnet having the negative polarity (S pole) on its visible may have a visible side with a positive polarity (N pole). This magnetic engagement of the first and second set of magnets 210, 314 may facilitate alignment and engagement of the first interface connector 208 and the second interfaceconnector 312 upon bringing the head 104 at the predefined distance to the base 102, thereby operably connecting the sensors to the power and control circuit. Further, the rotation of the ring-shaped member 204 in the predefined direction from the locked position to the removal position may disengage the head 104 from the base 102, creating a substantial predefined clearance gap between the head 104 and the base 102. This may also cause the first interface connector 208 and the second interface connector 312 to disengage or disconnect, thereby disconnecting the sensors on the head 104 from the power and control circuit of the base 102.

[0048] In addition, the disengagement or separation of the head 104 from the base 102 by more than the substantial predefined clearance gap may also disable the magnetic engagement between the magnetically-actuated switch 212 and the third set of magnets 316, which may cause the magnetically-actuated switch 212 to disable electrical power flow through the power and control circuit and the sensors of the detector 100. Further, upon bringing the head 104 close to the base 102 by less than or equal to the substantial predefined clearance gap may magnetically engage the magnetically-actuated switch 212 and the third set of magnets 316, which may cause the magnetically-actuated switch 212 to enable electrical power flow through the power and control circuit and the sensors of the detector 100.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the magnetically-actuated switch 212 may be a normally closed reed switch that may create a bypass path (around the power and control circuit) for the electrical power being received from the power source associated with the detector 100, and correspondingly disable the electrical power flow through the power and control circuit and the sensors of the detector 100. Further, the reed switch 212 may change to an open state upon being magnetically actuated by the third set of magnets 316, which may open the bypass path and enable the supply of electrical power flow through the power and control circuit and the sensors of the detector 100. However, in other embodiments, the magnetically-actuated switch 212 may also be a normally open switch 212 configured between the power source and the power and control circuit of the detector 100, which may disable the flow of electrical power to the power and control circuit and the sensors of the detector 100 when the reed switch 212 is not magnetically actuated. The reed switch 212 may then change to a closed state upon being magnetically actuated by the third set of magnets 316 and correspondingly enable the supply of electrical power to the power and control circuit and the sensors of the detector 100.

[0050] The substantial predefined clearance gap between the magnetically-actuated switch 212 and the third set of magnets 316 may be determined based on the magnetic strength of the third set of magnets 316 and a threshold actuation value of the magnetically-actuatedswitch 212. For instance, in a non-limiting example, the substantial predefined clearance gap may be 0.09 inch (2.28 mm) for the reed switch 212. Accordingly, when the third set of magnets 316 is positioned at 0.09 inch from the reed switch 212, the reed switch 212 may be actuated. Furthermore, when the third set of magnets 316 is positioned at a distance greater than 0.09 inch from the reed switch 212, the reed switch 212 may be de-actuated.

[0051] Thus, this invention overcomes the limitations and drawbacks associated with existing smoke detectors, by providing a magnet-based improved connection mechanism that allows for quick, reliable, and easy installation of the head on the base. This mechanism facilitates a reliable connection between the components being housed in both the head and the base of the detector, without compromising the functionality of the smoke detector's components during the installation or removal of the head from the base.

[0052] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0053] In interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a nonexclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . ..and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A smoke detector comprising: a base configured to be attached to a surface, wherein a first set of magnets is at first predetermined positions on the base and a power and control circuit of the detector is accommodated in or on the base; and a head configured to be removably attached to the base, wherein a second set of magnets is at second predetermined positions on the head and one or more sensors of the detector are accommodated in the head, wherein placement of the head at a predefined distance from the base magnetically engages the first set of magnets and the second set of magnets, which correspondingly causes the head to be pulled towards and secured to the base and operably connect the one or more sensors to the power and control circuit.

2. The smoke detector of claim 1, wherein the base comprises: a first housing having a substantially circular profile, the first housing configured to securely accommodate the first set of magnets, one or more components associated with the power and control circuit, and a first interface connector being connected to the corresponding components; and a ring-shaped member configured with a latching mechanism, the ring-shaped member being rotatably configured with the first housing via a biasing element, wherein placement of the head at the predefined distance from the base magnetically engages the first set of magnets and the second set of magnets, which correspondingly causes the head to be axially pulled towards and secured to the ringshaped member in a locked position and operably connect the one or more sensors to the power and control circuit, and wherein rotation of the ring-shaped member in a predefined direction from the locked position, causes the head to disengage from the base and further operably disconnect the one or more sensors from the power and control circuit.

3. The smoke detector of claim 2, wherein the head comprises: a second housing having a substantially circular or disk-shaped profile configured to securely accommodate the second set of magnets, the one or more sensors, and a second interface connector being connected to the corresponding sensors, such that the second interface connector remains accessible through an open section provided on a first side of the second housing; anda cover adapted to be attached to a second side, opposite to the first side, of the second housing, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of openings that allow smoke and / or gases to enter within the head and move towards the one or more sensors.

4. The smoke detector of claim 3, wherein the first interface connector is located at center of the first housing of the base and the first set of magnets comprises a first pair of magnets provided on opposite ends of the first interface connector, and wherein the second interface connector is located at center of the second housing of the head and the second set of magnets comprises a second pair of magnets provided on opposite ends of the second interface connector, such that the first pair of magnets and the second pair of magnets remains in line upon attachment of the head to the base.

5. The smoke detector of claim 3, wherein the magnetic engagement of the first and second set of magnets facilitates in alignment and engagement of the first interface connector and the second interface connector, thereby operably connecting the one or more sensors to the power and control circuit, and wherein the rotation of the ringshaped member in the predefined direction from the locked position disengages the first interface connector and the second interface connector, thereby disconnecting the one or more sensors from the power and control circuit.

6. The smoke detector of claim 3, wherein the first interface connector has a predefined height that is configured to be inserted within the open section of the second housing at the locked position and further operably connect with the second interface connector.

7. The smoke detector of claim 3, wherein the latching mechanism of the ring-shaped member comprises a plurality of latch elements, each having a first cam surface and a first locking surface, and wherein the head comprises a plurality of locking paws, each having a second cam surface and a second locking surface, protruding from a circumference of the first side of the second housing.

8. The smoke detector of claim 7, wherein placement of the head at the predefined distance from the base causes the head to be axially pulled towards the base due to the magnetic engagement, which correspondingly causes the second cam surface of the plurality of locking paws to slide against the first cam surface of the respective latch elements while rotating the ring-shaped member in the predefined direction and further causes the second locking cam of the locking paws to engage and lock with the first locking surface of the respective latch while rotating the ring-shaped member in a direction, opposite to the predefined direction, back to the locked position, andwherein rotation of the ring-shaped member in the predefined direction from the locked position, causes the second locking cam of the locking paws to disengage or unlock from the first locking surface of the respective latch elements, allowing removal of the head from the base.

9. The smoke detector of claim 7, wherein the second housing comprises a set of engaging elements that are configured to remain engaged with the ring-shaped member upon disengagement of the locking paws from the latch elements while allowing removal of the head from the base upon pulling the head away from the base.

10. The smoke detector of claim 2, wherein the base comprises a magnetically-actuated switch selected from a reed switch and a tunnel magneto-resistance switch, provided at third predefined positions on the base and further connected to the one or more components, wherein the head comprises a third set of magnets provided at fourth predefined positions on the head, such that the magnetically -actuated switch and the third set of magnets remain in magnetic contact when the head and the base are in the locked position, wherein the magnetic contact between the magnetically-actuated switch and the third set of magnets, causes the magnetically-actuated switch to enable power flow through the power and control circuit and the one or more sensors of the detector.

11. A smoke detector comprising: a base configured to be attached to a surface, wherein the base comprises a rotatable ring-shaped member configured with a latching mechanism that comprises a plurality of latch elements, each having a first cam surface and a first locking surface, and a head configured to be removably attached to the base, wherein the head comprises a plurality of locking paws, each having a second cam surface and a second locking surface; wherein axial movement of the head towards the base causes the second cam surface of the plurality of locking paws to slide against the first cam surface of the respective latch elements while rotating the ring-shaped member in a predefined direction and further causes the second locking cam of the locking paws to engage and lock with the first locking surface of the respective latch in a locked position while rotating the ring-shaped member in a direction, opposite to the predefined direction, andwherein rotation of the ring-shaped member in the predefined direction from the locked position, causes the second locking cam of the locking paws to disengage or unlock from the first locking surface of the respective latch elements, allowing removal of the head from the base.

12. The smoke detector of claim 11, wherein the head comprises a set of engaging elements that is configured to remain engaged with the ring-shaped member upon disengagement of the locking paws from the latch elements while allowing removal of the head from the base upon pulling the head away from the base.

13. The smoke detector of claim 11, wherein the base comprises a first set of magnets at first predetermined positions on the base and a power and control circuit of the detector is accommodated in or on the base; and wherein the head comprises a second set of magnets at second predetermined positions on the head and one or more sensors of the detector are accommodated in the head.

14. The smoke detector of claim 13, wherein placement of the head at a predefined distance from the base magnetically engages the first set of magnets and the second set of magnets, which correspondingly causes the head to be axially pulled towards and secured to the ring-shaped member in the locked position and further operably connect the one or more sensors to the power and control circuit, and wherein rotation of the ring-shaped member in the predefined direction from the locked position, causes the head to disengage from the base and further operably disconnect the one or more sensors from the power and control circuit.

15. The smoke detector of claim 13, wherein the base comprises a first housing having a substantially circular profile, the first housing configured to securely accommodate the first set of magnets, one or more components associated with the power and control circuit, and a first interface connector being connected to the corresponding components, and wherein the ring-shaped member is rotatably configured with the first housing via a biasing element.

16. The smoke detector of claim 15, wherein the head comprises: a second housing having a substantially circular or disk-shaped profile configured to securely accommodate the second set of magnets, the one or more sensors, and a second interface connector being connected to the corresponding sensors, such that the second interface connector remains accessible through an open section provided on a first side of the second housing; anda cover adapted to be attached to a second side, opposite to the first side, of the second housing, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of openings that allow smoke and / or gases to enter within the head and move towards the one or more sensors.

17. The smoke detector of claim 16, wherein the first interface connector is located at center of the first housing of the base and the first set of magnets comprises a first pair of magnets provided on opposite ends of the first interface connector, and wherein the second interface connector is located at center of the second housing of the head and the second set of magnets comprises a second pair of magnets provided on opposite ends of the second interface connector, such that the first pair of magnets and the second pair of magnets remains in line upon attachment of the head to the base.

18. The smoke detector of claim 16, wherein the magnetic engagement of the first and second set of magnets facilitates in alignment and engagement of the first interface connector and the second interface connector, thereby operably connecting the one or more sensors to the power and control circuit, and wherein the rotation of the ringshaped member in the predefined direction from the locked position disengages the first interface connector and the second interface connector, thereby disconnecting the one or more sensors from the power and control circuit.

19. The smoke detector of claim 16, wherein the first interface connector has a predefined height that is configured to be insert within the open section of the second housing at the locked position and further operably connect with the second interface connector.

20. The smoke detector of claim 15, wherein the base comprises a magnetically-actuated switch selected from a reed switch and a tunnel magneto-resistance switch, provided at third predefined positions on the base and further connected to the one or more components, and wherein the head comprises a third set of magnets provided at fourth predefined positions on the head, such that the magnetically-actuated switch and the third set of magnets remains in magnetic contact when the head and the base are in the locked position, wherein the magnetic contact between the magnetically-actuated switch and the third set of magnets, causes the magnetically-actuated switch to enable power flow through the power and control circuit and the one or more sensors of the detector.

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