WO2002071361A1 - Smoke detector - Google Patents

Abstract

The modification of the smoke detector is based on the fact that an infrared sensor and a receiver for the signals commonly sent by household remote control units and in particular those used for consumer electronics are built into the detector along with the test button, which is standard component in all smoke detectors. The smoke detector reacts to a signal transmitted by the domestic remote control unit and aimed at the detector, making it possible to test that the detector is functioninig correctly without having to press the test button.

Description

A modification to smoke detectors

The area of technology

The invention involves the modification of smoke detectors in order to make it possible to inspect their correct functioning using a consumer electronics remote control interface.

The current state of the technology

Smoke detectors must be equipped with a system enabling the testing of their functioning, meaning that it must be in some way possible to check that they are functioning correctly. To date, the manufactured smoke detectors have been fitted with a mechanical switch, which actuates the smoke detector's circuits once mechanical force has been applied to it. In practise, this involves a switch built into the body of the smoke detector. Naturally, smoke detectors are usually located on the ceiling and thus the inspection of the detector's functions requires somehow getting to the switch and pressing it. At present, this is mostly undertaken using ladders or bars, which enable the operator to reach the detector. In such cases, however, there is the threat of a fall or other injuries occurring to the operator, as well as the possibility of damage being done to the detector.

The essence of the invention

The modification resolves the above-mentioned inadequacies in smoke detectors by building an infrared sensor and signal receiver into the body of the smoke alarm. The receiver picks up the signals emitted by domestic remote control units, such as those used for televisions, radios, videos and other consumer electronics. The smoke detector therefore reacts to a signal sent by a remote control unit and aimed at the detector in question, making it is possible to undertake the test without having to press the test button, especially in those areas, which are difficult to access

An overview from the drawings

The drawing documentation for this new use of a well-known piece of equipment is not necessary.

Examples of the configuration of the invention

This is stated under the heading "the essence of the invention"

Industrial uses

The equipment stated in the invention can be used in all places where smoke detectors are installed and where access to them is difficult, especially in rooms with high ceilings or in the homes of elderly or handicapped people, but also for the user comfort of all smoke detector users.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. The modification of a smoke detector, which is distinguished by the fact that it has an infrared sensor and receiver built into it, which receives the signals emitted by remote control units, they being mainly remote control units for televisions, radios, videos and other such units, which are aimed directly at the smoke detector at a shallow angle.

2. The modification of a smoke detector, which is distinguished by the fact that the capture and reception of the signal from the remote control unit evokes the testing of the smoke detector's functions and its. .signalling circuits, thereby constituting the problem- free inspection of the functioning and preparedness of the smoke detector to actually detect smoke.