Compact Smoke Detection Unit with Merged Base and Detachable Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smoke detection units with redundant detectors are bulky and heavy, making them difficult to integrate into compact structures like vehicle ceilings, and lack efficient methods for easy fixation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A smoke detection unit with two identical horizontal smoke detectors, a measuring chamber, and a rigid cavity with a reduced upper base formed by the chamber walls, using materials like glass fibers or carbon for resistance, and a lower cover with apertures for easy mounting, allowing for compact size and weight reduction, and facilitating simple detachment of sensors for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant smoke detectors are installed in a traditional configuration with separate bases and covers, then detection security is improved, but the device becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bases of two smoke detectors into a single common base structure, and combines their covers into one unified cover. This consolidation maintains the redundant detection capability of two sensors while eliminating the weight and space of separate housing components, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The common base serves multiple functions: it houses both smoke detectors, provides a single mounting interface for fixation to the ceiling, and supports the shared electronic module. This multi-functionality reduces the overall structure to the essential components needed for redundant detection, eliminating unnecessary weight while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If traditional fixation methods are used with separate detector housings, then reliable mounting is achieved, but installation and maintenance become complex
Solution Approach 1:
By combining two separate detector housings into one integrated unit with a single common base and unified cover, the patent reduces the number of fixation operations required. Only one mounting interface needs to be secured to the ceiling, simplifying installation while maintaining secure mounting through the shared base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed as a detachable component that can be easily removed to access the internal detectors and electronic module for maintenance. This segmentation allows simple replacement of individual detectors without requiring complete disassembly of the mounting structure, improving ease of operation while maintaining mounting reliability.
3Reliability
If separate housings are used for each detector, then individual protection is provided, but the overall unit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective housings of two detectors into a single common base that houses both units. This consolidation provides collective protection for both detectors while occupying significantly less space than two separate housings, directly resolving the contradiction between protection and volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The two smoke detectors are nested within the single common base structure, with each detector positioned in its own compartment. This nesting arrangement provides individual protection for each sensor while utilizing the shared base space efficiently, minimizing the overall volume of the unit.
4Reliability
If redundant detectors are installed in separate locations, then detection coverage is improved, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the housing structures while maintaining separate detector compartments within the common base, the patent provides unified access for maintenance. Both detectors can be accessed through a single cover removal operation, greatly simplifying repair procedures compared to accessing two separately mounted detectors, while maintaining redundant detection coverage.
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 results in a compact, lightweight smoke detection unit that can be easily fixed into tight spaces and allows for efficient maintenance, maintaining high detection performance while reducing size and weight, and enabling integration into various structures like aircraft and vehicle holds.
Implementation Method 1
The smoke detectors form optical sensors
Implementation Method 2
The smoke detectors form optical sensors which can be combined with other types of sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A smoke detection unit has two identical smoke detectors juxtaposed horizontally, each made up of at least one smoke sensor positioned beneath and coupled to a measuring chamber fitted with walls. The detectors are encapsulated in a rigid cavity having an upper base and a lower cover positioned opposite the smoke sensors. A base is formed by the walls of each of the two measuring chambers. A method further fixes the smoke detection unit to a bearing structure.