Elevator Smoke Detection Using Electronic Nose Odorant Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available fire detectors for elevators are ineffective in early detection of smouldering and burning due to high detection thresholds, leading to potential trapping of passengers and increased danger from smoke and suffocation.
Innovation Solution
An elevator fire detection system utilizing electronic nose detectors to identify odorants associated with smouldering and burning components, which send indicator signals to a controller to trigger safety responses such as alarms, remote alerts, and door opening for evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high detection thresholds are used in commercially available fire detectors, then false alarms are reduced, but early detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from physical measurements (smoke density, temperature) to chemical measurements (odorant detection using electronic nose sensors). This allows detection at much lower concentrations corresponding to early smouldering stages, while the pattern recognition system maintains reliability by comparing against reference profiles of actual fire odors rather than simple threshold triggers
2Device complexity
If conventional smoke particle sensors and temperature detectors are used, then detection is simplified, but detection occurs only at advanced fire stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical detection systems (smoke particle sensors, temperature detectors) with an electronic nose system that uses chemical sensing. The electronic nose detects volatile organic compounds and odorants released during early smouldering, providing time-critical early warning before physical changes become detectable by conventional means
3Measurement precision
If electronic nose detectors with pattern recognition are deployed throughout the elevator system, then early detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the elevator system into multiple detection zones (elevator car, hoistway, machine room, shaft) and places electronic nose detectors at strategic locations in each zone. This distributed segmentation provides comprehensive coverage and precise location identification of fires while managing system complexity through modular deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central controller as an intermediary that receives data from multiple electronic nose detectors, performs pattern recognition analysis, and coordinates safety responses. This central intermediary simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing complex processing functions while allowing simple sensor nodes to be distributed throughout the system
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 early detection and safe evacuation by identifying smouldering and burning before visible signs appear, reducing the risk of injury and trapping through targeted safety responses.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one electronic nose detector is configured to: receive a fluid mixture comprising an odorant; collect sensor data representative of the odorant; compare the sensor data to at least one olfactory reference profile; determine whether the odorant corresponds to the at least one olfactory reference profile
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator fire detection system (130) for early detection of smouldering and/or burning within an elevator system (100) is provided. A controller (112) is in electronic communication with at least one electronic nose detector (120) which is configured to receive a fluid mixture comprising an odorant, collect sensor data representative of the odorant, compare the sensor data to at least one olfactory reference profile, determine whether the odorant corresponds to the at least one olfactory reference profile and output an indicator signal to the controller (112) to indicate that the detected odorant corresponds to the at least one olfactory reference profile. The controller (112) after receiving the indicator signal effects a safety response action in the elevator system (100).