Heat Detector With Merged Sensing Module And Test Button
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat alarm devices are difficult for individuals with reduced mobility to activate, as the test/reset button is often small and ceiling-mounted, requiring the use of a ladder or chair, which poses accessibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A heat alarm apparatus with a large sensing module that doubles as the test/reset button, featuring a recessed design with cantilever springs and a concave surface for easy actuation from floor level using a stick, and a textured surface to enhance temperature detection response times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the test/reset button is placed on the ceiling-mounted alarm device, then the device can be compact and the sensor can be centrally located, but the button becomes difficult to activate for individuals with reduced mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing module housing is merged with the test/reset button function. The large circular recessed area that houses the heat sensor also serves as the activation surface, eliminating the need for a separate small button. This allows individuals with reduced mobility to easily press the large recessed area from floor level while maintaining compact device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing module housing performs multiple functions: it protects the heat sensor, provides structural support, and serves as the test/reset activation mechanism. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the housing itself the operational interface without adding separate components.
2Ease of operation
If a large sensing module is used to serve as the test/reset button, then ease of activation is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing module housing is designed to fulfill multiple roles simultaneously: sensor protection, structural support, and user interface for testing/resetting. This eliminates the need for additional components that would increase device size while providing a large activation surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of sensor housing and test button are combined into a single integrated structure. The recessed circular area that naturally forms around the sensor becomes the activation surface, avoiding the need for separate button components and maintaining compact device dimensions.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor is centrally located in the alarm device, then heat detection is uniform from all directions, but the test button must be placed on the side making it hard to reach
Solution Approach 1:
The central sensing module housing is merged with the test/reset function. By making the housing itself the activation interface, the system maintains central sensor placement for uniform heat detection while providing easy accessibility to the activation surface from any direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing module housing serves as both the structural element for central sensor mounting and the operational interface for testing. This multi-functionality resolves the spatial conflict between central sensor placement and accessible button location.
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
Facilitates easy activation by individuals with mobility issues without increasing the device's size, while improving response times through enhanced surface texture and color, ensuring effective heat detection and alarm functionality.
Implementation Method 1
said housing may comprises a recess lower surface attached to the housing by a plurality of cantilever springs
Implementation Method 2
a textured surface to enhance temperature detection response times
Data Source
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AI summary
A heat alarm apparatus (10) is provided which has a housing defining a body (16). A heat sensor (12) extends from the body; and a cage (24), which defines an enclosure in which the sensor (12) is located. The cage (24) has openings therein to allow for gas to flow freely therethrough. The cage (24) is movable relative to the housing and movement of the cage (24) activates a test/reset switch (46) of the apparatus (10).