Optical Chamber Reflective Surfaces Smoke Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smoke detection systems face challenges with complex assembly processes, low scalability, and high component counts, which affect their cost-effectiveness and optical sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a simplified optical chamber with reflective surfaces, comprising a circuit board with surface-mounted emitters and receivers, a circuit board cover with reflective surfaces, and a chamber cover, enables dual angle/dual wavelength optical detection while minimizing mechanical parts and enhancing scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two prisms with total-reflection surfaces and lenses are used to direct and collect light, then optical functionality is assured, but the number of components increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate optical components (prisms, lenses, barriers) into a single integrated optical chamber structure. The optical chamber is formed as one piece with built-in reflective surfaces and light-guiding features, eliminating the need for separate prisms and lenses while maintaining the same optical functionality of directing and collecting light from smoke particulate.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical chamber serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a housing for emitters and receivers, provides light guidance, creates reflective surfaces for total internal reflection, and defines the sensing zone. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a custom surface mounted device optical block is used with pick-and-place areas, then emitter and receiver mounting is simplified, but scalability is reduced and assembly process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system is segmented into modular components: the optical chamber, the circuit board with emitters and receivers, and the housing. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled together. The optical chamber can be produced using standardized molding processes, and the circuit board can be assembled using standard SMT techniques, improving both manufacturability and scalability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pick-and-place mounting with standard surface mount technology. Emitters and receivers are mounted directly on the circuit board using conventional SMT processes, eliminating the need for custom mechanical mounting structures and pick-and-place areas. This substitution enables use of standard commercial components and simplifies the assembly process while improving scalability.
3Reliability
If multiple separate parts including prisms and guide holes are used, then optical functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate optical components into a single molded optical chamber. The reflective surfaces, light-guiding channels, and sensing zone are all integrated into one piece manufactured through injection molding. This eliminates the need for separate prisms, lenses, and guide holes, reducing part count, assembly steps, and manufacturing costs while maintaining optical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the manufacturing approach from assembling multiple precision optical components to producing a single molded component with built-in optical features. By using molding processes, the optical chamber can be manufactured cost-effectively with tight tolerances, reducing both material costs and assembly costs compared to traditional component-based approaches.
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
This solution simplifies the assembly process, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves optical sensitivity and immunity to nuisance sources, resulting in more reliable and cost-effective smoke detection systems.
Implementation Method 1
The two prisms have a total-reflection surface and a lens that causes light to be directed and condensed to and from the sensing zone
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for providing smoke detectors are described herein. One smoke detector of a fire sensing system includes a circuit board body, having a set of front scattering emitting light sources located on one side of an optical chamber, a receiver of front scattering light beams from the front scattering emitting light sources and backward scattering light beams, and a set of backward scattering emitting light sources located between the set of front scattering emitting light sources and the receiver, the backward scattering light beams emitted from the backward scattering emitters.