UVC Flame Sensor with Non-Imaging Collector for Long Range Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flame detection systems are inadequate for detecting small remote fires due to limited range and lack of effective reporting systems, particularly in forest and open area fires, leading to increased damage and economic losses.
Innovation Solution
A long-range optical sensor system using non-imaging collectors and detectors, such as Geiger Mueller tubes with UVC-sensitive coatings, that can detect flames at greater distances while rejecting false alarms from solar radiation, and incorporating RF transmitters for remote reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional flame detectors are used, then detection capability is provided, but detection range is limited and false alarms from solar radiation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a non-imaging optical collector that concentrates optical energy from a specific spatial region onto the detector surface. The collector is designed with specific reflectivity properties at UVC wavelengths to preferentially collect flame radiation while rejecting solar radiation from other directions, thereby extending detection range without increasing false alarms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral parameter by utilizing UVC wavelength detection (200-280 nm) where solar radiation is naturally blocked by the atmosphere but flame radiation is strong. This parameter change in detection wavelength, combined with non-imaging optical concentration, simultaneously extends detection range and eliminates false alarms from solar radiation
2Length of stationary object
If detection range is extended for remote fire detection, then remote fires can be detected, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex imaging optical systems with a non-imaging optical collector that uses simple geometric shaping (parabolic or spherical surfaces) to concentrate light. This substitution of mechanical/optical complexity with a simpler non-imaging approach achieves extended detection range without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter to UVC wavelength range where atmospheric transmission allows remote detection. By selecting this specific wavelength parameter and using non-imaging collectors optimized for UVC, the system achieves long-range detection capability with relatively simple and economical sensor technologies
3Measurement precision
If non-imaging collectors are used to concentrate energy, then detection sensitivity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the imaging requirement from the optical system, using only the energy concentration function without the need for precise image formation. This extraction of the imaging function allows the use of simpler non-imaging collectors with relaxed manufacturing tolerances while maintaining high detection sensitivity through energy concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs non-imaging optical collectors that can be manufactured with lower precision requirements and potentially lower cost. These collectors prioritize energy concentration over image quality, allowing for more economical fabrication methods and materials while achieving the required detection sensitivity
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 significantly enhances the detection range and response time for fire fighting agencies by accurately identifying small fires from a distance, reducing false alarms, and enabling cost-effective, wide-area coverage with minimal maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor utilizes a collector optic that collects energy from a wide field of view and concentrates the energy onto a detector
Implementation Method 2
UVC reflective coatings may include enhanced aluminum with magnesium fluoride or silicon oxide coating, magnesium fluoride, or high phosphorous nickel phosphorous alloy
Implementation Method 3
In one embodiment a UVC sensitive Geiger Mueller tube may be coupled to a non-imaging spherical reflective collector
Data Source
AI summary
A long range optical sensor and system for detecting the flame of forest fires or other fires while rejecting false alarms due to solar radiation is described. The sensor utilizes a collector optic that collects energy from a wide field of view and concentrates the energy onto a detector. The collector may be a non-imaging collector and may match to a non-planar sensor. In one embodiment the sensor may be arrayed to achieve larger area coverage. In another, the sensor system may be scanned to increase the encompassed viewing area. Larger areas may be covered by RF radio links or networks interconnecting multiple arrayed sensor modules. UVC reflective coatings may include enhanced aluminum with silicon dioxide, silicon monoxide, or magnesium fluoride, or high phosphorous nickel phosphorous. In one embodiment a UVC sensitive Geiger Mueller tube may be coupled to a non-imaging spherical reflective collector. A catadioptric UVC/infra-red flame sensor is disclosed. Refractive or reflective designs are considered.