Optical Chamber Smoke Flow Paths for Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing residential smoke alarms have components surrounding the optic chamber that inhibit smoke flow, necessitating a design that enhances smoke entry into the chamber for improved detection.
Innovation Solution
The optical chamber assembly includes a light ring, optical cover with side members defining smoke flow paths, and a secondary smoke entry location, such as an opening between the light cover and the optical cover, to increase smoke flow into the chamber, enhancing detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If components surround the optic chamber, then structural support and protection are provided, but smoke flow into the chamber is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The optic chamber is segmented into multiple zones with different cover configurations. The first optic chamber has a solid cover for light isolation, while the second optic chamber has an open cover to allow smoke entry. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of both light detection quality and smoke flow rate in different regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the optic chamber have different cover characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The first portion has a solid cover for optimal light reflection, while the second portion has an open cover for optimal smoke entry. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing each region to optimize for its primary function.
2Measurement precision
If a solid cover is used on the optic chamber, then light reflection is optimized, but smoke entry is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The optic chamber is divided into multiple chambers with different cover configurations. The first optic chamber uses a solid cover for precise light measurement, while the second optic chamber uses an open cover for high smoke concentration. This segmentation allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously in different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover configuration is differentiated by location within the optic chamber assembly. The first portion has a solid cover for optimal light reflection and measurement precision, while the second portion has an open cover for optimal smoke entry and concentration. Each location has the quality needed for its primary function.
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 design allows for a higher concentration of smoke to enter the chamber, improving smoke detection and minimizing stray light interference, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the smoke alarm.
Implementation Method 1
when smoke is present in the optic chamber, the light receiver receives more light due to that light being reflected from the smoke particles
Implementation Method 2
A photoelectric smoke alarm is a type of smoke alarm that uses a light source, a light receiver and an optic chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An optical chamber assembly of a life safety device includes a light ring for supporting at least one light device and an optical cover defining an interior chamber of the optical chamber assembly. The optical cover has a plurality of side members spaced from one another to define a plurality of smoke flow paths connected to the interior chamber. A light cover is disposed between the light ring and the optical cover and optically couples the at least one light device with the interior chamber. A primary smoke entry location is defined by at least one of the plurality of smoke flow paths in the optical cover and a secondary smoke entry location distinct from the primary smoke entry location is arranged in fluid communication with the interior chamber.