LiDAR Smoke Detector Dynamic Scan Speed Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smoke detectors using LiDAR technology face challenges in detecting smoke due to obstructions like pillars or signs that block their field of view, potentially violating operational requirements and fire codes, and require a balance between scan speed and dwell time to effectively detect smoke within the allowed time frame.
Innovation Solution
A smoke detector that adjusts its rotation speed based on the distance of walls from the detector, using LiDAR technology to scan an area efficiently and identify obstructions, determining the amount of space blocked and providing notifications, while maintaining sufficient dwell time to detect smoke accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the smoke detector scans the area quickly to reduce scan time, then productivity is improved, but the dwell time for detecting smoke may become insufficient, worsening detection reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The smoke detector dynamically adjusts its scan speed based on detected conditions. The controller varies the rotation speed of the laser emitter and light receiver assembly, allowing faster scanning in clear areas while slowing down in regions where smoke is detected or where obstructions are present, thereby maintaining sufficient dwell time for reliable detection without excessive overall scan time
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (rotation speed, dwell time) based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors the environment and adjusts the scanning parameters dynamically - increasing dwell time when smoke particles are detected or when obstructions are present, and reducing dwell time in clear areas, thus optimizing both productivity and reliability
2Area of stationary object
If obstructions like pillars or signs are present in the scan area, then the field of view is blocked reducing detection coverage, but adding more detectors increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The smoke detector dynamically identifies obstructions in its field of view by analyzing reflected light patterns and adjusts its scanning behavior accordingly. The controller detects when obstructions block portions of the area and compensates by modifying the scan pattern, increasing dwell time in visible areas, and maintaining reliable detection coverage without requiring additional detectors
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the light receiver to detect obstructions and adjust operation. When the light receiver detects unexpected light patterns indicating obstructions, the controller processes this information and modifies the scanning behavior to maintain effective coverage, eliminating the need for multiple detectors in obstructed environments
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 enables effective smoke detection by minimizing scan time while ensuring sufficient dwell time, identifying obstructions, and providing timely alerts, thus ensuring compliance with operational requirements and fire codes.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiver configured to receive light reflected from the illuminated object
Implementation Method 2
detect smoke in an environment
Implementation Method 3
Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology to scan an area efficiently
Data Source
AI summary
A smoke detector, and methods of operating a smoke detector, are described herein. In some examples, one or more embodiments include a laser emitter configured to emit a laser beam that illuminates an object in an area, a light receiver configured to receive light reflected from the illuminated object, and a controller configured to determine, based on the light reflected from the illuminated object, an amount of space in the area that is blocked from a field of view of the smoke detector by the object, and provide an indication responsive to the determined amount of space being above a threshold amount of space.