Switchable Strobe Lens for Fire Alarm Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fire alarm systems require separate strobes for white and amber light outputs, which are cumbersome and complex to install due to the need for careful elevation planning to avoid interference, necessitating a simpler and more efficient solution for outputting both light types.
Innovation Solution
A single strobe device with an input selector and controller that can be configured to operate at different wavelength bands, using either an electrically alterable lens or movable filters, allowing for easy switching between white and amber light outputs based on commands from a fire alarm control panel or manual input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate strobes for white and amber light are installed, then both notification types can be provided, but installation complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The strobe housing is designed to accept multiple types of lenses (clear, amber, red, blue, green) that can be interchanged to provide different notification types. This multi-functionality allows a single strobe unit to replace multiple specialized strobes, reducing installation complexity while maintaining versatility in providing both white and amber light outputs for different alarm conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate strobes for white and amber light are installed, then both notification types can be provided, but the number of devices and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple notification functions into a single strobe unit by integrating the ability to accept different colored lenses in one housing. This merging of functions reduces the total number of devices required and decreases the installation space needed, as one multi-functional strobe replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate strobes for different notification types
3Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable lenses are used, then a single strobe can output different light colors, but lens selection and switching mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic lens selection mechanism where the type of lens installed in the strobe housing can be changed based on the notification requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to flexibly switch between different light outputs (white, amber, red, blue, green) by simply replacing the lens element, providing versatility without requiring complex electronic switching mechanisms
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 efficient and simple installation of a single strobe device capable of outputting both white and amber light, reducing complexity and space requirements while maintaining compliance with stringent light distribution specifications, thereby improving system usability and installation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the strobe includes an electrically alterable lens whereby the color of the electrically alterable lens is dependent on a control signal input to the lens
Data Source
AI summary
An alarm system notification device that comprises a single strobe, an input selector, and a controller is disclosed. The single strobe may be configured to operate at a first wavelength band in a first configuration and at a second wavelength band in a second configuration, the first wavelength band being different from the second wavelength band. The configuration of the single strobe (either in the first or second configuration) is determined based on a command that is input by the input selector. In response to receiving the command, the controller may control the single strobe so that the single strobe is configured to operate at one of the first wavelength band in the first configuration or the second wavelength band in the second configuration as indicated in the command.