Replaceable Hazard Detector Module for Fast Sensor Renewal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional residential hazard detectors require replacement of the entire unit, which can be dangerous and time-consuming, especially when many detectors need to be replaced, and often necessitate electrical wiring to a house's mains power.
Innovation Solution
A modular hazard detector system comprising a base and a replaceable detector module, where the module can be easily secured to the base without wiring, featuring a battery-powered sensor, memory, and communication circuitry, allowing for easy replacement and integration with external devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hazard detectors are replaced entirely, then reliability is maintained, but time consumption and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hazard detector is divided into two functional segments: a permanent base unit containing power supply and alarm components, and a replaceable detector module containing the sensor. This segmentation allows users to replace only the sensor module every 5-10 years rather than the entire detector, significantly reducing replacement time and effort while maintaining reliability through periodic sensor replacement.
2Reliability
If traditional hazard detectors are replaced entirely, then reliability is maintained, but installation complexity and danger increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the detector into a base unit with hardwired power and alarm components and a standalone sensor module with battery power, the patent eliminates the need for complex rewiring during sensor replacement. The modular design allows simple mechanical attachment/detachment of the sensor module without touching electrical wires, dramatically reducing installation complexity and safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module is extracted as an independent functional unit with its own battery power source. This extraction removes the sensor replacement task from the complex electrical wiring process, allowing users to replace sensors without needing to disconnect or reconnect power wires, thereby eliminating the dangerous and complex wiring steps associated with traditional detector replacement.
3Ease of manufacture
If the base is designed for single-use, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but resource waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit is designed as a universal, reusable component that can accommodate multiple sensor modules throughout its service life. The base contains permanent components (power supply, alarm, processing circuitry) that remain functional after sensor replacement, transforming it from a single-use disposable item into a multi-functional long-lasting unit that reduces resource waste by extending its operational lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a discard-and-recover strategy where only the aging sensor module is discarded after 5-10 years, while the base unit is recovered and continued to serve with new or refurbished sensors. This approach maximizes resource utilization by keeping the expensive base components in service longer, reducing the frequency of complete detector replacements and associated material waste.
4Ease of operation
If battery-powered modules are used, then ease of replacement is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into two independent sources: the base unit receives continuous power from the household electrical outlet to power the alarm and processing functions, while the sensor module is powered by a replaceable battery. This segmentation allows the sensor module to be easily replaced by simply changing the battery, improving ease of operation without requiring electrical work, while the base unit's continuous power supply ensures reliable operation of all components.
Data Source
AI summary
A hazard detector device can comprise a base that defines a module receptacle and is configured to be secured to a surface and comprise a detector module configured to insert into the module receptacle and secure to the base. The detector module can include a battery, a hazard sensor powered by the battery, a memory configured to store data about the hazard sensor, and communication circuitry in communication with the memory and configured to communicate with an external device. A detector module can be replaced with another detector module without replacing the base.