Fiber Optic Smoke Detection via Wavelength Scattering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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
A fiber optic detection system that transmits light of multiple wavelengths to detect smoke and volatile organic compounds, using scattered light to determine the presence and magnitude of conditions, allowing for earlier detection and localization of hazards through a network of nodes and a control system that analyzes electrical signals from light sensitive devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If pipe network detection systems are used to collect smoke from multiple locations, then the coverage area is improved, but the detection time is delayed due to smoke transport time through the pipe network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pipe network transport system with an optical detection system. Fiber optic cables transmit light directly to nodes positioned throughout the monitored area, eliminating the need for physical smoke transport through pipes. This substitution of mechanical transport with optical transmission resolves the contradiction by providing both wide coverage and instantaneous detection response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the monitored area into multiple zones with distributed nodes positioned throughout the space. Each node independently detects conditions in its local area, allowing simultaneous monitoring of multiple locations without requiring smoke to travel through a centralized pipe network. This segmentation enables both comprehensive coverage and immediate local detection.
2Device complexity
If pipe network systems are used to centralize detection, then the system complexity is reduced, but the detection sensitivity deteriorates due to smoke dilution with clean air
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection function into multiple independent nodes distributed throughout the monitored area. Each node performs detection locally without requiring smoke to be transported and concentrated in a central location. This segmentation maintains detection sensitivity at each node while the overall system remains relatively simple in design and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Each node in the network performs autonomous detection of its local environment, eliminating the need for centralized smoke collection and processing. The nodes independently measure conditions in their respective zones, maintaining high detection sensitivity without requiring complex centralized processing systems.
3Measurement precision
If individual sensor units are positioned at each sensing location, then the detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple processing and sensing components
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs identical, standardized sensor nodes that can be deployed uniformly throughout the monitored area. Each node performs the same detection functions using the same components, allowing for simplified design, easier manufacturing, and simpler maintenance. The universality of the nodes provides high detection precision at each location while avoiding the complexity of customized sensor units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of node quantity from a small number of complex centralized sensors to a larger number of simple distributed nodes. By increasing the number of nodes while reducing the complexity of each individual node, the system achieves high detection precision through spatial distribution while maintaining simplicity in each sensor unit's design.
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 faster and more accurate detection of hazardous conditions, reducing false alarms and improving response times by localizing threats within a monitored area, thus enhancing fire safety and reducing equipment exposure.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting light comprising multiple wavelengths from at least one light source along a fiber optic cable to a node at a termination point of the fiber optic cable
Implementation Method 2
the scattered light is light which has, relative to the incident light, undergone any change in amplitude, intensity or direction, including reflection, refraction, diffraction, absorption, and scattering in any or all directions
Implementation Method 3
a first wavelength is used to detect smoke, while a second wavelength is used to detect volatile organic compounds
Implementation Method 4
converting the scattered light to an electrical signal at the light sensitive device and transmitting the electrical signal to a control system
Implementation Method 5
at the control system, analyzing the electrical signal from the light sensitive device associated with scattered light from the node sensed by the light sensitive device by comparing multiple wavelengths of scattered light to determine at least one of a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions at the node
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 1A
Figure 2A
AI summary
A detection system (20) for measuring one or more conditions within a predetermined area (21) includes a fiber harness (30) having at least one fiber optic cable (28) for transmitting light, the at least one fiber optic cable defining a node (34) arranged to measure one or more conditions within the predetermined area. A control system (50) 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 light transmitted from the node by comparing multiple wavelengths of scattered light to determine at least one of a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions at the node.