Detector Cleaning Chamber With Debris Capture and Gas Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Detectors such as carbon monoxide, smoke, and heat detectors accumulate dust and debris over time, reducing their operational capability, and there is a need for a device and method to clean and test these detectors while capturing dislodged debris to prevent environmental contamination, especially in clean environments, and to verify their detection capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a housing with a bowl and detector chamber for enclosing detectors, using compressed air nozzles for cleaning and a fan with a filter to collect debris, and a test gas system to verify detection functionality, designed to accommodate various detector shapes and sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If detectors are used for longer periods to increase lifespan, then operational duration is improved, but dust and debris accumulate reducing operational capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetector lifespanVSAvoidoperational capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary cleaning action on detectors before dust accumulation significantly impacts operational capability. By regularly applying compressed air bursts to dislodge and remove dust and debris, the detector maintains its operational effectiveness throughout its extended lifespan, preventing performance degradation rather than addressing it after the fact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If compressed air is used to clean detectors, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but dislodged dust and debris may contaminate the environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device extracts dislodged dust and debris from the cleaning zone by using the compressed air flow to direct particles toward a collection container. The air stream that dislodges contaminants also carries them away from the detector and into a containment area, separating the harmful particles from the environment and concentrating them in a controlled location for later disposal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The compressed air stream serves as an intermediary that performs dual functions: first dislodging dust and debris from the detector surface, then transporting those particles to a collection container. This intermediary medium enables the transition of contaminants from a dispersed harmful state to a contained manageable state without direct contact between the cleaning mechanism and the debris.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If a detector chamber is used to enclose the detector, then cleaning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning precisionVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the cleaning system into distinct functional components: a detector chamber for positioning and enclosing the target, compressed air nozzles for cleaning, and a collection container for debris. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detector chamber serves multiple functions simultaneously: it positions the detector for consistent cleaning, encloses the cleaning zone to control air flow patterns, and directs dislodged debris toward the collection container. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, balancing precision requirements with device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively cleans and tests detectors, capturing debris and ensuring the detectors' operational integrity, providing a self-contained solution for maintaining detector performance and preventing contamination in clean environments.

Implementation Method 1

one of more air nozzles positioned within the detector chamber for directing one or more bursts of compressed air at a detector to clean the detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressed air: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a fan positioned within the housing operable to draw air within the detector chamber into a filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow: Convection

Implementation Method 3

a fan positioned within the housing operable to draw air within the detector chamber into a filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS8973211B2Detector cleaner and/or tester and method of using same

Publication Date: 2015.03.10 HSI FIRE & SAFETY GROUP LLC

AI summary

An apparatus for cleaning a detector comprising a housing and a bowl connected to the housing having a detector chamber adapted for enclosing a detector to be cleaned, a contacting surface positioned on the bowl, and one of more air nozzles positioned within the detector chamber for directing one or more bursts of compressed air at a detector to clean the detector, and a fan positioned within the housing operable to draw air within the detector chamber into a filter, and a dust collector for containing dirt and debris dislodged from a detector during the cleaning operation.