Photoelectric Smoke Detector Downsizing via Segmented Labyrinth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photoelectric smoke detectors are large in size, making them difficult to install in areas where space is limited, such as near potential fire sources, and their configuration can hinder smoke flow and detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A downsized photoelectric smoke detector design featuring a specialized labyrinth function and a smoke detecting part with the light emitting and receiving elements stored in a casing, utilizing inlet and outlet ports with rectifying light blocking means to guide smoke to the detection area while preventing disturbance light entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the conventional configuration with circumferentially arranged light emitting element, light receiving element, and labyrinths is used, then detection capability is maintained, but the device size increases making it difficult to install in limited spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two functional parts: a specialized labyrinth function fulfilling part that handles smoke introduction and disturbance light prevention, and a smoke detecting part that contains the light emitting element, light receiving element, and detection area. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently and enables compact arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitting element and light receiving element are arranged vertically with their optical axes intersecting, rather than the conventional circumferential arrangement. The specialized labyrinth part is positioned below the detection part, creating a vertical stacking configuration that reduces horizontal footprint.
2Volume of moving object
If the light emitting element and light receiving element are arranged circumferentially with labyrinths, then disturbance light is blocked, but the detection area requires additional space reducing downsizing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The labyrinth function is extracted from the detection area and placed in a separate specialized labyrinth function fulfilling part below the detection part. This extraction allows the detection area to be minimized while the labyrinth structure handles disturbance light blocking independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The specialized labyrinth function fulfilling part acts as an intermediary structure that introduces smoke into the detection area while blocking disturbance light. It serves as a mediator between the external environment and the detection elements, enabling compact detection area design.
3Measurement precision
If a single opening at the bottom surface is used for smoke introduction, then device complexity is reduced, but smoke flow is hindered reducing detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The smoke introduction function is segmented into multiple inlet ports distributed around the peripheral surface of the specialized labyrinth function fulfilling part, rather than a single bottom opening. This segmentation improves smoke flow dynamics while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet ports are strategically positioned to utilize natural convection currents and pressure differentials created by heated air rising from the detection area, enhancing smoke flow without requiring complex mechanical fans or pumps.
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 design achieves downsizing without compromising detection capability, allowing for improved installation flexibility and enhanced detection accuracy by separating labyrinth and detection functions and using rectifying light blocking means to guide smoke effectively.
Implementation Method 1
Smoke enters into a detection area AR located near the intersection between the optical axes, and light emitted from the light emitting element 3 is scattered by the smoke and reaches the light receiving element 4
Implementation Method 2
rectifying light blocking means which prevents entry of disturbance light into an interior space
Data Source
AI summary
A photoelectric smoke detector is provided which is suitable for being downsized without detection capability deterioration. The present invention relates to a photoelectric smoke detector for detecting presence of smoke by utilizing a light emitting element and a light receiving element whose optical axes intersect with each other. Then the photoelectric smoke detector has: a specialized labyrinth function fulfilling part for playing only a labyrinth function of bringing air flow into an interior space thereof and preventing entry of disturbance light into the interior space; and a smoke detecting part which is provided above the specialized labyrinth function fulfilling part so that an interior space of the smoke detecting part is communicated with the interior space of the specialized labyrinth function fulfilling part, and which has the light emitting element and the light receiving element built therein and has a small hole for extracting air flow that has passed through a detection area near an intersection between the optical axes of the light emitting element and the light receiving element.