Linear Fire Detector Alignment Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear fire detectors face challenges in effectively detecting fires in large areas and high-ceilinged spaces, and in ensuring proper alignment and functioning, particularly in avoiding ambient light interference and requiring additional components for testing.

Innovation Solution

A linear fire detector system with a light emitter and receiver, where the optical path spans at least three meters, equipped with an auxiliary test device functioning as the light emitter to check light incidence, and an adjustable optics system to enhance alignment and tolerance compensation, allowing for visual inspection and reduced component count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the optical path length is increased to detect fires in large areas, then the detection area is improved, but the alignment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection areaVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

An auxiliary testing device is introduced as an intermediary component to facilitate alignment verification. This device includes a test light source that can be positioned at the location of the light emitter, allowing alignment to be checked without requiring actual fire conditions or complex alignment equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Alignment verification is performed preliminarily during installation using the auxiliary testing device before the system enters normal operation. This allows alignment issues to be corrected in advance, ensuring proper function when the system is actually deployed for fire detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If additional testing components are added to verify alignment, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment verificationVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary testing device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can verify alignment, check light receiver sensitivity, and test the overall optical path. By consolidating these testing functions into a single portable device, the patent avoids the need for multiple separate testing components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The testing device is designed to be self-contained and portable, allowing installers to perform alignment verification without requiring external equipment or complex setup procedures. The device carries its own light source and testing mechanisms, making it independently functional.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the light receiver sensitivity is increased to detect weak signals, then the detection capability is improved, but the susceptibility to ambient light interference worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight detection sensitivityVSAvoidambient light interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The light receiver is designed with selective spectral response, being sensitive only to the specific wavelength range emitted by the light emitter. This localized spectral sensitivity allows the receiver to detect weak signals from the emitter while automatically filtering out ambient light at different wavelengths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the light emitter and receiver work in a coordinated manner. The emitter can be modulated or pulsed, and the receiver is synchronized to detect only signals matching this pattern, providing temporal feedback that distinguishes the intended signal from ambient light interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 reliable fire detection in large areas with reduced component requirements, cost savings, and simplified maintenance by ensuring correct alignment and tolerance compensation, ensuring trouble-free operation and accurate fire detection.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitter (2a) for emitting a measuring light and a light receiver (2b) receiving the measuring light of the light emitter, with an optical path (3) between the light emitter (2a) and the light receiver (2b)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight propagation: Light

Implementation Method 2

the light receiver (2b) receiving the measuring light of the light emitter, with an optical path (3) between the light emitter (2a) and the light receiver (2b)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2908297B1Linear fire alarm and method for operating same
Publication Date: 2019.01.02 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2908297B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2
  • EP2908297B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A linear fire detector 1 is proposed, comprising a fire sensor 2 for detecting a fire, wherein the fire sensor 2 includes a light emitter 2a for emitting a measuring light and a light receiver 2b for receiving the measuring light from the light emitter 2a, wherein an optical path 3 between the light emitter 2a and the light receiver 2b has a measuring distance of at least three meters, with a test aid for checking whether the measuring light is incident on the light receiver 2b, wherein the test aid is configured as the light emitter 2a.