Hazard Detector Light Transmission Device for Adaptive Status Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current life safety devices, such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, have aesthetically unpleasing indicators that are small relative to their housing, failing to effectively visually communicate their status to users.
Innovation Solution
A life safety device with a housing containing a light transmission device, a transmitter, and a receiver, utilizing light emitting diodes (LEDs) to visually indicate detected conditions through distinct color changes based on ambient light, allowing operation in daytime and nighttime modes, and using a control system to determine the device's mode and illuminate indicators accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If small indicators are used in life safety devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the visual indication effectiveness and aesthetic appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from small 2D indicators to a 3D light transmission device that extends from the interior to the exterior of the housing. This dimensional change allows the indicator to be both larger and more visually effective while maintaining a sleek integrated appearance that does not add significant complexity to the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The light transmission device acts as an intermediary between the internal light source and the external environment. This mediator transmits light effectively from the transmitter inside the housing to visible indicators on the exterior surface, enabling clear status communication without requiring large external indicator components.
2Loss of information
If large visual indicators are used, then the visual indication effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and aesthetic appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The light transmission device serves as an intermediary that transmits light from a compact internal source to create a large visible indicator effect. This allows the external indication to appear large and prominent without requiring large physical components inside the housing, thereby maintaining aesthetic appearance while improving visual effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator extends in the third dimension from the interior housing to the exterior surface, creating a prominent visual element without increasing the footprint or complexity of the device. This dimensional approach allows large visual impact with minimal added complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ambient light detection is added, then the adaptability to different lighting conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light transmission device serves multiple functions: it transmits light from the transmitter to create visible indicators, and it also allows ambient light to pass through to the receiver. This multi-functionality enables ambient light detection without adding separate components, thereby improving adaptability while minimizing increases in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the light transmission function and ambient light reception function into a single integrated light transmission device. This merging of functions allows the device to adapt to different lighting conditions while avoiding the complexity of separate ambient light detection components.
4Loss of information
If multiple light sources with distinct colors are used, then the ability to indicate different conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each light source is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides colored light for condition indication and also contributes to ambient light detection when operating in receive mode. This multi-functionality enables differentiated condition indication while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the indication function and ambient light detection function into the same light sources. The light sources serve dual purposes by emitting colored light for condition indication and by receiving ambient light when needed, thereby reducing the need for separate components and minimizing device complexity.
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
The solution provides an aesthetically pleasing and effective visual indication of the device's status, enhancing user awareness of detected conditions through adaptive lighting modes that respond to ambient light, ensuring clear communication of critical safety information.
Implementation Method 1
A light source of the life safety device is operable as both the transmitter and the receiver. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one light source is a light emitting diode.
Implementation Method 2
A receiver measures ambient light around the life safety device. The receiver is positioned within the housing adjacent the light transmission device.
Data Source
AI summary
A life safety device includes a housing and a light transmission device disposed within the housing. A first end of the light transmission device is visible at the exterior of the housing. The life safety device additionally includes a transmitter for generating a light. The transmitter is positioned within the housing adjacent the light transmission device. A receiver measures ambient light around the life safety device. The receiver is positioned within the housing adjacent the light transmission device.