Fiber Optic Smoke Detection with Automatic Node Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smoke detection systems lack efficient methods for automatically mapping the physical location of detectors within a space, leading to tedious manual processes and error-prone maintenance, and do not provide machine-readable feedback for control systems.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic detection system using light scattering to detect conditions, which includes a network of fiber optic cables with nodes and a control system to analyze scattered light, allowing for automatic mapping and adjustment of detector sensitivity based on parameters like time, location, and operational status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual mapping of detector locations is performed, then physical location information can be obtained, but the process is tedious and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical mapping processes with an automated optical mapping system. The system uses a light source, camera, and processor to automatically capture images and calculate detector positions, eliminating the need for manual measurement and drawing processes while improving both accuracy and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mapping system is self-configuring and automatically determines detector locations without requiring manual intervention. The system captures images, processes them to identify detector positions, and generates location data autonomously, making the mapping process self-service rather than requiring human operators.
2Reliability
If fixed sensitivity is used in detectors, then system operation is simple, but false alarms cannot be reduced in varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sensitivity adjustment where the detector's sensitivity is not fixed but can be modified based on environmental conditions, time of day, day of week, and operational status. This allows the system to adapt to varying conditions and reduce false alarms while maintaining reasonable operational complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors environmental conditions and detector performance, then adjusts sensitivity accordingly. This feedback loop allows the system to learn from operational data and automatically optimize sensitivity settings to reduce false alarms while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Reliability
If individual sensor units are positioned at each sensing location, then detection coverage is improved, but system complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a centralized controller that can manage multiple detector types and locations through a single system interface. The controller provides universal functionality for mapping, sensitivity adjustment, and monitoring across all detector locations, simplifying maintenance and operation while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage through coordinated multi-location sensing.
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 precise localization of events, reduces false alarms, and facilitates efficient maintenance by providing machine-readable feedback and adaptive sensitivity adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
A fiber optic detection system using light scattering to detect conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
According to another embodiment, a method of detecting the occurrence of a condition using a detection system located within a predetermined area includes transmitting light from at least one node of a plurality of nodes into an ambient atmosphere adjacent the at least one node, receiving scattered light from the ambient atmosphere at the at least one node, communicating the received scattered light to a control system operably coupled to the at least one node, analyzing the scattered light at the control system to determine a condition of the ambient atmosphere adjacent each at least one node, and adjusting a sensitivity of the at least one node of the plurality of nodes.