Convex Mesh Optical Filter for Accurate Smoke Detector Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical filters for smoke detectors have a flat surface facing the light transmitter, causing direct light reflection that interferes with the testing accuracy and reliability of infrared beam smoke detectors.
Innovation Solution
An optical filter with a screen composed of wires, where one side of the wires is convex to scatter light reflections, eliminating direct light interference and ensuring accurate testing results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flat optical filter is used to block light, then the filtering function is achieved, but direct light reflection occurs that interferes with testing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the optical filter surface by using convex wires instead of a flat surface. The convex shape scatters reflected light in multiple directions rather than creating a single strong reflection, thereby eliminating the harmful direct reflection that interferes with testing accuracy while maintaining the light-blocking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of light reflection into a beneficial scattering effect. By designing the optical filter with convex wires, the reflection that would normally interfere with testing is transformed into scattered light that does not reach the receiver, thus turning a harmful factor into a solution that improves testing accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a screen with mesh holes is used to simulate smoke, then the light blocking effect is achieved, but light reflection from the screen surface interferes with the test results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the screen structure by making the wires convex rather than flat. This curvature causes light reflecting off the screen to scatter in multiple directions instead of returning directly to the receiver, thereby eliminating the reflection interference that would compromise measurement precision while maintaining the mesh screen's light-blocking capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an optical filter is placed in the light path to test smoke detectors, then the testing function is achieved, but reflected light from the filter reaches the receiver causing false readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies convex curvature to the optical filter wires to scatter reflected light away from the receiver path. This maintains the filter's ability to be placed in the light path for testing smoke detectors while preventing reflected light from reaching the receiver, thereby preserving both testing capability and reading accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the harmful reflected light into beneficial scattered light through the convex wire design. The reflection that would normally cause false readings is converted into scattered light that disperses away from the receiver, allowing the optical filter to maintain its testing function while improving reading accuracy.
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 convex-wire design prevents light superimposition, enhancing the reliability and accuracy of smoke detector testing by simulating smoke conditions without false alarms.
Implementation Method 1
the side of the wires of the screen facing the light transmitter of the smoke detector is convex so as to attenuate or eliminate light directly reflected back to the light receiver by the optical filter
Implementation Method 2
an optical filter for testing of a smoke detector, which comprises: a support; and a screen supported by the support, wherein the screen is composed of wires and mesh holes are defined between the wires
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application provides an optical filter (3), and a test assembly and method for a smoke detector. The optical filter (3) comprises: a support (30); and a screen (31) supported by the support (30), wherein the screen (31) is composed of wires (32) and mesh holes (33) are defined between the wires (32), and the screen (31) has a first side and a second side opposite to each other; wherein, the smoke detector comprises a light transmitter (21) and a light receiver (22) arranged in vicinity and an light reflector (4) arranged opposite to the light transmitter (21) and the light receiver (22), such that light emitted by the light transmitter (21) is reflected to the light receiver (22) via the light reflector (4); and wherein, during testing, the optical filter (3) is arranged in both the light path (51) from the light transmitter (21) to the light reflector (4) and the light path (52) from the light reflector (4) to the light receiver (22), where at least the side of the wires (32) of the screen (31) facing the light transmitter (21) of the smoke detector is convex so as to attenuate or eliminate the light directly reflected back to the light receiver (22) by the optical filter (3). The device and method according to the embodiments of the present invention can accurately test a smoke detector.