Flame Detector Optical Accessory for Infrared Reflection Training
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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
Engineering 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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
Data Source
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.


