Surface Mount Hazardous Condition Detector with Electric Wind
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hazardous condition detectors rely on free rise convection to detect harmful substances, which can be ineffective in environments with poor air circulation, leading to delayed detection and aesthetic concerns due to protruding designs.
Innovation Solution
A surface-mount hazardous condition detector using an ion fluid movement system with corona discharge apparatuses to create an electric wind, drawing air through a passage with a sensor to detect substances like smoke, carbon monoxide, and other hazards, while maintaining a flush mounting aesthetic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hazardous condition detectors rely on free rise convection to move harmful substances past the sensor, then the detector can be simple in structure, but the detection reliability deteriorates in environments with poor air circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing air movement before the harmful substance reaches the sensor. The air mover actively draws air through the sensor chamber, ensuring that smoke or hazardous substances are brought to the sensor proactively rather than waiting for passive convection. This pre-establishes air flow paths that guarantee reliable detection regardless of environmental convection conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the natural convection mechanism (thermal buoyancy-driven air movement) with an active mechanical air movement system. The air mover uses mechanical force to drive air flow through the detector, substituting the unreliable natural convection process with a controlled mechanical system that ensures consistent air flow and reliable sensor exposure to hazardous substances.
2Reliability
If conventional hazardous condition detectors extend away from the wall or ceiling to ensure air flow past the sensor, then the detection function is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to protrusion into the living space
Solution Approach 1:
The air mover pre-establishes air flow through the sensor chamber before harmful substances arrive, eliminating the need for the detector to protrude into the living space. By actively drawing air through the sensor, the system maintains detection effectiveness while allowing a flush-mounted, aesthetically pleasing design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive geometric arrangement (protruding design to facilitate air flow) with an active mechanical air movement system. This substitution allows the detector to maintain a sleek, flush-mounted appearance while the air mover ensures adequate air flow and sensor exposure to hazardous substances.
3Shape
If hazardous condition detectors are mounted flush with the wall or ceiling for aesthetic purposes, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the air flow to the sensor deteriorates when relying on free rise convection
Solution Approach 1:
The air mover pre-establishes air flow through the sensor chamber, ensuring that even with a flush-mounted design, air and any contained hazardous substances are actively drawn to the sensor. This preliminary air movement action compensates for the reduced natural convection available in a flush-mounted configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on natural convection (which is insufficient for flush-mounted detectors) with an active mechanical air movement system. The air mover provides the necessary force to drive air flow through the sensor chamber, maintaining detection reliability despite the aesthetically pleasing flush-mounted shape.
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
Enables quick and reliable detection of hazardous substances with improved air circulation and aesthetic appeal by ensuring air movement past the sensor without protrusions, enhancing safety and indoor air quality monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
at least one corona discharge apparatus is positioned within the passage to draw air into the passage through the inlet and to expel air through the outlet
Implementation Method 2
a hazardous condition sensor positioned within the passage to detect a presence of the harmful substance
Data Source
AI summary
A hazardous condition detector is provided. The hazardous condition detector comprises a body, a hazardous condition sensor, and at least one corona discharge apparatus. The body defines a passage therethrough. The passage extends between an inlet and an outlet. The hazardous condition sensor is positioned within the passage. The at least one corona discharge apparatus is positioned within the passage to draw a fluid into the passage through the inlet and to expel the fluid through the outlet.