Multi-Event Notification Appliance with Distinct Wavelengths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing event notification systems in buildings require multiple appliances to signal both fire and non-fire events, leading to increased cost and complexity, as they are typically dedicated to single event types.

Innovation Solution

An event notification appliance that combines fire and alert notification capabilities by using distinct light wavelengths and audible indicators, allowing for the differentiation of fire and alert conditions through visual and auditory signals, and optionally illuminated lettering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple dedicated event notification appliances are used to signal both fire and non-fire events, then event notification coverage is improved, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveevent notification coverageVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines fire notification and alert notification functions into a single event notification appliance. The appliance includes a housing with both a fire light source (emitting red light at approximately 630nm) and an alert light source (emitting green light at approximately 530nm), along with a shared audible warning device. This merging eliminates the need for separate dedicated appliances, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive event notification coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The event notification appliance is designed as a universal device capable of signaling multiple event types (fire and non-fire alerts) through different visual and audible indicators. The appliance can be activated by various detection devices (fire detectors, intrusion detectors, etc.) and provides appropriate notification based on the event type, making it a multi-functional replacement for multiple dedicated appliances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple dedicated event notification appliances are used to signal both fire and non-fire events, then event notification coverage is improved, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveevent notification coverageVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If distinct light wavelengths are used to differentiate fire and alert conditions, then event differentiation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveevent differentiationVSAvoidappliance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses distinct light wavelengths (colors) to differentiate between fire and alert conditions. The fire light source emits red light at approximately 630nm, while the alert light source emits green light at approximately 530nm. This color-based differentiation provides clear visual distinction between event types. The housing may also include colored portions (red and green) that correspond to the light wavelengths, further enhancing visual differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent assigns different functional properties to different parts of the appliance. The fire light source and alert light source are positioned and configured to emit light in different directions and wavelengths. The housing may include selectively transparent and opaque portions that direct and differentiate the light outputs. This local differentiation of properties enables clear event distinction without requiring complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 cost-effective and simplified multi-event notification within a single appliance, enhancing occupant awareness and reducing system complexity by clearly distinguishing between fire and alert conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a first light source configured to emit light at a first wavelength... a second light source configured to emit light at a second wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a reflector adjacent the first light source, the reflector configured to reflect the light at the first wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8138928B2Multiple event notification appliance

Publication Date: 2012.03.20 TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH

AI summary

An apparatus, system and method including an event notification appliance including first and second light sources configured to indicate an event, including a fire and/or alert.