Solar-Powered Alarm Peripheral With Photovoltaic Fire Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security monitoring systems face challenges in achieving long battery life for battery-powered peripherals like cameras due to limited power availability, especially when triggered frequently, and integrating fire detection devices into these systems is complex and difficult.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic cell is used to charge an energy storage device and simultaneously detect fire by analyzing the flickering light emitted by a fire, which generates a distinct output signal, preventing false alarms and allowing a compact, cost-effective design with a rechargeable battery pack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If battery size is increased to achieve longer battery life, then battery life is improved, but device size and weight are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the photovoltaic cell with the battery pack into an integrated power system. The photovoltaic cell is mounted on the housing and electrically connected to the battery, allowing solar energy to be harvested and stored simultaneously within a unified structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate power supply components and optimizes space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic cell serves dual functions: generating electrical energy to charge the battery and providing fire detection capability through analysis of light fluctuations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate fire detection hardware, thereby minimizing overall device size while extending operational autonomy.
2Duration of action of moving object
If photovoltaic arrangement is added to extend battery life, then energy autonomy is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic cell is designed to perform both power generation and fire detection functions. By analyzing fluctuations in the electrical signal generated by the photovoltaic cell, the system can detect fire conditions without requiring separate sensing hardware. This multi-functional approach extends energy autonomy while minimizing the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power generation and fire detection functions are merged into a single component system. The photovoltaic cell's electrical output is used both for charging the battery and for fire detection analysis, eliminating the need for separate power supply and detection subsystems.
3Duration of action of moving object
If disposable batteries are used to achieve target battery lifetime, then battery life is improved, but cost and environmental impact are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a self-charging mechanism where the photovoltaic cell continuously harvests solar energy to recharge the battery during operation. This self-service power extension reduces the frequency of battery replacements, thereby decreasing battery waste and environmental impact while maintaining extended operational lifetime.
4Loss of substance
If rechargeable batteries are used instead of disposable batteries, then battery waste is reduced, but device complexity and maintenance requirements are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic cell provides automatic recharging of the rechargeable battery during normal operation, eliminating the need for manual intervention or external charging infrastructure. This self-service charging system reduces maintenance complexity despite using rechargeable batteries, as users simply need to ensure the device remains exposed to sunlight.
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 system extends battery life by harnessing solar energy for peripherals and provides early fire detection with high sensitivity, reducing the need for frequent battery replacements and minimizing false alarms.
Implementation Method 1
A fire detection module is arranged to evaluate the output signal of the photovoltaic cell and to identify fluctuations of the output signal that are characteristic of a fire
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an alarm peripheral (10) having a sensor (12), an energy storage device (14), a photovoltaic cell (16) and a control unit (18), the control unit (18) having a fire detection module (20) adapted for generating a fire alarm.