Multi-Beam Smoke Detection Layout for Wide-Area Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beam detection systems for fire alarms require a significant number of transceiver units due to range limitations, necessitating multiple units to cover large areas, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A multi-beam smoke detector system utilizing a single unit with multiple beam emitters, each emitting beams in different directions to cover a wider area, reducing the number of required detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional beam detection system uses a single transceiver unit with limited range, then the system can be simple in structure, but the coverage area is limited and requires many units to cover large areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single transceiver unit into multiple functional segments: multiple beam emitters (first beam emitter, second beam emitter) and multiple beam receivers, each handling different directional beams. This segmentation allows one unit to perform the coverage function of multiple conventional units, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and number of units.
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver unit is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating multiple beam emitters and receivers that can handle different directional beams simultaneously. This single multi-functional unit replaces multiple single-functional units, achieving larger coverage area without proportionally increasing the number of units.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple transceiver units are deployed to cover large areas, then the coverage area increases, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple transceiver units into a single integrated unit by combining multiple beam emitters and receivers within one housing. This consolidation maintains large coverage area capability while reducing system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate units and their interconnections.
Solution Approach 2:
The single transceiver unit performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate units: emitting and receiving multiple directional beams simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage area.
3Area of stationary object
If a single transceiver unit uses multiple beam emitters in different directions, then the coverage area increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver unit internally segments the beam handling function into distinct emitters and receivers for different directions. Each segment handles a specific directional beam, allowing the unit to achieve wide coverage while managing complexity through functional segmentation rather than requiring a single complex omnidirectional system.
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 multi-beam system provides comprehensive smoke detection coverage with fewer detectors, enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness by minimizing the number of units needed.
Implementation Method 1
projecting a light beam from a transceiver unit across the protected area to a reflector that returns the light signal back to the transceiver unit
Implementation Method 2
Smoke entering the beam path will decrease the light signal causing an alarm
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations include a method and apparatus for operating a smoke detector, comprising a first beam emitter and a second beam emitter. The first beam emitter may be configured to: (i) radiate a first beam in a first direction toward a first reflecting element, and (ii) receive a first reflection of the first beam from the first reflecting element. The second beam emitter may be configured to: (i) radiate a second beam in a second direction toward a second reflecting element, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction, and (ii) receive a second reflection of the second beam from the second reflecting element.