Combined Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector with Synchronized Alerts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current smoke detectors are inadequate in detecting gray smoke and often require additional devices for gas particle detection, leading to increased complexity and cost, with limited communication between smoke and gas detectors.

Innovation Solution

A combined detection device housing both smoke and gas particle detectors, with an audible enunciator for distinct alerts and a communication system via a tandem electrical conductor to synchronize and prioritize alerts, allowing for integrated detection and communication of smoke and carbon monoxide particles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate smoke detectors and gas detectors are used, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines smoke detection and gas detection functions into a single integrated detector unit. The housing contains both a smoke detector device and a gas detector device, allowing simultaneous detection of both particle types without requiring multiple separate devices. This merging approach maintains comprehensive detection coverage while reducing system complexity and installation requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated detector serves multiple functions within a single device: it detects smoke particles, detects gas particles (such as carbon monoxide), provides distinct audible alerts for different detection types, and enables communication with other detectors in the system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized devices while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional gas detectors are installed alongside smoke detectors, then gas particle detection capability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas particle detection capabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates gas detection functionality directly into the smoke detector housing, combining what were previously separate devices into one unified unit. This integration maintains the ability to detect both smoke and gas particles while simplifying installation to a single device rather than requiring coordination of multiple separate detectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If smoke and gas detectors operate independently, then detection autonomy is maintained, but alert coordination and system communication are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection autonomyVSAvoidalert coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated detector incorporates a communication system that enables the detector to exchange signals with other detectors in the system. This feedback mechanism allows coordinated alerting across the network while maintaining the core detection autonomy of each unit, resolving the contradiction between independent operation and system coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

The solution enables efficient detection of both smoke and gas particles with synchronized alerts, reducing the need for separate devices and improving communication between detectors, enhancing fire hazard detection capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

Smoke particles in the test atmosphere reflect or scatter light from the emitter into the receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

Smoke particles in the test atmosphere interrupt a portion of the beam thereby decreasing the amount of light received by the emitter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

A light receiver within the chamber can receive a level of light from an emitter within the chamber, which light level is indicative of the amount of smoke contained in the test atmosphere

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS8232884B2Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors having distinct alarm indications and a test button that indicates improper operation

Publication Date: 2012.07.31 GENTEX CORP

AI summary

A detection device and detection device system are provided, wherein the detection device includes a housing, a first detector device and a second detector device. The first detector device is configured to detect at least one smoke particle. A second detector device configured to detect at least one gas particle, wherein the first detector device and the second detector device are substantially enclosed in the housing. The detection device further includes an audible enunciator configured to emit an audible noise when at least one of the first and second detector devices detect at least one smoke and gas particle, and a test button, wherein the audible enunciator emits an audible sound when the detection device is operating improperly and the test button is activated.