Concealed Smoke Detection in Electrical Fixtures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smoke detection devices are unsightly and costly to install, particularly when connected to both battery and mains power, which is required by modern standards.
Innovation Solution
A safety detection system that integrates smoke detection devices with electrical fixtures such as light fixtures, allowing for concealed installation with minimal additional labor cost, utilizing a reservoir behind the fixture for airflow and power connectivity, and enabling coordinated signaling through lighting and wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If smoke detection devices are installed throughout a building to meet safety requirements, then safety detection coverage is improved, but visual appearance deteriorates due to unsightly devices being visible throughout the building
Solution Approach 1:
The smoke detection device is merged with an electrical fixture (light fixture, power outlet, or switch) to create a combined unit. The detection device is positioned within the fixture housing, allowing it to be concealed when the fixture is installed. This merging allows the smoke detector to meet safety coverage requirements while being aesthetically pleasing as it blends with common building fixtures rather than standing out as a separate unsightly device.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical fixture serves as an intermediary element that conceals the smoke detection device. The fixture housing acts as a mediator between the detection device and the visual environment, hiding the detector within its structure while still allowing airflow to the detection chamber through openings in the fixture. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by using a third element (the fixture) to shield the unsightly detector.
2Reliability
If smoke detection devices are connected to both battery and mains power to meet modern standards, then power reliability is improved, but installation cost increases due to additional wiring and electrical work required
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical fixture serves multiple functions: it provides structural housing for the smoke detection device, delivers mains power through its existing wiring, and can optionally provide switched power control. By designing the system to utilize the fixture's existing electrical infrastructure for multiple purposes, the need for separate dedicated wiring for the smoke detector is eliminated, reducing installation costs while maintaining dual power source reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical fixture itself provides the power connection service to the smoke detection device embedded within it. The fixture's existing mains power wiring automatically serves the detection device without requiring additional external wiring or electrical work. The fixture essentially serves itself by providing both housing and power delivery, eliminating the need for separate installation infrastructure and reducing overall installation costs.
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 out-of-sight installation of smoke detection devices, reducing visual impact and installation costs while providing effective smoke detection and coordinated signaling in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
a smoke detection device configured to detect smoke or other environmental parameters indicative of a fire
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Light fixtures and safety detection systems are provided that enable smoke detection devices to be installed in a manner that is out-of-sight, thus alleviating the need to unsightly smoke detection devices to be installed throughout a building. The safety detection system comprises: an electrical fixture, for installation in a building; and a smoke detection device, for detecting at least smoke in the building. The smoke detection device is integrated with the electrical fixture such that the smoke detection device is concealed when installed.