Video Flame Detection Modulating Range Heating Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smoke and fire detectors are limited by their distance range, susceptibility to false alarms, sensitivity loss over time, and the need for frequent battery replacements, and lack the ability to control stove top range burner elements, failing to effectively address the leading cause of home structure fires and injuries from cooking equipment.
Innovation Solution
A video flame detection system that includes a camera-based detector assembly coupled to a range, a relay control board with smoke and flame contacts, and a processor-controlled relay module, which modulates the electric current to the heating element or shuts it off upon smoke or flame detection, and can integrate with a fire suppression system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional smoke detectors are used, then smoke detection is provided, but the detection is distance limited and they fail in open or large spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional smoke detector technology with a video camera-based detection system. The camera captures visual images of smoke and flames, which are then processed by image analysis software to detect fire conditions. This substitution of mechanical/optical detection (smoke particles affecting light) with electronic visual detection extends the effective range and eliminates the distance limitations of conventional detectors.
2Measurement precision
If conventional smoke detectors are used, then smoke detection is provided, but they are susceptible to false alarms and lose sensitivity over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback through image processing algorithms that continuously analyze video frames to distinguish between actual fire conditions and false alarm sources. The processor compares detected features against known fire patterns, providing feedback-based discrimination that reduces false alarms while maintaining detection sensitivity over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color and visual pattern recognition to detect smoke and flames. By analyzing color changes, brightness variations, and visual characteristics of smoke plumes and flames in video footage, the system achieves reliable detection without the sensitivity degradation that plagues conventional ionization and photometry detectors.
3Reliability
If conventional smoke detectors are used, then smoke detection is provided, but they require annual battery replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The video-based detection system is integrated into the range's existing electrical infrastructure, drawing power from the range's electrical supply rather than requiring separate battery power. This self-service approach eliminates the need for annual battery replacements and associated maintenance, while ensuring continuous operational availability as long as the range is powered.
4Reliability
If conventional smoke detectors are used, then smoke detection is provided, but they cannot control stove top range burner elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fire detection function with the range control system by integrating the video camera and image processing capabilities directly into the range's existing electrical and control infrastructure. The detection system shares power, processing, and control pathways with the range's normal operation systems, enabling automatic burner shutdown without adding separate complex control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A video flame detection system and method for controlling a range. The system includes a video flame detector assembly coupled to an electric range and having a camera. A relay control board is coupled to the video flame detector assembly and includes a smoke contact, a flame contact, a relay module, a processor, and a memory coupled to the processor. A range control system is coupled to the relay control board and includes a control relay. When the video flame detector assembly detects smoke, the video flame detector assembly activates the smoke contact of the relay module, causing the range control system to modulate the electric current of a heating element of the range according to at least one of a first pattern or a second pattern.