Multi-Mode Smoke Detector Charging System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing smoke detectors in firefighting systems require regular battery charging or replacement, leading to potential security risks due to unreliable power supply and increased maintenance needs.

Innovation Solution

A smoke detector capable of multi-mode charging, incorporating a wireless charging module with electromagnetic induction coils and a light energy charging module, allowing for cable, wireless, and light energy charging options to ensure continuous power supply without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If built-in batteries are used to provide working power, then the smoke detector can operate independently, but regular charging or battery replacement is required which reduces reliability and increases maintenance needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The smoke detector is equipped with multiple charging modes including wireless charging module, light energy charging module, and wired charging interface. This multi-functionality allows the device to adapt to different charging scenarios and eliminates the need for manual battery replacement, thereby improving power supply reliability while reducing maintenance requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The light energy charging module enables the smoke detector to automatically charge itself by collecting ambient light energy. This self-service charging mechanism reduces the need for manual intervention and ensures continuous operation without requiring regular maintenance or battery replacement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If built-in batteries are used, then the smoke detector can function without external power sources, but security risks increase due to unreliable power supply

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent operation capabilityVSAvoidfire monitoring reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The smoke detector maintains independent operation capability through built-in batteries while adding multiple charging modes (wireless, light energy, wired) to ensure reliable power supply. This multi-functional power management system eliminates security risks associated with battery failure while preserving the device's ability to function independently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple charging modes are added, then charging flexibility improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging mode flexibilityVSAvoidcharging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The smoke detector integrates wireless charging module, light energy charging module, and wired charging interface into a unified power management system. While this provides charging flexibility across multiple modes, the integration is designed to minimize internal complexity through shared power management circuitry and automated mode selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 multi-mode charging capability enhances the reliability and safety of smoke detectors by providing flexible and convenient charging options, reducing maintenance and ensuring stable power supply, thereby improving the overall effectiveness of firefighting systems.

Implementation Method 1

a wireless charging module electrically connected to the battery module, and configured for being in wireless connection with an external wireless charging device to receive electrical energy therefrom

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a light energy charging module electrically connected to the battery module, and configured for collecting light energy in a surrounding environment and converting it into electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11475749B2Smoke detector capable of multi-mode charging and firefighting system including the same
Publication Date: 2022.10.18 KIDDE FIRE PROTECTION LLC
  • US11475749B2 patent drawing
  • US11475749B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A smoke detector capable of multi-mode charging and a firefighting system including the smoke detector. The smoke detector includes a housing, a working module arranged in the housing and configured for detecting smoke and making a response, and a battery module configured for providing electrical energy to the working module, and further includes: a wireless charging module electrically connected to the battery module, and configured for being in wireless connection with an external wireless charging device to receive electrical energy therefrom and provide the received electrical energy to the battery module; and a light energy charging module electrically connected to the battery module, and configured for collecting light energy in a surrounding environment and converting it into electrical energy which is then provided to the battery module.