Hazard Detector Coverable Air Passage Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hazard detectors face challenges in protecting their passage openings and detection spaces from contamination, especially in environments with high dust levels, leading to false alarms and reduced sensitivity, as existing solutions are either ineffective or require manual and time-consuming maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A hazard detector with an electrically driven actuator and cover element that can move between operating and non-operating positions, completely sealing the passage opening in the non-operating position to prevent contamination and partially or fully opening it in the operating position to allow air entry, allowing remote control operation and easy cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If passage openings are left open to allow air flow for detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but contamination from dust and dirt increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidcontamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover element is pre-positioned to cover the passage opening before contamination occurs. This preliminary protective action prevents dust and dirt from entering the detection chamber during installation and periods when detection is not needed, while allowing quick removal when detection is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cover element is designed to be movable between covering and uncovered positions. This dynamic structure allows the passage opening to be closed when protection is needed and opened when detection is needed, adapting to different operational requirements and environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If passage openings are covered to prevent contamination, then detector reliability is improved, but air flow for detection is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetector reliabilityVSAvoidair flow
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover element transitions from a static barrier to a dynamic component that can be moved between covering and uncovered positions. This allows the system to maintain reliability when covered and restore full detection capability when opened, eliminating the need to choose between protection and functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cover element is designed as a separate, removable component that can be taken off the detector housing. This extraction approach allows complete removal of the cover when detection is needed, ensuring unrestricted air flow to the passage openings without compromising the protective function when the cover is in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If manual cleaning and maintenance is required, then contamination can be removed, but time and labor resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecontaminationVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cover element provides continuous protection from the moment of installation, preventing contamination before it accumulates on the sensor. This preliminary protective action eliminates the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance, reducing both time and labor resources required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cover element can be easily removed and replaced if heavily contaminated, serving as a sacrificial protective component. This approach is more efficient than cleaning the sensitive sensor unit, as the cover can be quickly swapped without technical expertise or specialized cleaning procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If detector is deactivated during dusty activities, then false alarms are reduced, but detection capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefalse alarm reductionVSAvoiddetection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover element is placed over the passage opening before dusty activities begin, proactively preventing contamination from reaching the sensor. This eliminates the need to deactivate the detector during such activities, as the sensor remains protected while the detector continues to monitor for actual hazards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cover element acts as an intermediary barrier between the external dusty environment and the internal detection chamber. This physical mediator protects the sensor from harmful particles while allowing the detector to remain active and functional, bridging the need for both protection and continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3364389B1Hazard warning device with coverable air passage opening
Publication Date: 2019.04.17 HEIM MARK
  • EP3364389B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3364389B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3364389B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a hazard detector (11) with a detector housing (2) that can be mounted on a wall or ceiling, in which at least one internal detection chamber, at least one sensor unit, and an evaluation/control unit are arranged. The detector housing (2) has at least one opening for the surrounding air. A mechanical actuating device is provided to change the effective cross-section of the at least one opening (3). This device has a cover element (14), preferably in the form of at least one cover flap (13) or a cover cap, which can be moved between an operating position and a non-operating position by an actuator, wherein the cover element (14) covers the at least one opening (3) in the non-operating position and releases it in the operating position.In the non-operational position of the cover element (14), the cover flap (13) or the cover cap forms an effective dust protection for the hazard detector.