Flame Detector Proximity Sensor Self-Test
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flame detectors cannot effectively detect or report on obstructions that obscure the field of vision of optical detectors, whether they are on the surface of the shield window or at a distance, limiting their ability to accurately detect fires.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a proximity sensor adjacent to the optical detectors, which uses triangulation to determine the presence and distance of obscuring objects, allowing for the measurement of both surface and distant obstructions, and providing signals for user notification or action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a standard self-test method using a light source and reflection device is used to detect obscuring materials on the shield window surface, then the detection of surface obscuring is improved, but the detection of distant obstructions in the field of vision is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor is configured to perform multiple functions: it detects both obscuring materials on the shield window surface and obstructions in the distant field of vision. By using the same sensor for both near-field (surface) and far-field (distant objects) detection, the system achieves multi-functionality without adding separate detection mechanisms, thereby resolving the contradiction between surface detection precision and overall detection versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional surface inspection (only detecting materials on the shield window surface) to a three-dimensional spatial detection capability (detecting obstructions at various distances in the field of vision). The proximity sensor measures distance information, adding a depth dimension to the detection space, enabling the system to detect obstructions both on the surface and at distant locations along the optical path.
2Device complexity
If the flame detector only monitors the shield window surface for obscuring materials, then the device complexity is minimized, but the reliability of flame detection is reduced due to undetected distant obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor utilizes the existing optical path and shield window structure of the flame detector to perform self-diagnosis of obstructions. By directing the sensor's detection beam through the same path as the flame detection optics, the system uses its own structural elements as reference, eliminating the need for separate external calibration targets or additional complex monitoring systems while maintaining high reliability.
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 the detection and reporting of obstructions beyond the shield window, allowing users to quickly locate and address potential interference, thereby improving the reliability of flame detection systems.
Implementation Method 1
proximity sensors use triangulation between a device light emitter and a light detector to determine proximity of an object
Implementation Method 2
light from the light emitter reflects incidentally on shield windows protecting the light emitter and light detector
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a flame detector infrared and/or optical detectors providing a sensed range of flame detection in a flame space outside a shield window, where the improvement includes orienting a proximity sensor to operate to detected objects or obstructions both on an outside surface of the shield window and in the flame space.