Optical Probe for Wireless Smoke Detector Data Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for obtaining performance information from smoke or carbon monoxide detectors require direct electrical connection and disassembly, which are time-consuming and complicated processes.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a condition detector to output performance information as an optical signal, received by an optical probe, converted into electrical signals, and analyzed or stored on a computing device without the need for physical connection or disassembly, utilizing a microcontroller to encode and transmit data via a light-emitting diode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If direct electrical connection and disassembly are used to obtain performance information, then data can be retrieved from the detector, but the process becomes time-consuming and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical connection system with an optical communication system. The detector encodes performance information as optical signals (e.g., LED blinking patterns) that can be received wirelessly by an external device, eliminating the need for physical disassembly and electrical connections while enabling data retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light signals) to transfer data between the detector and external devices. Instead of direct electrical connection, the detector uses an LED to emit optical signals that encode performance information, which is then received and decoded by an external optical sensor or camera, serving as an intermediary communication channel.
2Loss of information
If direct electrical connection and disassembly are used to obtain performance information, then data can be retrieved from the detector, but the process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical connection system with an optical communication system. The detector encodes performance information as optical signals (e.g., LED blinking patterns) that can be received wirelessly by an external device, eliminating the need for physical disassembly and electrical connections while enabling data retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector performs self-service by actively emitting optical signals that encode its own performance information. The internal microcontroller generates and transmits encoded data through the LED without requiring external intervention or disassembly, allowing the device to provide its own diagnostic information automatically.
3Reliability
If traditional methods are used to connect to the detector, then electrical connection is established, but the detector must be removed from its mount and disassembled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light signals) to transfer data between the detector and external devices. Instead of direct electrical connection, the detector uses an LED to emit optical signals that encode performance information, which is then received and decoded by an external optical sensor or camera, serving as an intermediary communication channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical connection system with an optical communication system. The detector encodes performance information as optical signals (e.g., LED blinking patterns) that can be received wirelessly by an external device, eliminating the need for physical disassembly and electrical connections while enabling data retrieval.
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 non-intrusive retrieval of performance and diagnostic data, simplifying the process for service personnel and allowing for improved data analysis and storage without disrupting the detector's operation.
Implementation Method 1
an optical probe including a photodiode configured to receive the optical signal and to output an electrical signal accordingly
Implementation Method 2
a microcontroller to encode and transmit data via a light-emitting diode
Data Source
AI summary
A system for obtaining performance information is provided and includes a condition detector configured to output the performance information as an optical signal, an optical probe wirelessly disposed in signal communication with the condition detector, the optical probe including a photodiode configured to receive the optical signal and to output an electrical signal accordingly, a data converter, which is coupled to the optical probe and configured to convert the electrical signal into data representative of the performance information and a computing device, which is coupled to the data converter and configured to allow for analysis, display and/or storage of the data representative of the performance information.