Fire Detector Infrared Receiver Control Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire detection devices require a specialized remote control for deactivating the warning signal, which can be difficult to access during a fire, leading to unnecessary stress and delay in silencing false alarms.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an infrared receiver that can be activated to continuous reception using a control unit when smoke is detected, allowing any commercially available infrared remote control to deactivate the signal generator, reducing power consumption and eliminating the need for a specialized remote control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a specialized remote control is used for deactivating the warning signal, then the device can be controlled remotely, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation decreases when the special remote is not immediately available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the smoke detector to accept infrared signals from any standard infrared remote control, not just a specialized one. The control unit is designed to recognize and respond to common infrared commands (power on/off, volume control) from universal remote controls, eliminating the need for a device-specific remote and allowing any infrared remote to deactivate the warning signal.
2Ease of operation
If the infrared receiver is kept in continuous reception mode to enable fast deactivation, then the ease of operation improves, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the infrared receiver's operational state changeable based on the alarm status. The receiver switches between a low-power clocked reception mode during normal operation and a continuous reception mode when the alarm is active and fast deactivation is needed. This dynamic state change allows the system to optimize power consumption while maintaining responsiveness when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action through clocked reception, where the infrared receiver operates in periodic intervals during normal conditions rather than continuously. The receiver is activated at regular time intervals to check for infrared signals, then enters a low-power state between intervals. This periodic operation significantly reduces power consumption compared to continuous reception while still allowing remote control functionality.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the infrared receiver is clocked during normal operation, then the power consumption decreases, but the ease of operation worsens when quick deactivation is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the infrared receiver's operational mode based on the alarm state. During normal operation, the receiver operates in clocked mode for power savings. When the alarm activates, the system automatically switches to continuous reception mode, ensuring immediate responsiveness for deactivation while maintaining low power consumption during normal periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential deactivation needs by having the infrared receiver switch to continuous reception mode proactively when the alarm activates. This preliminary action ensures the receiver is ready to immediately process deactivation commands without waiting for the next clocked interval, thus maintaining fast response time when needed.
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 simpler deactivation of the warning signal using any infrared remote control, minimizing stress and power consumption, and allowing remote operation even in inaccessible environments.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared receiver (24) for receiving infrared signals (33) that can be sent by any infrared remote control (34)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The fire detection device (10) has a housing (12) which has a measuring chamber (16) and several smoke entry ports (14) for conducting smoke into the measuring chamber. A detector (18) detects the smoke in the measuring chamber and produces appropriate signals. A signal transmitter (26) transmits warning signal according to the signal produced by detector. An infrared receiver (24) receives infrared signals transmitted from an infrared remote controller (34), to deactivate the signal transmitter. The infrared receiver is switched ON/OFF or clocked by a control unit (22).