Flame Detector Optical Accessory for Infrared Reflection Training

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flame detection systems are prone to false alarms due to infrared energy reflection from shiny objects, which can mimic known flames, leading to undesirable alerts.

Innovation Solution

An optical accessory with moveable reflector plates that can switch between reflecting and transmitting infrared waves, combined with a processor using machine learning to differentiate between friendly and unfriendly flames based on wave patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the flame detector monitors all infrared energy in its field of view, then it can detect unknown flames effectively, but it generates false alarms due to reflection from shiny objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire detection accuracyVSAvoidfalse alarms
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by capturing and storing reference images of known flames and their reflections during a training phase before actual fire detection begins. These pre-captured images are used to train the machine learning model, enabling it to recognize and filter out reflective patterns that would otherwise cause false alarms during operational monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates optical copies by capturing images of known flames and their reflections using the camera. These copied images serve as training data to teach the flame detector to distinguish between actual fire sources and reflective surfaces. The machine learning model learns from these copies to differentiate patterns without requiring physical intervention during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If the flame detector uses machine learning to differentiate between known and unknown flames, then false alarms are reduced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefalse alarm reductionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically capturing training images, processing them through machine learning algorithms, and generating trained models without requiring external intervention. The flame detector trains itself using its own camera and processor, storing the learned patterns in memory for autonomous operation. This self-training capability reduces the need for complex external calibration equipment or manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates dynamic adaptability by allowing the machine learning model to be trained and updated with new flame and reflection patterns. The trained data is stored in memory and can be refreshed or retrained as needed, enabling the system to adapt to different environments and conditions. This dynamic training capability allows the system to maintain high reliability while managing complexity through flexible, updateable algorithms rather than fixed hardware configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Effectively trains flame detectors to distinguish between known and unknown flames, reducing false alarms and enhancing fire detection accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

When each reflector plate is positioned in the first orientation, the plurality of reflector plates are configured to receive infrared waves from the first opening of the body and reflect the infrared waves towards the second opening of the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

When each reflector plate is positioned in the second orientation, the plurality of reflector plates are configured to allow infrared waves to travel along a linear path from the first opening to the second opening of the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared transmission: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS20260022968A1Optical accessory, system, and method for training a flame detector
Publication Date: 2026.01.22 LIFE SAFETY DISTRIBUTION
  • US20260022968A1 patent drawing
  • US20260022968A1 patent drawing
  • US20260022968A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An optical accessory for training a flame detector is disclosed. The optical accessory comprises a body defining a first opening and a second opening, the first opening and the second opening being positioned at opposite ends of body. Further, a plurality of reflector plates positioned within and moveably coupled to the body, each reflector plate being configured to move from a first orientation to a second orientation relative to the body. When each reflector plate is positioned in the first orientation, the plurality of reflector plates are configured to receive infrared waves from the first opening of the body and reflect the infrared waves towards the second opening of the body. And when each reflector plate is positioned in the second orientation, the plurality of reflector plates are configured to allow infrared waves to travel along a linear path from the first opening to the second opening of the body.