Wireless Flame Detector Low-Power Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current flame detectors in hazardous environments face challenges due to high power consumption, which limits their use and increases costs, and they often require hardwiring, making them cumbersome and expensive to install and relocate.

Innovation Solution

A wireless, low-power flame detector that operates in a low-power sleep mode, monitoring key fire indicators with minimal power usage, and activates full flame detection processing only when a potential flame is detected, using a combination of UV and IR sensors for accurate detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If flame detectors use continuous full-power processing to ensure reliable flame detection, then detection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame detection reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller dynamically switches between low-power mode and full-power mode based on detected events. During normal operation, the system operates in low-power mode with reduced processing. When a potential flame event is detected by the optical sensor, the controller transitions to full-power mode to perform comprehensive flame detection processing, ensuring reliability only when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic scanning of the environment by the optical sensor at low power, with full detection processing activated only during specific periods when events are detected. This periodic activation of full processing power maintains detection reliability while minimizing overall power consumption during extended surveillance periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Stability of the object's composition

If flame detectors are hardwired to ensure stable power supply and communication, then power supply stability is improved, but installation complexity and relocation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical hardwiring system with a wireless communication system. The flame detector communicates flame detection data and receives control signals wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical electrical connections. This substitution maintains system functionality while dramatically simplifying installation and enabling easy relocation without infrastructure changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If explosion-proof housings are made robust to contain internal explosions, then safety is improved, but device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexplosion containment safetyVSAvoidhousing weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the flame detection function from the hazardous environment by using optical sensors that detect flame characteristics remotely through the housing window. The detection electronics operate at low power levels that do not require heavy explosion-proof containment, allowing the housing to be lighter while maintaining safety through intrinsic safety design rather than robust mechanical containment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This solution enables extended battery operation, reduces infrastructure costs, and allows for wireless communication, making it more versatile and safer for use in hazardous environments.

Implementation Method 1

at least one optical sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies with incident radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

Flame detectors, unlike residential smoke detectors, are optical devices that are sensitive to the radiant emissions of the flame and often employ UV and/or IR sensors for such purpose

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiant emission detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12322263B2Wireless low-power flame detector

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 SPECTRONIX LTD

AI summary

A wireless flame detector includes at least one optical sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies with incident radiation. Measurement circuitry is coupled to the at least one optical sensor and is configured to provide an indication relative to the electrical characteristic of the at least one optical sensor. A controller is coupled to the measurement circuitry to receive the indication and is configured to operate in a low-power mode during which a key flame indicator is monitored, and a second mode that provides full flame detection processing. The controller is configured to enter the second mode upon detection of an event while operating in the first mode. A method of operating a wireless, low-power flame detector is also provided.