Flame Hazard Detection With Occupancy-Aware False Alarm Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flame detectors are not adequately advanced for residential and commercial use, often failing to detect flames promptly due to reliance on smoke detection, which can result in lost time for evacuation or cessation, and lack consideration for occupancy, particularly in kitchens where fires frequently start.
Innovation Solution
A hazard detection system incorporating UVC avalanche photodiodes and motion sensors, such as K-band doppler radar and PIR, to accurately detect and monitor flames, considering human presence, with communication modules for notification and cloud logging, and self-monitoring capabilities to ensure reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional smoke detectors are used, then the device is simple and economical, but valuable time is lost before detection because smoke appears late in the fire development process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting flames at their earliest stage of development, before smoke is produced. The flame detection system activates the alarm immediately upon detecting a flame, preventing the time loss inherent in smoke-based detection. This is achieved through optical sensors that identify the characteristic spectral signature of flames in their incipient stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical smoke detection mechanism with an optical field-based flame detection system. Instead of waiting for smoke particles to accumulate and be detected by mechanical sensors, the system uses optical sensors to detect the electromagnetic radiation emitted by flames, enabling earlier and more reliable detection.
2Ease of operation
If conventional smoke detectors with fixed thresholds are used, then the device is simple to operate, but false alarms occur in kitchens where flames are present but not hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using multiple optical sensors positioned to detect flames from different locations and angles within the monitored space. Each sensor has its own detection zone, and the system integrates information from all sensors to determine whether a flame represents a genuine hazard. This spatial differentiation allows the system to distinguish between hazardous flames and benign cooking flames.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by equipping the detector with multiple sensing capabilities: optical sensors for flame detection, motion sensors for occupancy detection, and environmental sensors for temperature and smoke monitoring. This multi-functional approach allows the system to analyze multiple parameters simultaneously, improving its ability to distinguish hazardous situations from benign ones while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making.
3Device complexity
If conventional detectors ignore occupancy status, then the device is simpler, but false alarms occur when occupants are present and cooking is happening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using motion sensors to continuously monitor occupancy status and feeding this information back to the control logic. When motion is detected indicating human presence, the system adjusts its flame detection thresholds and behavior accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the detector to understand the context of detected flames and reduce false alarms during normal cooking activities while maintaining sensitivity to hazardous situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the detection thresholds and alarm behavior adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts its sensitivity based on real-time occupancy detection and environmental conditions. When occupants are present, the system becomes less sensitive to small flames; when unoccupied, it maintains high sensitivity. This dynamic adaptation reduces false alarms while maintaining safety.
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 provides timely and reliable flame detection, reducing false alarms and ensuring prompt user notification, even when occupants are absent, thereby enhancing safety in residential and commercial settings.
Implementation Method 1
UVC avalanche photodiodes
Implementation Method 2
UVC avalanche photodiodes
Implementation Method 3
K-band doppler radar
Implementation Method 4
PIR
Data Source
AI summary
Hazard detectors are shown and described. Included are devices, systems, kits, and methods for a hazard detector. A hazard detector may in some embodiments include a housing, a presence detector, a hazard detector and a control system. In some examples, hazard detector systems may include a hazard detector having one or more sensors with the ability to detect a hazard and a system for evaluating the hazard for characteristics prior to signaling an alarm. A hazard detector may include power saving systems for longevity and reliability of the detector.