Visual Alarm Lens Blockage Detection With Remote Fault Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visual alarm devices in large buildings are difficult to inspect efficiently due to their numerous installations, often requiring manual checks and the use of ladders or lifting equipment, and can be blocked by dust or coatings, leading to ineffective warnings.
Innovation Solution
A visual alarm device with a light source, lens, and light sensing module that generates illuminance signals to detect blockages or faults, sending fault signals to a management terminal for accurate identification and location of blocked devices without manual inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual inspection methods are used to check visual alarm devices, then inspection accuracy can be ensured, but inspection efficiency deteriorates due to the large number of devices and requirement for ladders or lifting equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The visual alarm device performs self-detection of its own operational status through the light sensing module that automatically monitors light transmission through the lens and sends fault signals when blockages are detected, eliminating the need for manual inspection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated optical detection system using light sources and light sensing modules that automatically detect blockages and send fault signals to management terminals
2Reliability
If visual alarm devices are installed on ceilings or walls for optimal positioning, then alarm coverage is improved, but device accessibility deteriorates making inspection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically monitors its own status through integrated light sensing modules that detect blockages without requiring human intervention, enabling ceiling-mounted devices to self-diagnose faults
Solution Approach 2:
The light sensing module provides real-time feedback on the operational status of the visual alarm device by detecting light transmission changes and sending fault signals to management terminals, enabling remote monitoring of ceiling-mounted devices
3Duration of action of stationary object
If dust or coatings accumulate on visual alarm device lenses, then device longevity is improved, but alarm effectiveness deteriorates due to blocked light transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensing module continuously monitors light transmission through the lens and provides feedback when blockages are detected, enabling timely maintenance while allowing the device to operate for extended periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of potential blockages before they completely disable the alarm function, allowing proactive maintenance scheduling that balances device longevity with effectiveness
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and accurate detection of blocked or faulty devices, reducing the need for manual checks and equipment use, ensuring timely maintenance and effective alarm functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the light sensing module is used to sense the light from the lens side when the light source is turned on, generate an illuminance signal used to indicate the light intensity of the sensed light
Implementation Method 2
the lens is constructed to transmit light emitted by the light source
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the teachings herein include a method for detecting whether a visual alarm device is blocked. The visual alarm device comprises a light source located on an inner side of a lens. An example method includes: obtaining an illuminance signal indicating a light intensity of light from the lens side when the light source is emitting light; and sending a first fault signal to a management terminal if it is determined that the light intensity of the light from the lens side is greater than a first illuminance threshold according to the illuminance signal. The first fault signal indicates the visual alarm device is blocked.