Modular Smoke Alarm with Telescopic Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard smoke detectors lack versatility and integration capabilities, limiting their functionality and adaptability in modern smart home and building systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular smoke detector device with a ring-like structure comprising interconnecting modules that can hold various items, such as smoke detectors, speakers, and cameras, allowing for flexible configuration and integration with existing electrical fixtures, with a telescopic base design for easy mounting and access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If smoke alarms are placed in every room for safety, then fire safety coverage is improved, but the number of devices increases and replaces existing alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The smoke alarm is divided into separate functional modules: a smoke detection module, a voice alert module, and a wireless communication module. This segmentation allows the alarm to be distributed across multiple devices or consolidated into fewer multifunctional units, reducing the total number of separate alarms needed while maintaining comprehensive fire safety coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent describes a smoke alarm that integrates multiple functions including smoke detection, voice alerts, wireless communication with smartphones, and integration with existing fire safety systems. This multifunctional design replaces the need for multiple separate devices (smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, evacuation signs, and communication devices), reducing the quantity of items while improving overall safety coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional smoke alarms are used, then basic fire detection is provided, but they do not integrate with modern communication systems or provide sufficient alert capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The smoke alarm integrates wireless communication capabilities that allow it to connect with smartphones and other fire safety devices. It can send notifications via text messages or emails, provide voice alerts, and interface with existing fire safety systems. This multi-functionality maintains reliable local alert capabilities while adding modern communication integration, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs wireless communication modules as intermediaries that bridge the smoke alarm with external communication systems and fire safety networks. These intermediaries enable the alarm to transmit data and receive commands without compromising its primary fire detection and local alert functions, thus maintaining reliability while achieving adaptability.
3Reliability
If multiple separate fire safety devices are installed, then comprehensive safety coverage is achieved, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fire safety functions into a single integrated smoke alarm device. This includes merging smoke detection, voice alerts, wireless communication, and system integration capabilities into one unit. By consolidating these functions, the system achieves comprehensive safety coverage while reducing the number of separate devices and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The multifunctional smoke alarm serves as a universal device that can perform detection, alerting, communication, and system integration tasks. This single device replaces the need for multiple specialized fire safety devices, thereby achieving comprehensive coverage without increasing system complexity.
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
Enhances the versatility and functionality of smoke detectors by enabling the integration of multiple components and easy installation, providing a comprehensive safety solution for homes and buildings while simplifying maintenance through modular design and rechargeable battery options.
Implementation Method 1
The alarm device may include an ionization detector
Implementation Method 2
The alarm device may include an optical detector
Data Source
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AI summary
A smoke detector device featuring a base for mounting to a ceiling, wall, or fixture. The base has three grooves disposed in its outer surface. Rings can wrap around each groove on the base. Each ring has at least two modules with an inner chamber and a door, wherein the inner chamber of each module can hold an item. The base can move between an expanded position wherein the three grooves are exposed and a collapsed position wherein only one groove is exposed. Flanges and set screws can secure the base in the expanded position.