GB2367175A

GB2367175A - Solar-powered smoke detector and warning system

Info

Publication number: GB2367175A
Application number: GB0110572A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brian Francis Mclaughlin; Hugh Mcnulty
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-04-29
Filing date: 2001-04-30
Publication date: 2002-03-27
Anticipated expiration: 2021-04-30
Also published as: GB0110572D0; GB0010375D0; GB2367175B

Abstract

A solar powered smoke detecting alarm system 1, which can be fitted to a window, comprises a photo-electric cell 2 which converts light energy into electrical energy, in the form of a trickle charge, which is stored in the rechargeable battery 5. The battery powers a smoke detector 10 which when activated through exposure to smoke particles transmits a signal to activate the siren 15 and strobe light 20. Further disclosed is a warning device which can detect an audible alarm output from a remote device and produce a signal to activate an alarm.

Description

SMOKE ALARM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to detecting and warning apparatus, and in particular to a smoke alarm device or fire alarm device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The current state of heightened safety awareness has resulted in wide use of warning devices and alarms. For example, many buildings are fitted with burglar and fire alarm devices. Many domestic buildings, for example houses and flats, have smoke alarm devices fitted. These devices are often battery operated and emit a warning sound on activation of an integral siren.

Warning devices are generally mounted on a wall or ceiling and the front cover thereof may be removed to facilitate battery replacement. However, unfortunately there is considerable apathy to replacing used batteries. Furthermore, although a typical battery may last for a considerable time, both alarm and battery testing must be conducted on a regular basis to ensure the reliable working order of the warning device is maintained.

Furthermore, especially in rented accommodation, the opportunity may arise for residents to remove batteries from warning devices, such as smoke alarms, because of the

ready accessibility thereof. These batteries may then be used in other battery operated devices such as radios. Warning device disablement obviously creates an increased risk to the resident.

A further problem which is encountered by residents during a fire is blanketing by smoke, which is often very dense. The smoke blocks out a considerable amount of light thus obstructing the view of a person. This may result in disorientation and consequent confusion as to the direction of the nearest exit.

The object of the present invention is to obviate or mitigate one or more of the above mentioned disadvantages and problems associated with conventional warning devices and fire-related incidents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a warning device which comprises: a smoke activated detector; a photo-electric device for converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy; a re-chargeable electrical energy storage cell for receiving electrical energy from the photo-electric device; and a device capable of emitting an alarm output on receipt of an output signal from the detector, wherein the photo-electric device and the rechargeable electrical energy storage cell are linked to

allow charging of the latter by the photo-electric device.

If the smoke detector is exposed to a level of smoke sufficient for its activation, a signal is transmitted by the device to the alarm signal emitting device which may be a siren, from which sound is emitted. In other embodiments the alarm output may be a visual signal, such as a flashing light. For convenience, the re-chargeable electrical energy storage cell, which may take any appropriate form, may be termed a re-chargeable battery.

In use, electromagnetic radiation will charge the rechargeable battery through conversion of the photons' energy into electrical energy by the photo-electric device.

Thus, the warning device is essentially maintenance free.

The photo-electric device may be activated by either sunlight or artificial light. Such a photo-electric device may be termed a solar cell. The solar cell may therefore be positioned to receive ambient natural light or artificial light, as appropriate.

Preferably, the warning device comprises an integral light adapted to be illuminated concurrently with a sound emitting siren. Such a light will indicate that the device has been activated. This may be particularly important for people who are hard of hearing. A light of this type may be illuminated intermittently or rotate to give a flashing effect, or may be a strobe light. Such strobe lights tend to have an intense light output which is observed as short pulses. Furthermore, suitable positioning of the light can indicate an exit to residents, particularly in a smoke

filled building where the view may well be obstructed by thick smoke which blocks out ambient light. In addition, if the light, especially a strobe light, is positioned on the building so that it may be seen from the outside of the building, passers-by may be alerted to the presence of smoke and hence possible danger, and raise the alarm.

In one embodiment, the smoke activated detector may be remote from other elements of the device, and may be powered by a conventional battery, or at least a battery which does not rely upon solar energy for charging. The detector may thus be located adjacent to or in a different room to the location of the other elements of the warning device. The remote smoke activated detector may provide a radio or other"wireless"link, such as a infra-red radiation transmitter, between the detector and the warning device. Thus, this embodiment of the warning device further comprises a receiver for receiving, for example, radio waves or infra-red radiation. The receiver may be independently powered by a conventional battery or may be linked to the other elements of the warning device and powered by said photo-electric device and the re-chargeable electrical energy store cell. Optionally, the other elements of the warning device may be located in a unit positioned on or adjacent a window, remote from the smoke activated detector. Thus, for example, smoke produced from a fire in another part of a building remote from the window unit may be detected by and activate the smoke activated detector and transmitter. The transmitter then transmits

an activation signal to the window unit such that the siren and light are activated, alerting the occupants of the building or passers-by as previously described.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a warning device comprising a sensor for detecting an alarm output and a transmitter which is activated by the sensor to transmit an activation signal for activating a remotely located alarm device.

The warning device may be located in the vicinity of a conventional smoke detector which has been, for example, fixed to a ceiling. Thus, detection of an alarm output, in the form of the siren of the smoke detector, may result in activation of an alarm device located in another part of a building or building complex. Alternatively, the warning device may include a smoke activated detector.

In a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a warning device comprising a sensor for detecting an audible alarm output from a remote alarm device and producing an activation signal, and means for producing an alarm signal in response to said activation signal.

The warning device may be located in the same building as a conventional smoke detector. Thus, detection of the smoke detector alarm output results in activation of a warning device located in another part of a building or building complex. The alarm signal produced by the warning device may therefore be selected to be appropriate to the device location.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention

there is provided a window frame incorporating a warning device, the warning device comprising : a smoke activated detector; a photo-electric device for converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy; a re-chargeable electrical energy storage cell for receiving electrical energy from the photo-electric device; and a device capable of emitting an alarm signal in response to an output from the smoke activated detector.

Because of the inherent need for the photo-electric device to be exposed to light, for example diffuse or direct sunlight, it is necessary to position the warning device such that it is accessible by a light source, and this may be conveniently achieved by locating the device on or in a window frame or double-glazed window unit.

Further, if sealed or otherwise contained within the unit, the warning device may be rendered tamper proof.

Preferably, the alarm signal is in the form of a sound, most preferably a high intensity sound. Most preferably, the device additionally comprises a light source, most preferably a strobe light, and which may be positioned close to or directed towards the opening means of the window. In the event of fire, the light may assist in guiding the building occupants to the window, and may also alert persons outside the building.

The device may be provided in combination with any suitable unit or frame, such as a door frame or a window

sky-light frame.

The solar cell of such a frame-mounted warning device may take any desirably convenient position for absorption of light. The most suitable position however will be for optimal exposure to light intensity for the production of electrical energy. The solar cell preferably is in the form of a thin strip, adapted for location between the panes of a double or triple glazed window unit.

A plurality of warning devices may also be provided wherein one of the warning devices is communicably connected to at least one other warning device. Thus activation of one such warning device causes activation of all warning devices connected thereto.

Preferably communication between the warning devices is by means of radio signals or other"wireless"link. However, hard wiring may be used either exclusively or in combination with radio signals.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a removable cover for a warning device. The cover may provide protection for the working parts of the warning device from dust, moisture and the like. The cover may be of light-transmitting material that allows light to energise a photo-electric device contained therein and to permit an alarm condition indicating light source contained therein to be visible externally of the cover.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the principles described herein may be applied to any warning device; for example carbon monoxide detection apparatus or

a burglar alarm. Furthermore, those of skill in the art will recognise that many of the preferred and alternative features identified with respect to specific ones of the above-described aspects of the invention may be utilised or combined with one or more of the other aspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings of specific embodiments of the present invention: Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a smoke detecting alarm in accordance with one aspect of the invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional schematic representation of a window frame which incorporates the smoke detecting alarm of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a network of communicably connected smoke detecting alarm devices; Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a warning device in accordance with another aspect of the present invention; Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a cover for a warning device, in the form of a flower; Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a mount, in the form of a football.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a solar-powered smoke detecting alarm 1

in accordance with an embodiment of one aspect of the present invention. A photo-electric cell 2 converts light energy into electrical energy, in the from of a trickle charge, which is stored in a re-chargeable battery 5. The battery 5 powers a smoke detector 10, and also a siren 15 and strobe light 20. On activation of the detector 10 through exposure to smoke particles, a signal is transmitted to the siren 15 which then emits high intensity sound, and the strobe light 20 commences flashing.

A cross-sectional view of a double glazed window unit 25 which incorporates the solar powered smoke detecting alarm 1 is shown in Figure 2, the alarm 1 being located within the window frame 30, adjacent a window release lever. The photo-electric cell 2 is positioned in the gap between the two glass panes 35 of the unit, and is substantially perpendicular to the panes. The siren 15 is positioned on a frame member and is directed inwardly, into the building. The strobe light 20 is located adjacent to the siren 15.

Energy from sunlight which falls onto the cell 2 is converted into electrical energy which passes to the rechargeable battery 5 for storage. Once activated by smoke, the smoke detector 10 passes a signal to the siren 15, which then sounds, and to the strobe light 20, which commences flashing. Residents in the audio vicinity of the alarm are alerted to possible danger. If the residents are disorientated, either through view obstruction by smoke, or if they were asleep when the siren was activated, the

strobe light 20 will help them to re-orientate by providing a reference point. As the strobe 20 is also placed near to the window release lever, it will also identify a possible exit.

The strobe light may also act to alert deaf or hard of hearing persons to possible danger, and may also alert passers-by.

A networked system 40 of four smoke detecting alarms 1 is depicted in Figure 3. Each alarm 1 is connected to every other alarm such that activation of all alarms will occur on activation of one of them.

Figure 4 shows a warning device 50 in accordance with an embodiment of another aspect of the present invention.

The device 50 comprises a window mounted alarm device 52 and a ceiling-mounted activating unit 54 which is located remote from the device 52. The device 52 includes a photoelectric cell 56, mounted to the rear of the device for maximum light exposure, which converts light energy into electrical energy, in the form of a trickle charge fed to a re-chargeable battery 58. The battery 58 powers a siren 60, a controller 62, a strobe light 64 and radio receiver 66, and is of no other domestic use, to discourage "scavenging"of the battery for use in other domestic appliances.

The"slave"unit 54 comprises a sensor in the form of a microphone 68, which detects the alarm output of a conventional smoke detector, and a transmitter 70, which is activated by the sensor output to transmit an activating

signal to the device 52. The sensor 68 and transmitter 70 are powered by an appropriate battery cell 72.

On the radio receiver 66 receiving activating signals from the transmitter 70, an output signal is passed to the controller 62, which triggers the siren 60 and strobe light 64. The siren 60 provides a high intensity aural warning to building residents, while the strobe provides a visual warning to those both inside and outside the building.

In other embodiments of the invention the device 52 and unit 54 may be combined as a single, preferably windowmounted device. Furthermore, the alarm output may take the form of a spoken warning or instructions. In a preferred embodiment, the form or tone of the warning or instructions may be selected to suit particular situations. For example, the device may be capable of recording a selected message or warning, or may have a menu of messages or warnings available for selection: where the device is to be fitted in a bedroom in a family home, a parent may record an appropriate message directed to the child who normally occupies the room; or in a hotel room a message containing appropriate instructions and directing the room occupant to the nearest fire exit may be recorded. The device may also be adapted to distinguish between different alarm signals or outputs, for example between a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm, and the device output may vary accordingly, allowing those affected to take appropriate action.

Reference is now made to Figures 5 and 6 of the

drawings, which illustrate alternative decorative covers 80, 82 for the device 52, one in the form of a flower and the other in the form of a football in a surround which provides the appearance of having broken through a window.

The covers are adapted for mounting on a common form of base, carrying the various elements of the device 52, such that the appearance of the device may be varied depending on its intended location, for example the window of a girl's or boy's bedroom.

It is to be understood that the above embodiments are merely representative of the present invention and should not be considered to be limiting thereof. For example the network of alarms may be communicably connected via hard wiring, or radio signals. Other warning devices may also be envisaged such as burglar alarms or carbon monoxide detecting systems.

Claims

1. A warning device comprising a sensor for detecting an audible alarm output from a remote alarm device and producing an activation signal, and means for producing an alarm signal in response to said activation signal.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a microphone.

3. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor and the means for producing an alarm signal are remotely positioned.

4. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor and the means for producing an alarm signal are located in a common housing.

5. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least the means for producing an alarm signal is adapted to be window-mounted.

6. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the alarm signal output of the means for producing an alarm signal includes a spoken warning or instructions.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the device includes means for recording a selected message or warning.

8. The device of claim 6 or 7, wherein the device includes a menu of messages or warnings available for selection.

9. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the device is adapted to distinguish between different audible alarm outputs.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the alarm signal produced by said means is selected according to nature of the audible alarm output detected by the sensor.

11. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the alarm signal output by said means includes a light signal.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the light signal is a flashing or intermittent light signal.

13. The device of claim 11, wherein the light signal defines a readable message.

14. The device of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the device is adapted to be mounted such that the light signal is visible externally of a building in which the device is located.

15. The device of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a photo-electric device for converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy and a rechargeable electrical energy storage cell for receiving electrical energy from the photo-electric device.

16. A warning device which comprises: a smoke activated detector; a photo-electric device for converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy; a re-chargeable electrical energy storage cell for receiving electrical energy from the photo-electric device; and a device capable of emitting an alarm output on receipt of an output signal from the detector, wherein the photo-electric device and the rechargeable electrical energy storage cell are linked to allow charging of the latter by the photo-electric device.

17. A warning device comprising a sensor for detecting an alarm output and a transmitter which is activated by the sensor to transmit an activation signal for activating a remotely located alarm device.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the sensor is adapted to detect an audible alarm output.

19. A window frame incorporating a warning device, the

warning device comprising : a smoke activated detector; a photo-electric device for converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy; a re-chargeable electrical energy storage cell for receiving electrical energy from the photo-electric device; and a device capable of emitting an alarm signal in response to an output from the smoke activated detector.

20. The window frame of claim 19, wherein the alarm signal includes a sound.

21. The window frame of claim 19 or 20, wherein the device comprises a light source.

22. The window frame of claim 21, wherein the light source is positioned close to or directed towards the opening means of the window.