Aircraft Smoke Detector Flameproof Barrier Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing smoke detector installations in aircraft cargo compartments are complex and cumbersome due to the need for a separate pan and wire connections through a small opening in the flameproof barrier, which complicates assembly and requires heavy components.

Innovation Solution

A smoke detector design featuring a two-piece housing that sandwiches a flexible flameproof membrane, eliminating the need for a separate pan and simplifying assembly by integrating the flameproof barrier directly into the detector's housing, with a circuit card communicating through a wire to a control unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate pan and wire connection through a small opening is used, then the flameproof barrier is provided, but the assembly becomes complex and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflameproof barrierVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the smoke detector housing with the flameproof barrier into a single integrated unit. The detector housing itself is constructed with flameproof materials and design, eliminating the need for a separate pan and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the required flameproof protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The smoke detector housing serves multiple functions: it protects the detector components, provides the flameproof barrier, and serves as the mounting structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components like the pan and simplifies the overall assembly.

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

2Reliability

If a heavy pan is used to provide flameproof barrier, then the flameproof protection is ensured, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflameproof protectionVSAvoiddetector weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite construction for the detector housing, combining materials that provide both flameproof protection and reduced weight. The housing integrates flameproof materials with structural components to achieve the required protection without the excessive weight of traditional separate pan designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If a separate pan is mounted into the wall, then the flameproof barrier is complete, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflameproof barrierVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The smoke detector and flameproof barrier are merged into a single integrated unit that can be installed as one component. This eliminates the multi-step process of mounting a separate pan and then attaching the detector, significantly reducing assembly time and improving installation productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2236175B1Smoke detector with included flame barrier
Publication Date: 2018.05.02 KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • EP2236175B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A smoke detector comprises (40) a first housing (44) to face an area in which to detect smoke, a second housing (46) secured to the first housing, electronics (52) to detect smoke within the area, and a flameproof barrier (54) positioned between the first and second housings.