Compact Smoke Detector with Split Chamber and Rechargeable Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smoke detectors are bulky due to large smoke detection chambers, leading to frequent battery replacements and potential misuse, as well as being unsightly and prone to false alarms from ambient light changes.
Innovation Solution
A compact smoke detector with an optical design using a split chamber and a piezo electric loudspeaker, equipped with ambient light compensation and a rechargeable power source, along with optional gas detection and heat sensors, to provide reliable and discreet smoke and gas hazard alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large smoke detection chamber is used to ensure reliable optical detection, then detection reliability is improved, but the device size and battery capacity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a compact smoke detection chamber, a rechargeable battery module, and an alarm module. This segmentation allows the detection chamber to be small while the battery can be larger and replaceable, resolving the contradiction between reliable detection and compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rechargeable battery with adjustable capacity parameters that can be changed by the user. This allows optimization of the power supply capacity independent of the detection chamber size, enabling reliable detection with a compact overall device design.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a rechargeable power source is used instead of disposable batteries, then device longevity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device includes a rechargeable battery that can be recharged multiple times, eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements. The system automatically manages power levels and provides low-battery warnings, reducing user intervention and simplifying long-term operation despite the added complexity of the rechargeable system.
3Reliability
If ambient light compensation is added to prevent false alarms, then false alarm reduction is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ambient light sensor as an intermediary element that measures surrounding light conditions and provides compensation signals to the detection system. This mediator allows the smoke detection to remain accurate while accounting for ambient light variations, preventing false alarms without requiring complex algorithmic processing.
4Shape
If the smoke detector is made compact for aesthetic purposes, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but detection chamber effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single large detection chamber to a compact chamber with optimized three-dimensional light path geometry. By carefully designing the light emission and detection angles within the compact space, the system maintains effective smoke detection capability while achieving a aesthetically pleasing compact form factor suitable for home decoration.
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 results in a compact, reliable, and long-lasting smoke detector that minimizes battery replacement needs, reduces false alarms, and provides effective guidance during emergencies, while being aesthetically pleasing and easy to use.
Implementation Method 1
the light being deflected off the smoke particles to the light detector
Implementation Method 2
a piezo electric loudspeaker
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
Smoke alarm comprising at least one internal chamber, which chamber has at least one opening towards the surroundings, such that air may pass through the chamber, and where means are provided for emitting light and means for detecting said light is provided in or around said chamber, where the change in light intensity registered by the means generates a smoke alarm. Along the periphery of the chamber a plurality of air foils are arranged, where the airfoils substantially have a cross - sectional shape corresponding to an airplane wing and where said airfoils are arranged at an angle relative to an imaginary radius of the internal chamber, the smoke alarm may be integrated in an electrical outlet for a light fixture, and in particular a light fixture suitable to be mounted in a ceiling or other surface from which electrical equipment and in particular lamps and the like suspended.