Dual Strobes for Distinct Emergency Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alarm systems lack the capability to provide distinct visual notifications for different types of emergency events using a single notification appliance, requiring multiple appliances and complex wiring modifications.
Innovation Solution
A non-addressable dual notification appliance with multiple visual alarms, such as strobes, that can be controlled by a system controller to activate different strobes based on specific event types, utilizing existing wiring and power sources without modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple notification appliances are installed to provide distinct visual notifications for different emergency types, then the notification capability is improved, but the device complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple notification indicators (first and second visual alarms) into a single notification appliance housing. This merging approach allows the device to provide distinct visual notifications for different emergency types while occupying only one physical location and utilizing existing wiring infrastructure, thereby improving notification capability without increasing wiring complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The notification appliance is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both a first visual alarm and a second visual alarm that can be independently activated based on different alarm conditions. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized devices, providing adaptability for various emergency types while reducing the overall system complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If existing wiring is utilized without modification to install dual notification systems, then the ease of installation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The notification appliance incorporates multiple notification indicators within a single device that can be controlled through existing wiring infrastructure. This universal design allows the device to function as both a single and dual notification system depending on wiring configuration, enabling easy installation in existing systems while providing enhanced notification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes control logic that dynamically determines which notification indicator to activate based on the type of alarm condition detected. This dynamic control allows the same physical device to adapt its behavior to different emergency types, providing complex functionality without requiring complex installation procedures
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 efficient and cost-effective implementation of dual notification systems in existing alarm infrastructure, allowing for differentiated visual alerts for various emergencies without requiring extensive reconfiguration of wiring or power sources.
Implementation Method 1
rectifiers at the notification appliances are reverse biased so that the alarms are not energized
Implementation Method 2
Flashing light strobes may also be positioned throughout the building to provide a visual alarm indication
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a non-addressable notification appliance having multiple (e.g., dual) visual alarms such as strobes for notifying individuals of different types of detected events. For example, the notification appliance of the present invention could have a first strobe for indicating a fire, and a second strobe for providing mass notification of a different emergency such as a terrorist threat or attack. In one embodiment, the visual alarms could be colored differently from one another (e.g., clear and amber). In a typical embodiment, the dual notification appliance could be one of many non-addressable dual notification appliances utilized in a single alarm system that are controlled by a system controller.