Fluorescence Enhanced LIDAR Particulate Detector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial building smoke detection systems often fail to differentiate between smoke and biological particulates, leading to inappropriate fire responses when biological agents are present, and lack the capability to detect hazardous biological or chemical agents.
Innovation Solution
A combined capability sensor using a fiber optic bundle with dichroic filters and a projector module, capable of detecting smoke through light scattering and biological agents via fluorescence enhanced LIDAR, allowing for discrimination between the two types of hazards and triggering appropriate responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional smoke detection systems are used, then smoke detection capability is provided, but the system cannot discriminate between smoke and biological particulates leading to false alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor divides the detection function into separate channels: a first sensor for smoke detection using light scattering, and a second sensor for biological particulate detection using fluorescence enhancement. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each detection mode and enables clear discrimination between hazard types, eliminating false alarms while maintaining both detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Different optical filters are applied to different detection channels: the first channel uses filters optimized for smoke scattering detection, while the second channel uses fluorescence enhancement filters for biological agents. This local quality differentiation enables each channel to be optimized for its specific target, improving overall discrimination accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If single-function smoke detectors are used, then device complexity is low, but the system lacks capability to detect biological agents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges smoke detection and biological agent detection into a single integrated sensor unit. The fiber optic bundle combines emitter fibers and detector fibers, with optical filters and processing circuits that handle both detection functions simultaneously. This merging provides multi-hazard capability while keeping the overall device compact and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed as a universal detection device that can identify multiple hazard types (smoke, biological agents, and potentially other particulates) using the same physical platform. The multi-functional design allows a single sensor installation to provide comprehensive hazard detection, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices.
3Measurement precision
If fluorescence enhanced LIDAR is used for biological detection, then detection sensitivity for biological agents is improved, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Fluorescence enhancement acts as an intermediary mechanism that amplifies the detection signal from biological agents. By using fluorescent tracers or inherent fluorescence of biological materials, the system achieves high sensitivity detection without requiring extremely expensive direct detection hardware. The fluorescence conversion process enables standard detectors to achieve enhanced detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from direct absorption/detection to fluorescence emission detection. This parameter change enables the use of standard optical components and detectors while achieving enhanced sensitivity. The fluorescence enhancement technique allows cost-effective high-sensitivity detection by transforming the detection physics rather than requiring expensive hardware.
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 accurate detection and differentiation of smoke and biological hazards, providing a low-cost trigger for appropriate building system responses, thereby preventing false alarms and ensuring effective hazard management.
Implementation Method 1
A combined capability sensor 30 includes a fiber optic bundle 250
Implementation Method 2
each of the first dichroic filter and the second dichroic filter redirect light to the lens
Implementation Method 3
the projector module including a parabolic mirror configured to direct light emitted from the fiber optic bundle to the detection zone
Implementation Method 4
capable of detecting smoke through light scattering and biological agents via fluorescence enhanced LIDAR
Implementation Method 5
detecting smoke through light scattering
Implementation Method 6
fluorescence enhanced LIDAR particulate detection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A combined capability sensor (100) includes a first laser source (114) and a second laser source (112). The first laser source (114) is configured to emit light having a wavelength in at least one of an infrared spectrum and a visible spectrum and the second laser source (112) is configured to emit light having a wavelength in a blue or ultraviolet spectrum. A director (120) is configured to direct the first (114) and second (112) laser source to a detection zone (102). A first sensor (134) is configured to detect scattered light originating from the first laser source (114), thereby detecting a presence of smoke in the detection zone (102). A second sensor (136) is configured to detect fluoresced light originating from the second laser source (112), thereby detecting a presence of a biological agent in the detection zone (102).