Hazard Warning Detector Double Flash Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hazard alarm systems, it is difficult for observers to visually identify the detector that has gone into an alarm state among multiple detectors emitting flashes of light, as the intense flashes mask the usual operational LED signals, leading to a challenge in distinguishing the triggering detector without increasing electrical power demand.
Innovation Solution
Switching the alarm state detector to generate double flashes, either internally or upon receiving a data telegram from the control center, while maintaining the same repetition rate as single flashes, and adjusting pulse durations and pauses to minimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If detectors emit intense flashes of light to indicate alarm state, then the alarm visibility is improved, but it becomes difficult to identify the specific triggering detector among multiple detectors
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm indication is segmented into two distinct temporal patterns: single flashes for non-triggering detectors and double flashes for the triggering detector. This segmentation allows observers to differentiate between detectors based on their flashing pattern rather than intensity alone, solving the identification problem while maintaining high visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic flashing patterns with different rhythms to convey different information. The triggering detector emits double flashes (two rapid flashes in sequence) while non-triggering detectors emit single flashes. This periodic variation in the flashing pattern enables clear differentiation and identification of the alarm source.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple detectors emit flashes simultaneously, then the alarm coverage area is improved, but the ability to identify the triggering detector deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing different periodic flashing patterns (single flash vs. double flash) for triggering and non-triggering detectors respectively, the system enables identification of the alarm source even when multiple detectors flash simultaneously across a wide coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses variations in the temporal pattern of light emission (analogous to color changes in the broader sense of light characteristics) to differentiate between detector states. The double flash pattern of the triggering detector stands out against the single flash pattern of other detectors, enabling easy identification.
3Illumination intensity
If the pulse duration of flashes is increased to improve visibility, then the alarm visibility is improved, but the electrical power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic flashing with optimized pulse durations and intervals that balance visibility requirements with power consumption constraints. By using brief pulses arranged in specific patterns (single or double flashes) rather than continuous illumination, the system achieves effective alarm visibility while minimizing electrical power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts the temporal parameters of light emission (pulse duration, flash pattern, interval between flashes) to optimize the balance between visibility and power consumption. The double flash pattern for triggering detectors uses carefully controlled pulse durations that provide sufficient visual impact while maintaining low power consumption.
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 clear identification of the alarm state detector without significant additional power demand, ensuring low power usage and maintaining subjective brightness perception across varying supply voltages.
Implementation Method 1
Each of these detectors has a driver circuit which, when activated, causes the LED to emit flashes of light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A hazard warning device which has gone into the alarm state and which then emits flashes of light as individual flashes with a predefined timing pattern can be identified from among a plurality of warning devices of the same kind which are connected to a control centre of a hazard warning system via a two-conductor signalling line and which also emit individual flashes, if the warning device which has gone into the alarm state is switched over to the generation of physiologically perceivable double flashes.