Fiber Optic Smoke Detection Using Light Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smoke detection systems face 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
A fiber optic detection system that uses modulated light to detect conditions within a predetermined area by emitting light through a fiber optic cable, where scattered light is analyzed to determine the presence of smoke or other pollutants, allowing for early localization and activation of fire suppression systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a pipe network detection system is used to collect smoke from multiple locations, then the detection coverage area is improved, but the smoke transport time and dilution effect cause delays in detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pipe network system with a fiber optic cable-based optical detection system. Instead of physically transporting smoke through pipes to a remote detector, the system uses light transmission through fiber optic cables to detect smoke particles directly at their source location, eliminating smoke transport time and dilution effects while maintaining distributed detection coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to transmit detection signals. Rather than relying on smoke particles to travel through a pipe network, the system uses modulated light pulses transmitted through fiber optic cables to carry detection information from sensing locations to processing units, enabling real-time detection without physical smoke transport
2Measurement precision
If individual sensor units are positioned at each sensing location with own processing components, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing and processing functions into a centralized architecture. Multiple sensor units distributed throughout the monitored area share a common fiber optic network and processing system, eliminating the need for separate processing components at each location while maintaining high detection sensitivity through centralized signal analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal fiber optic detection network that serves multiple sensing locations simultaneously. The same fiber optic infrastructure and processing system can detect smoke conditions at various locations by transmitting light through the network, providing multi-functional capability without requiring dedicated processing units at each site
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 system enables timely and accurate detection of smoke and other hazards, reducing false alarms and ensuring prompt activation of fire suppression systems, thereby enhancing safety and minimizing damage.
Implementation Method 1
emitting light through a fiber optic cable, where scattered light is analyzed to determine the presence of smoke or other pollutants
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A detection system for measuring one or more condition within a predetermined area includes a fiber harness having at least one fiber optic cable for transmitting light. The at least one fiber optic cable defines a node arranged to measure the one or more conditions. A light source is coupled to the at least one fiber optic cable for emitting a modulated light to the node. The modulated light is transmitted into the predetermined area. A light sensitive device is coupled to the at least one fiber optic cable for receiving scattered light associated with the node. A control unit is operably coupled to the light source and to the light sensitive device to determine at least one of a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions within the predetermined area.