Energy Independent Fire Detector Using Piezoelectric Triggering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detectors for fire monitoring and extinguishing systems require external energy sources like batteries or power supplies, and their complex designs with many rotating parts are prone to jamming and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A detector independent of external energy, comprising a piezo element, thermal triggering element, and coupling element, which generates a voltage signal upon temperature change without batteries or power supplies, using materials like memory metals or pyrotechnic elements to create mechanical pressure for signaling or control purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external power sources (batteries, accumulators, or power supplies) are used in detectors, then the detector can provide continuous power for signaling and control, but the device requires external energy sources which reduces reliability and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The detector generates its own electrical energy through the piezoelectric effect. When the thermal release element changes state due to temperature increase, it mechanically stresses the piezoelectric element, which self-generates the voltage signal needed for alarm and control functions without requiring external batteries or power supplies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical transmission elements (gears, rotating parts) with a direct mechanical-to-electrical conversion system using piezoelectric elements. The thermal release element's state change directly stresses the piezoelectric element to generate electrical signals, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation and transmission components.
2Ease of operation
If complex transmission elements (gears, rotating parts) are used in detectors, then the detector can transmit mechanical movement to generate signals, but the number of parts increases which increases the risk of jamming and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex mechanical transmission system (gears, rotating parts, coil springs) from the detector design. Only essential components remain: the thermal release element, coupling element, piezoelectric element, and housing. This extraction reduces the number of moving parts and eliminates jamming risks while maintaining signal generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical transmission systems with a direct piezoelectric conversion system. Instead of using gears and rotating parts to generate electrical signals, the thermal release element's state change directly stresses the piezoelectric element, which converts mechanical stress into electrical signals through the piezoelectric effect.
3Loss of information
If multiple rotating parts are used in detectors, then the detector can achieve signal transmission through mechanical movement, but the risk of parts becoming blocked increases which poses safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical signal transmission through rotating parts with direct piezoelectric signal generation. The thermal release element's state change directly stresses the piezoelectric element, which generates electrical signals without requiring mechanical rotation or movement of multiple parts, thereby eliminating blocking risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric element self-generates the electrical signal needed for alarm and control functions through direct mechanical stress from the thermal release element's state change. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex mechanical transmission systems that could fail or become blocked.
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 solution provides a reliable, long-lasting, and cost-effective detector that can trigger alarms or control mechanisms without external power, reducing the risk of mechanical failure and ensuring continuous operation in self-sufficient systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one piezoelectric element (3.1), said thermal triggering element (3.2) being designed to change its state at a defined temperature, said coupling element (11) being designed to apply mechanical pressure to the piezo element (3.1) when the thermal release element (3.2) changes its state
Data Source
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AI summary
The external energy independent detector (3) has a thermal triggering element (3.2), a piezoelectric element (3.1) and a coupling element (11) arranged in a holder or housing (3.3). A mechanical pressure is applied on the piezoelement by a change of state of the thermal triggering element by the coupling element such that an electrical signal is produced. The thermal release element represents a sprinkler bulb, a fusible link, a memory metal element or pyroelement.