Wireless Smoke Detector Network Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smoke detection systems are not interconnected, leading to inadequate warning for occupants in remote locations of a building during a fire, requiring costly and complex wiring installations, and are difficult for average users to install and operate.
Innovation Solution
A wireless smoke detection system that uses a controller with a test button to enter teaching and learning modes, allowing detectors to automatically generate and share unique house codes for network formation without dip switches or additional circuitry, enabling easy installation and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional smoke detectors are not interconnected, then each detector operates independently and is simple to manufacture, but occupants in remote locations receive no warning of dangerous conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/wire interconnection systems with wireless communication between detectors. Each detector transmits alarm signals wirelessly to other detectors in the network, eliminating the need for physical wiring while achieving reliable interconnection and comprehensive warning coverage throughout the building.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the interconnection function into individual detector units, where each detector is equipped with wireless transmission capability. This segmentation allows detectors to operate independently while still forming a connected network, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving system-wide warning coverage.
2Reliability
If remote sensing smoke detectors are hardwired to a central panel, then all detectors can be interconnected to provide centralized warning, but the system becomes costly and requires excessive wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the central hardwired panel by implementing peer-to-peer wireless communication between detectors. Each detector can receive and transmit alarm signals directly to others in the network, providing centralized warning functionality without requiring expensive wiring infrastructure or installation by skilled professionals.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless detector system requires no professional installation or complex wiring setup. Average consumers can easily install and configure the system themselves by simply placing detectors in desired locations, as the wireless communication establishes connections automatically without requiring technical expertise or extensive installation procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dip switches are used for network configuration, then detectors can be uniquely identified and interconnected, but the installation becomes complex and requires removing detectors from ceilings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical dip switches with wireless communication protocols for network configuration. Detectors automatically exchange identification codes and establish network connections through wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical switch manipulation and detector removal from installation locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures each detector with a unique identification code during manufacturing. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for on-site dip switch adjustment, allowing detectors to be immediately integrated into the wireless network upon installation without requiring removal from ceilings or complex configuration procedures.
4Ease of manufacture
If wireless alarm systems combine siren into keypad and base station, then manufacturing and installation costs are reduced, but the systems are not usually installed by average consumers and remain complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the alarm functionality into individual detector units, with each detector containing its own alarm siren, wireless transceiver, and processing capabilities. This eliminates the need for separate base stations and keypads, allowing average consumers to install the complete system by simply placing detectors in desired locations without requiring complex wiring or configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated wireless detector system is designed for complete self-installation by average consumers. Each detector independently performs sensing, wireless communication, and alarm functions, requiring no professional installation, wiring, or configuration beyond placing the units in desired locations and activating them.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless detector and alarm system, such as for example a smoke detector and/or carbon monoxide (CO) detector, operable to be linked and unlinked with one or more like detectors thereby forming a network of detectors. A detector sensing the presence of an environmental condition, which requires the sounding of an alert is operable to transmit a signal to other remotely linked detectors, thereby triggering the remotely linked detectors to sound an appropriate alarm. The detector at the location of the environmental condition causing the alarm and the remotely linked detector are capable to operate in teach and learn modes such that the address or “house codes” of the detectors can be synchronized.