Fiber Optic Smoke Detection Nodes for Rapid Fire Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smoke detection systems experience delays in detecting fire due to smoke transport time in pipe network systems and dilution of smoke with clean air, leading to potential failure in activating fire suppression systems.
Innovation Solution
An integrated smoke or fire detection and suppression system utilizing a fiber optic cable network with nodes that transmit light to detect smoke or fire, coupled with a control system to analyze scattered light and initiate suppressant delivery or power down electronic devices when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a pipe network system is used for smoke detection, then smoke can be collected from remote locations, but smoke transport time causes detection delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pipe network transport system with an optical detection system. Fiber optic cables with distributed sensing elements directly detect smoke particles at various locations without requiring physical smoke transport, eliminating transport delays while maintaining wide coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a centralized remote detection approach (smoke transported to distant detector) to a distributed detection architecture where multiple sensing points are embedded throughout the monitored space, enabling simultaneous detection across multiple dimensions without temporal delays.
2Area of stationary object
If smoke is drawn through a pipe network, then remote detection is enabled, but smoke dilution with clean air reduces detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple independent sensing segments distributed throughout the monitored area. Each segment detects smoke locally without mixing with air from other regions, maintaining high concentration detection sensitivity while covering a large total area through the segmented architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces fiber optic sensing elements as intermediaries that directly interact with smoke particles at the source locations. These distributed sensors detect smoke in situ before dilution can occur, acting as intermediaries between the smoke source and the detection system.
3Measurement precision
If individual sensor units are positioned at each sensing location, then localized detection is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple distributed sensing elements into a unified fiber optic system. Individual sensing points are integrated along the fiber cable length, combining the benefits of localized detection with a simplified single-system architecture that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high detection sensitivity at each location.
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
This solution enables rapid and localized detection of smoke or fire, reducing delays and ensuring timely activation of suppression systems, thereby enhancing fire safety and minimizing damage.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber optic cable for transmitting light, the at least one fiber optic cable defining at least one node arranged to measure one or more conditions within the predetermined space
Implementation Method 2
wherein the control system analyzes the scattered light to determine at least one of a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions at the at least one node
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated detection and suppression system includes a fiber harness having at least one fiber optic cable for transmitting light defining at least one node arranged to measure one or more conditions. A light source is operably connected to the fiber harness to transmit light along the fiber harness to the at least one node. A control system is operably coupled to the fiber harness such that scattered light associated with the node is transmitted to the control system, wherein the control system analyzes the scattered light to determine at least one of a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions. At least one suppressant outlet is associated with at least one node and is operably connected to the control system configured to initiate a response for the delivery of a volume of suppressant through a suppressant outlet associated with a particular node.