Motorized Window Fire Exit System with Automatic Alarm Trigger

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Solution Overview

Problem

House fires pose a significant threat to people of all ages, with rapid spread and toxic conditions making it difficult for individuals, especially the elderly and children, to escape within the limited time available before the house becomes engulfed in flames, leading to high fatality rates.

Innovation Solution

A fire exit system comprising a motor mechanically coupled to a window, a controller, and a switch activated by a fire alarm, along with a guide bar, timing belt, and limiting switches, which automatically opens the window to facilitate escape, and optionally includes a fire escape ladder and a power source for operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual window opening is required during fire emergency, then device complexity is reduced, but escape speed and ease of operation deteriorate due to physical limitations of elderly and children

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of opening windowVSAvoidcomplexity of exit system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a fire alarm sensor to automatically detect fire conditions and triggers the motor to open the window without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures that even individuals with physical limitations can escape without needing to manually operate the window opening mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical window opening system with an automated motor-driven system. The motor is connected to the window sash through a transmission mechanism (belt and pulley or gear system), allowing electrical power to substitute for manual mechanical effort, thereby enabling easy operation for all age groups.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Speed

If automatic motorized window opening is implemented, then escape speed improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of window openingVSAvoidcomplexity of motorized system

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by having the window open automatically as soon as fire is detected, before the fire spreads further. The fire alarm sensor continuously monitors for fire conditions, and upon detection, immediately activates the motor to open the window, ensuring rapid escape opportunity is available from the moment danger is detected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex manual mechanical systems with a simpler motorized system. The motor connects to the window sash through a straightforward transmission mechanism (belt-pulley or gear system), reducing mechanical complexity while dramatically increasing opening speed. The electrical control system simplifies the overall mechanism compared to complex mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If window opening mechanism is added for rapid escape, then productivity of escape process improves, but reliability may worsen due to additional failure points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveescape efficiencyVSAvoidreliability of escape system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback through limiting switches that detect the window's position. When the window reaches the fully open position, the limiting switch automatically stops the motor, preventing over-travel and potential damage. This feedback mechanism ensures the system operates reliably and safely, stopping automatically when the escape route is established.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent includes beforehand cushioning through the limiting switch mechanism that prevents the motor from over-rotating. The limiting switch is positioned to detect when the window is fully open and cuts power to the motor in advance, preventing mechanical damage from forced operation. This protective measure ensures system reliability and prevents failure from excessive mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 safe and timely exit from a house engulfed in flames by automatically opening windows, reducing the risk of injury and fatality across all age groups by providing a clear escape route and aiding disoriented individuals.

Implementation Method 1

a motor mechanically coupled to a window such that the motor, when turned on, causes the window to open

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a timing belt installed around at least two gears

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11725450B2Fire exit system

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 BELDING ABIGAIL

AI summary

A fire exit system is disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the fire exit system may include a motor mechanically coupled to a window such that the motor, when turned on, causes the window to open, a controller coupled to the motor, and a switch coupled to the controller. When the switch is activated, the controller is configured to turn on the motor to open the window.