Interconnected Smoke Detector Vibrational Alert System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smoke detector systems fail to effectively alert deaf or severely hearing-impaired individuals, as audible alarms are ineffective, and existing vibration-based alert systems require separate devices that can fail due to battery issues or improper placement, and do not communicate the nature of the emergency.
Innovation Solution
A system that provides a central DC backup power source to interconnected smoke detectors, using a vibration source coupled to the building structure to transmit pulsed vibrations, which can communicate the nature of an emergency through specific patterns, eliminating the need for individual device batteries and ensuring alerts reach individuals regardless of their location within a building.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate vibration alert devices are used for hearing-impaired persons, then vibration alert function is provided, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to additional battery requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vibration alert source directly into the smoke detector housing, merging two previously separate functions (smoke detection and vibration alerting) into a single integrated device. This eliminates the need for separate vibration alert devices and their associated batteries, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the vibration alert function for hearing-impaired persons.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate vibration alert devices are used, then vibration alert is provided, but reliability worsens due to additional failure points from separate batteries and devices
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the vibration alert source into the smoke detector, the patent reduces the number of independent components and battery systems. The smoke detector's existing power supply and operational reliability now support the vibration alert function, eliminating additional failure points associated with separate devices and their batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The smoke detector is designed to perform multiple functions: smoke detection, audible alarm, and vibration alerting. This multi-functionality allows the single device to serve both hearing-impaired and hearing-capable occupants without requiring additional specialized devices, thereby improving overall system reliability.
3Ease of operation
If individual device batteries are used in smoke detectors, then devices can operate independently, but maintenance complexity increases due to frequent battery replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply architecture by using a single centralized battery in the control panel that powers multiple smoke detectors through the interconnected wiring system. This eliminates the need for individual batteries in each detector, significantly reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining independent operation of each detector through the shared power and communication network.
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 system ensures reliable alerts to hearing-impaired individuals by transmitting vibrations through the building structure, effectively waking them and communicating emergency information, while providing continuous backup power and eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration source coupled to a building structure; wherein activation of the vibration source causes a vibration of the building structure
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a battery interconnected detection and alert device system with building structure vibrational alert. The system includes of one or more alert devices wired into a dedicated circuit with a single location housing a DC power backup source, such as a rechargeable DC battery. The DC power backup source may be replaceable or rechargeable with DC current from an AC-DC transformer-rectifier, a photovoltaic cell, or other means. An electrical relay within the system provides a current to the dedicated circuit by selecting between the line-voltage alternating current source and the DC power backup. When activated, the detection and alert device generates a distinctive pulsed vibrational alert transmitted through the building structure to beds and other furniture resting on the floor, and additionally transmitted through the air as pressure waves which are perceived by hearing-impaired and other persons alerting them to a possible emergency situation.