Compact Multi-Sensor Hazard Detector with Mid-Mounted Smoke Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart home systems lack compact, versatile hazard detection devices that can efficiently detect multiple hazards such as smoke, occupancy, and carbon monoxide while maintaining a visually appealing design and minimizing space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sensing hazard detector with a compact design, incorporating a back plate, front casing, and circuit board that houses an alarm device, occupancy sensor, and smoke chamber, with a mid-mounted smoke chamber for airflow and reduced pressure buildup, and a visually pleasing cover plate with openings for sensor visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensing components (smoke chamber, occupancy sensor, alarm device) are integrated into a single hazard detector, then the device provides comprehensive hazard detection capability, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing components (smoke chamber, occupancy sensor, alarm device) and support structures into a single integrated hazard detector unit. The circuit board serves as a common mounting platform for all components, merging their functions into one compact device that provides comprehensive hazard detection while minimizing overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the smoke chamber is positioned within the housing and oriented perpendicular to the circuit board, with airflow paths integrated into the existing structure. The cover plate is nested within the housing and positioned between the smoke chamber and the external environment, creating a compact multi-layered configuration that reduces device volume while maintaining all required sensing capabilities.
2Productivity
If the smoke chamber is mid-mounted on the circuit board, then airflow efficiency improves and pressure buildup is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the smoke chamber into distinct sections with separate airflow inlets and outlets positioned at different locations on the circuit board. This segmentation allows independent optimization of airflow paths and pressure distribution, improving detection efficiency while maintaining manufacturability through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The smoke chamber is oriented perpendicular to the circuit board plane, utilizing the vertical dimension to create efficient airflow paths. This dimensional arrangement allows air to flow through the smoke chamber in a direction that maximizes contact with sensing elements while minimizing pressure buildup, and the cover plate is positioned to optimize airflow from the external environment through the smoke chamber.
3Volume of moving object
If the housing is designed with a compact volume of less than 1024 cubic centimeters, then space requirements are minimized, but component arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible cover plate design that can be positioned at different locations within the housing to optimize airflow paths. This dynamic positioning capability allows the same compact housing volume to accommodate various component arrangements and airflow configurations, reducing the need for complex fixed structures while maintaining space efficiency.
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 device provides effective detection of multiple hazards within a small volume, ensuring efficient airflow and reduced pressure buildup, while maintaining a compact and aesthetically pleasing appearance, suitable for wall or ceiling mounting.
Implementation Method 1
The smoke chamber is likewise communicatively coupled with the circuit board and configured to detect the presence of smoke
Implementation Method 2
The occupancy sensor is also communicatively coupled with the circuit board and is configured to detect the presence and/or movement of objects and/or persons external to the multi-sensing hazard detector
Implementation Method 3
The housing also has a plurality of openings through which air flows so that the air is accessible to the components within the interior region of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a multi-sensing hazard detector for detecting potential dangers may include a back plate and a front casing that is coupled with the back plate to define a housing. A circuit board and a plurality of components may be positioned within the housing. The circuit board may be communicatively coupled with the components. The components may include, among other components, an alarm device, an occupancy sensor, and a smoke chamber. The alarm device may be activatable upon the detection of a potential hazard to warn an occupant of a potential danger, the occupancy sensor may be configured to detect the presence and/or movement of objects external to the hazard detector, and the smoke chamber may be configured to detect the presence of smoke to cause a triggering of the alarm device. The housing may comprise a volume of less than 1024 cubic centimeters.