Fire Detector Reset via Lamp Switch Illumination Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fire detectors in buildings often require manual reset by individuals with limited mobility, such as elderly residents, to be challenging due to their ceiling-mounted design and lack of accessible reset mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A fire detector system that integrates a reset function linked with a lamp, where the controller determines a reset event based on changes in the lamp's on/off state detected by an illumination sensor, allowing for easy reset through a wall switch, even for individuals with limited mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fire detector is mounted on the ceiling for optimal detection coverage, then the detection effectiveness is improved, but the reset operation becomes difficult for individuals with limited mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lamp as an intermediary element between the ceiling-mounted fire detector and the user. The lamp, positioned on the wall within easy reach, serves as a mediator that the user can operate to trigger the reset function. When the lamp is turned off, it signals the controller to reset the fire detector, eliminating the need for direct access to the ceiling-mounted device.
2Device complexity
If the reset button is integrated into the ceiling-mounted detector unit, then the device structure is simplified, but the reset operation becomes inaccessible to elderly or mobility-limited residents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reset function from the main detector unit. Instead of having a single integrated ceiling-mounted device, the system separates the detection function (remaining in the ceiling-mounted detector) from the reset function (transferred to the wall-mounted lamp). This segmentation allows each component to be positioned optimally - the detector on the ceiling for detection coverage and the lamp on the wall for easy access.
3Ease of operation
If a wall switch is used to control the lamp, then the reset accessibility is improved for individuals with limited mobility, but the system requires additional components beyond the basic detector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the lamp multi-functional by giving it dual purposes: illumination and reset triggering. The same lamp that provides lighting also serves as the reset mechanism when turned off. This eliminates the need for a separate reset button or switch, as the existing lamp switch controls both lighting and detector reset functionality.
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
Facilitates the resetting of fire detectors for individuals with limited mobility by utilizing a lamp switch on the wall, ensuring quick termination of false alarms and minimizing changes to existing systems by integrating an illumination sensor and controller.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination sensor detecting illumination of a space where the fire detector is installed
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a fire detector and a fire warning method. The fire detector includes: a fire sensor detecting a factor corresponding to fire; and a controller determining whether a fire has occurred, by using a sensed value of the fire sensor, and determining whether a reset event is generated, through an on/off state of the lamp. The fire warning method includes: performing, by a controller, monitoring for a fire; determining, by the controller, whether a fire has occurred; and giving a warning when it is determined that a fire has occurred, and simultaneously determining whether a reset event is generated, through an on/off state of a lamp.