WO2025076388A1

WO2025076388A1 - Smoke chamber

Info

Publication number: WO2025076388A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/050008
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Williams; Floyd Brooks
Original assignee: Ademco Inc
Current assignee: Ademco Inc
Priority date: 2023-10-04
Filing date: 2024-10-04
Publication date: 2025-04-10
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-04

Abstract

A detector includes a chamber. The chamber includes a plurality of fins disposed on an interior of the chamber. The plurality of fins are arranged at an angle relative to each other. The detector includes a sensor having a field of view. The plurality of fins are arranged so that a first of the plurality of fins receiving reflections of a second of the plurality of fins is configured to direct the reflections away from the field of view of the sensor. The second of the plurality of fins is illuminated by a light source.

Description

SMOKE CHAMBER

CROSS-REFERENCED APPLICATIONS(S)

[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/587,746, filed October 4, 2023, its entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of ambient condition detectors. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to ambient condition detectors including smoke detectors.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Detectors such as smoke detectors can utilize a photoelectric detector. Such photoelectric detectors include a photo chamber. False alarms can result if the photo chamber accumulates dust, moisture, or dust and moisture.

SUMMARY

[0004] In some embodiments, a detector includes a chamber. In some embodiments, the chamber includes a plurality' of fins disposed on an interior of the chamber. In some embodiments, the plurality of fins are arranged at an angle relative to each other. In some embodiments, a plurality of ribs surrounds the plurality of fins. In some embodiments, the plurality of fins and the plurality of ribs are arranged to form a plurality of apertures therebetween. In some embodiments, the detector includes a sensor.

[0005] In some embodiments, the detector includes a plurality of tabs. In some embodiments, the plurality of fins, the plurality' of tabs, and the plurality of ribs are a single piece, unitary construction.

[0006] In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures have a major dimension between a first of the plurality of fins and a second of the plurality of fins of 0.028 inches to 0.042 inches.

[0007] In some embodiments, the major dimension is 0.04 inches.

[0008] In some embodiments, the plurality of fins, the plurality of tabs, and the plurality of ribs are formed of a thermoplastic. [0009] In some embodiments, the thermoplastic is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

[0010] In some embodiments, the sensor is a photo diode.

[0011] In some embodiments, the detector includes an infrared light emitting diode (IR

LED).

[0012] In some embodiments, the IR LED is disposed on an opposite side of the sensor, and the IR LED and a line extending through the sensor extends through the IR LED.

[0013] In some embodiments, the plurality of fins are spaced apart, forming a nonlinear channel therebetween.

[0014] In some embodiments, the plurality of fins each include a face, and wherein the face is oriented to prevent reflections from being directed at the sensor.

[0015] In some embodiments, a smoke detector includes a chamber. In some embodiments, the chamber includes a plurality of fins disposed in an interior of the chamber. In some embodiments, the plurality of fins are arranged at an angle relative to each other. In some embodiments, a plurality of ribs surrounds the plurality of fins. In some embodiments, the plurality of fins and the plurality of ribs are arranged to form a plurality of apertures therebetween. In some embodiments, the smoke detector includes a photo diode.

[0016] In some embodiments, the smoke detector includes a plurality of tabs. In some embodiments, the plurality of fins, the plurality of tabs, and the plurality of ribs are a single piece, unitary construction.

[0017] In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures have a major dimension between a first of the plurality of fins and a second of the plurality of fins of 0.028 inches to 0.042 inches.

[0018] In some embodiments, the major dimension is 0.04 inches.

[0019] In some embodiments, the plurality of fins, the plurality of tabs, and the plurality of ribs are formed of a thermoplastic.

[0020] In some embodiments, a photoelectric smoke detector includes a chamber. In some embodiments, the chamber includes a plurality of fins disposed in an interior of the chamber. In some embodiments, the plurality of fins are arranged at an angle relative to each other. In some embodiments, a plurality of ribs surrounds the plurality of fins. In some embodiments, the plurality of fins and the plurality of ribs are arranged to form a plurality of apertures therebetween. In some embodiments, the photoelectric smoke detector includes an infrared light emitting diode (LED) and a photo diode.

[0021] In some embodiments, the photoelectric smoke detector includes a plurality of tabs. In some embodiments, the plurality of fins, the plurality of tabs, and the plurality of ribs are a single piece, unitary construction.

[0022] In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures have a major dimension between a first of the plurality of fins and a second of the plurality of fins of 0.028 inches to 0.042 inches.

[0023] In some embodiments, the plurality of fins, the plurality of tabs, and the plurality of ribs are formed of a thermoplastic.

[0024] In some embodiments, a detector includes a chamber. In some embodiments, the chamber includes a plurality of fins disposed in an interior of the chamber. In some embodiments, the plurality of fins are arranged at an angle relative to each other. In some embodiments, the detector includes a sensor having a field of view. In some embodiments, the plurality of fins are arranged so that a first of the plurality' of fins receiving reflections of a second of the plurality of fins is configured to direct the reflections away from the field of view of the sensor. In some embodiments, the second of the plurality of fins is illuminated by a light source.

[0025] In some embodiments, the chamber includes a plurality of ribs surrounding at least a portion of the plurality of fins. In some embodiments, the plurality of ribs and the plurality of fins are arranged to form a plurality of apertures therebetween.

[0026] In some embodiments, the plurality of fins and the plurality of ribs are a single piece, unitary construction.

[0027] In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures have a major dimension between a first of the plurality of fins and a second of the plurality of fins of 0.028 inches to 0.042 inches.

[0028] In some embodiments, the major dimension is 0.04 inches. [0029] In some embodiments, the chamber includes a plurality of ribs surrounding at least a portion of the plurality of fins. Tn some embodiments, the plurality of ribs and the plurality of fins are arranged to form a plurality⁷ of apertures therebetween. In some embodiments, a plurality of tabs extends from the chamber. In some embodiments, the plurality of fins, the plurality of tabs, and the plurality of ribs are a single piece, unitary construction.

[0030] In some embodiments, the plurality of fins and the plurality of ribs are formed of a thermoplastic.

[0031] In some embodiments, the sensor is a photo diode.

[0032] In some embodiments, the detector includes the light source. In some embodiments, the light source is an infrared light emitting diode (IR LED).

[0033] In some embodiments, the IR LED is disposed on an opposite side of the sensor, and the IR LED and a line extending through the sensor extends through the IR LED.

[0034] In some embodiments, the plurality of fins are spaced apart, forming a nonlinear channel therebetween.

[0035] In some embodiments, a smoke detector includes a chamber. In some embodiments, the chamber includes a plurality of fins disposed in an interior of the chamber. In some embodiments, the plurality of fins are arranged at an angle relative to each other. In some embodiments, the smoke detector includes a photo diode having a field of view. In some embodiments, the plurality⁷ of fins are arranged so that a first of the plurality of fins receiving reflections of a second of the plurality⁷ of fins is configured to direct the reflections away from the field of view of the photo diode. In some embodiments, the second of the plurality of fins is illuminated by a light source.

[0036] In some embodiments, the chamber includes a plurality of ribs surrounding at least a portion of the plurality of fins. In some embodiments, the plurality of ribs and the plurality of fins are arranged to form a plurality of apertures therebetween.

[0037] In some embodiments, the plurality of fins and the plurality of ribs are a single piece, unitary construction. [0038] In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures have a major dimension between a first of the plurality of fins and a second of the plurality of fins of 0.028 inches to 0.042 inches.

[0039] In some embodiments, the smoke detector includes a plurality of tabs extending from the chamber. In some embodiments, the plurality of fins, the plurality⁷ of tabs, and the plurality of ribs are formed of a thermoplastic.

[0040] In some embodiments, a photoelectric smoke detector includes a chamber. In some embodiments, the chamber includes a plurality of fins disposed in an interior of the chamber. In some embodiments, the plurality of fins are arranged at an angle relative to each other. In some embodiments, the chamber includes a plurality of ribs surrounding the plurality⁷ of fins. In some embodiments, the plurality of fins and the plurality of ribs are arranged to form a plurality of apertures therebetween. In some embodiments, the photoelectric smoke detector includes an infrared light emitting diode (LED). In some embodiments, the photoelectric smoke detector includes a photo diode having a field of view. In some embodiments, the plurality of fins are arranged so that a first of the plurality of fins receiving reflections of a second of the plurality of fins is configured to direct the reflections away from the field of view of the photo diode. In some embodiments, the second of the plurality of fins is illuminated by the infrared LED.

[0041] In some embodiments, the plurality of fins and the plurality of ribs are a single piece, unitary construction.

[0042] In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures have a major dimension between a first of the plurality of fins and a second of the plurality of fins of 0.028 inches to 0.042 inches.

[0043] In some embodiments, the photoelectric smoke detector includes a plurality of tabs extending from the chamber; wherein the plurality of fins, the plurality of tabs, and the plurality of ribs are formed of a thermoplastic. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] References are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this disclosure and that illustrate embodiments in which the systems and methods described in this Specification can be practiced.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a detector, according to some embodiments.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a chamber, according to some embodiments.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a top view of the chamber, according to some embodiments.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the chamber, according to some embodiments.

[0049] Like reference numbers represent the same or similar parts throughout.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Photoelectric smoke alarms can collect dust. Dust, dirt and film build-up can easily cause photoelectric smoke alarms to false alarm. Embodiments of this disclosure are directed to a chamber for a detector, such as a photoelectric smoke detector, that reduce impacts from dust, dirt, and film build-up.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a detector 100, according to some embodiments. The detector 100 can be installed, for example, on a ceiling or adjacent to a ceiling in a room. In some embodiments, the detector 100 can be a photoelectric detector. In some embodiments, the detector 100 can be a photelectric smoke detector. In some embodiments, the detector 100 can be hardwired to an electric source for the location of installation (e.g., an alternating current (AC) power source), can be battery powered, or can be hardwired and have a battery backup. In some embodiments, the detector 100 can be a standalone unit. In some embodiments, the detector 100 can be interconnected with one or more other detectors, including another detector 100 or other type of detector.

[0052] The detector 100 includes a mounting bracket 102 and a housing 104. In some embodiments, the housing 104 includes a cover 106. In some embodiments, the housing 104 can also include a base 108 that is on a backside of the cover 106. In some embodiments, the base 108 is fixed to the cover 106 and is not detachable from the cover 106 without breaking the housing 104. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 102 and the housing 104 (e.g., via the base of the housing 104) can be detachably connected to each other to, for example, enable installation of the detector 100. In some embodiments. the mounting bracket 102 can be secured to a ceiling or other surface (e.g., a wall) of a structure. In some embodiments, a chamber is installed within the housing 104. In some embodiments, when the detector 100 is a photoelectric detector, the chamber may be referred to as a photoelectric sensing chamber. Embodiments of the chamber are shown and described in additional detail in accordance with FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 below.

[0053] In some embodiments, the detector 100 includes a sensing chamber (e.g., FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 below) and a control circuit. In some embodiments, the control circuit includes an alarm driver, timer, infrared light source adjuster, and sensor detector (e.g., an amplifier and a comparator).

[0054] In some embodiments, the detector 100 is a photoelectric detector. In some embodiments, the detector 100 can include a photo diode which detects emissions from a light source such as, but not limited to, a light emitting diode (LED), an infrared (IR) LED, or the like, that reflects off smoke particles within the sensing chamber. The sensing chamber is designed with multiple overlapping fins that allow smoke to pass through the chamber but block external light from introducing noise in the signal. Noise is also generated in the system when light emitted from the LED is sensed by the photo diode reflecting off something other than smoke. For optimal sensing, the noise must be kept to a minimum. This can be a problem if the internal surfaces of the sensing chamber that are illuminated by the light emitted from the LED are detectable by the photo diode. This problem is magnified when dust or condensation settles on the surfaces of the chamber because these contaminants scatter more light than the clean surfaces of the chamber.

[0055] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a chamber 120, according to some embodiments. FIG. 3 is a top view of the chamber 120, according to some embodiments. FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of the chamber 120 along a line 4-4 (FIG. 3), according to some embodiments.

[0056] FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4 will be referred to collectively, unless specifically indicated otherwise. The chamber 120 is configured to be installed within the housing 104 (FIG. 1) of the detector 100.

[0057] In some embodiments, the chamber 120 can be referred to as a photo sensing chamber, a photoelectric sensing chamber, a photoelectric smoke sensing chamber, or the like. In some embodiments, the chamber 120 is configured to be installed in a photoelectric detector such as. but not limited to, a photoelectric smoke detector (e.g.. the detector 100 of FIG. 1 ).

[0058] The chamber 120 includes a plurality of fins 122. In some embodiments, the fins 122 are arranged cylindrically to form the chamber 120 as a cylindrical body. In some embodiments, the plurality of fins 122 can overlap with each other. The plurality of fins 122 can be spaced so that smoke is able to pass through the chamber 120. The overlapping of the plurality of fins 122 can block external light from introducing noise into the detection by the photoelectric sensor.

[0059] In some embodiments, the fins 122 include twenty fins. It is to be appreciated that this number of fins is an example and that the actual number of the fins 122 can vary beyond twenty⁷. For example, in some embodiments, the fins 122 include more than twenty⁷ fins and in some embodiments, the fins 122 include fewer than twenty fins. In some embodiments, the fins 122 include 8 to 24 fins. In some embodiments, the fins 122 include 10 fins. In some embodiments, the fins 122 include 12 fins. In some embodiments, the fins 122 include 20 fins. It is to be appreciated that the number of fins can vary beyond the stated examples.

[0060] In some embodiments, a number of the fins 122 is determined based on a size of the chamber 120.

[0061] In some embodiments, a number of the fins 122 in the chamber 120 can be selected based on a balance between maximizing airflow through the chamber 120 and the detector 100 while maintaining a trapping of the light emitted by the IR LED. In some embodiments, one or more standards can be used to determine a number of the fins 122. For example, in some embodiments, certain standards such as UL 217, 8^th Edition dictate one or more conditions (e.g.. airflow, etc.) that determine the number of fins 122.

[0062] In some embodiments, the fins 122 are made of a plastic material. In some embodiments, the plastic material is a thermoplastic polymer. In some embodiments, the plastic material is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). In some embodiments, the fins 122 are opaque. In some embodiments, the fins 122 can be black in color. In some embodiments, the fins 122 can be made of metal. In such embodiments, the surface should be designed to reduce reflected light from the fins 122. [0063] In some embodiments, the fins 122 include a face 124. In some embodiments, the face 124 is disposed adjacent an interior of the chamber 120. In some embodiments, the face 124 can be flat. In some embodiments, the face 124 may not be flat. In some embodiments, a flat face may cause straight reflections. In some embodiments, a face that is not flat can be difficult to predict where reflections may travel. In some embodiments, the face 124 is adjacent the interior of the chamber 120 and is angled relative to the interior of the chamber. As a result, light reflecting from the face 124 is not directed toward the photo diode within the chamber 120. In some embodiments, a portion of the fins 122 illuminated by the LED are shown with a face 124A. In some embodiments, the face 124 of the fins 122 within a view of the photo diode are angled so that when receiving reflections of the face 124A illuminated by the LED, the faces 124 do not reflect light into the view 138 or back to the face 124A, thus preventing the light from reflecting back towards the photo diode. The face 124 can thus reduce likelihood that the fins 122 reflects light to the photo diode and can result in a more accurate determination of the smoke particles when present. In some embodiments, this can reduce a number of false alarms.

[0064] In some embodiments, the face 124 of each of the fins 122 has a major dimension LI (FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the face 124 of each of the fins 122 has a minor dimension L2 (FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the minor dimension L2 can be selected to control a size of the reflective surface of the fins 122. In some embodiments, the minor dimension L2 can be minimized to reduce an overall size of the face 124, thereby reducing a flat surface to which dust particles can collect. In some embodiments, as the minor dimension L2 is minimized, there may be an increase in the complexity of the geometry of the fins 122 and the determination as to where light will reflect from the fins 122. In some embodiments, a first edge 122A of one of the fins 122 overlaps with a second edge 122B of a second one of the fins 122. As a result, less ambient light is allowed to enter the chamber 120. Because the fins 122 are spaced apart, smoke is still able to flow into the chamber 120. Thus, in some embodiments, the overlapping of the fins 122 is able to increase a reliability of the detector 100 (FIG. 1) because of the arrangement of the fins 122.

[0065] The fins 122 are spaced apart by a space S such that a channel 126 is formed between each of the fins 122. Air (with or without smoke particles) can flow through the channel 126 and into the chamber 120. Each channel 126 is non-linear so that ambient light from outside the chamber 120 is prevented from entering the chamber 120.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of tabs 128 extend from the chamber 120. The tabs 128 can be used to detachably connect the chamber 120 within the housing 104 (FIG. 1). In the illustrated embodiment, the tabs 128 includes two tabs. It is to be appreciated that this is an example and that the actual number of tabs 128 can vary beyond two. For example, in some embodiments, the tabs 128 can include three, four, or more of the tabs 128. In some embodiments, the tabs 128 may not be included. In some embodiments, an attachment mechanism other than tabs can be utilized. The tabs 128 can be flexible toward a longitudinal axis L of the chamber 120 to engage with a corresponding feature in the housing 104 (FIG. 1).

[0067] A plurality of ribs 130 surround the fins 122. In some embodiments, the ribs 130 extend from outer edges of the tabs 128. The plurality of ribs 130 are spaced a distance DI from each other. In some embodiments, the plurality of ribs 130 and the fins 122 form a plurality⁷ of apertures 132. The plurality of apertures 132 allow for airflow into and out of the chamber 120. Additionally , the fins 122 and the plurality of ribs 130 are arranged so that the plurality of apertures 132 are sized to meet a particular opening size. In some embodiments, a size of the plurality of apertures 132 can be set by a standard. For example, in some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 132 are sized to be at least 0.028 inches in major dimension D2. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 132 are sized to be at least 0.03 inches in major dimension D2. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 132 are sized to be at least 0.032 inches in major dimension D2. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 132 are sized to be at least 0.034 inches in major dimension D2. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 132 are sized to be at least 0.036 inches in major dimension D2. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 132 are sized to be at least 0.038 inches in major dimension D2. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 132 are sized to be at least 0.04 inches in major dimension D2. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 132 are sized to be 0.04 inches in major dimension D2. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 132 are sized to be less than 0.042 inches in major dimension D2. It is to be appreciated that the dimensions can vary beyond the stated amount based on, for example, manufacturing tolerances or the like. [0068] Referring to FIG. 3, an LED 134 is disposed on a first side of the chamber 120 and a sensor 136 is disposed on an opposite side of the chamber 120. In some embodiments, the sensor 136 is a photo diode. In some embodiments, the arrangement of the LED 134 and the sensor 136 is along a same diameter line of the cylindrical housing for the chamber 120. A field of view 138 of the sensor 136 is shown. An emitted light 140 is also shown. Several of the reflected view lines 142 are shown relative to the sensor 136. In the illustrated embodiment, when viewed in the top view, the LED 134 and the sensor 136 are disposed perpendicular to the tabs 128. It is to be appreciated that this orientation is an example and that the LED 134 and the sensor 136 can be rotated to different locations of the chamber 120. In some embodiments, the locations of the LED 134 and the sensor 136 in the chamber 120 may be limited based on corresponding locations for the electronic connections in the housing 104 (FIG. 1).

[0069] In some embodiments, the fins 122, the tabs 128, and the plurality of ribs 130 are integrally formed. That is, in some embodiments, the fins 122, the tabs 128, and the plurality of ribs 130 are a single piece, unitary construction. In some embodiments, this can reduce an overall number of components of the chamber 120. In some embodiments, the components may be injection molded. In some embodiments, the components may be made via an additive manufacturing process such as, but not limited to, 3D printing or the like.

[0070] The fins 122 that are adjacent to the LED 134 and are within the view 138 of the sensor 136 are angled to prevent reflections of faces 124A illuminated by emitted light 140 from the LED 134 being directed back to the sensor 136 (e.g.. by reflection back to the faces 124 A). For example, the reflected view lines 142 are shown for the fins 122 within the view 138 of the sensor 136. As shown, the angle of the fins 122 and the corresponding face 124 are such that the reflected view lines 142 are directed in a direction other than back toward the faces 124A illuminated by emitted light 140. In some embodiments, this can reduce a chance that the sensor 136 senses a reflection of faces 124A that are illuminated by emitted light 140 from the LED 134 off the fins 122. In some embodiments, this can reduce a chance of false alarms in which the sensor 136 senses light reflected from reflections off of the fins 122 instead of light scattered by smoke particles. In the illustrated embodiment, the fins 122 are angled so that the face 124 reflects light in a direction that goes generally from left to right with respect to the page. It is to be appreciated that this orientation is an example, and that the opposite direction can be achieved by rotation of the fins 122 (e.g., from right to left with respect to the page). The angle of rotation of the fins 122 can change within the scope of this disclosure so long as the reflected view lines 142 are not directed toward faces 124A that are illuminated by emitted light 140.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 4, the chamber 120 includes a base 144. The chamber 120 can generally be cylindrical and extend from the base 144 with an open portion opposite the base 144. It is to be appreciated that cylindrical is an example and the geometry of the chamber 120 can vary beyond the stated example. It is to be appreciated that the chamber 120 can include a cover so that the top is not open opposite the base 144. In some embodiments, the base 144 can be planar. In some embodiments, the base 144 can be non- planar. In some embodiments, a portion of the base 144 can be planar and a portion of the base 144 can be non-planar.

[0072] The terminology used herein is intended to describe embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “comprises’⁷ and/or “comprising,” when used in this Specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components.

[0073] Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, other obj ects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the disclosure that may be embodied in various forms. In addition, each of the examples given regarding the various embodiments of the disclosure which are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive.

[0074] All prior patents and publications referenced herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0075] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and “in some embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s), though it may. Furthermore, the phrases “in another embodiment” and “in some other embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. All embodiments of the disclosure are intended to be combinable without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. [0076] As used herein, the term “based on⁷’ is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”

[0077] As used herein, the term “between” does not necessarily require being disposed directly next to other elements. Generally, this term means a configuration where something is sandwiched by two or more other things. At the same time, the term “between” can describe something that is directly next to two opposing things. Accordingly, in any one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein, a particular structural component being disposed between two other structural elements can be:

[0078] disposed directly between both of the two other structural elements such that the particular structural component is in direct contact with both of the two other structural elements:

[0079] disposed directly next to only one of the two other structural elements such that the particular structural component is in direct contact with only one of the two other structural elements;

[0080] disposed indirectly next to only one of the two other structural elements such that the particular structural component is not in direct contact with only one of the two other structural elements, and there is another element which juxtaposes the particular structural component and the one of the two other structural elements;

[0081] disposed indirectly between both of the two other structural elements such that the particular structural component is not in direct contact with both of the two other structural elements, and other features can be disposed therebetween; or

[0082] any combination(s) thereof.

[0083] It is to be understood that changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of the construction materials employed and the shape, size, and arrangement of parts without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This Specification and the embodiments described are examples, with the true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A detector comprising: a chamber; wherein the chamber comprises: a plurality of fins disposed in an interior of the chamber, wherein the plurality of fins are arranged at an angle relative to each other; and a sensor having a field of view. wherein the plurality of fins are arranged so that a first of the plurality of fins receiving reflections of a second of the plurality of fins is configured to direct the reflections away from the field of view of the sensor, wherein the second of the plurality of fins is illuminated by a light source.

2. The detector of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of ribs surrounding at least a portion of the plurality of fins, wherein the plurality of ribs and the plurality of fins are arranged to form a plurality of apertures therebetween.

3. The detector of claim 2, wherein the plurality of fins and the plurality of ribs are a single piece, unitary construction.

4. The detector of claim 2, wherein the plurality of apertures have a major dimension between a first of the plurality of fins and a second of the plurality’ of fins of 0.028 inches to 0.042 inches.

5. The detector of claim 4, wherein the major dimension is 0.04 inches.

6. The detector of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of ribs surrounding at least a portion of the plurality of fins, wherein the plurality of ribs and the plurality of fins are arranged to form a plurality of apertures therebetween: and a plurality of tabs extending from the chamber; wherein the plurality of fins, the plurality of tabs, and the plurality' of ribs are a single piece, unitary' construction.

7. The detector of claim 6, wherein the plurality of fins and the plurality of ribs are formed of a thermoplastic.

8. The detector of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is a photo diode.

9. The detector of claim 1, further comprising a light source, wherein the light source is an infrared light emitting diode (IR LED).

10. The detector of claim 9, wherein the IR LED is disposed on an opposite side of the sensor, and the IR LED and a line extending through the sensor extends through the IR LED.

11. The detector of claim 1. wherein the plurality- of fins are spaced apart, forming a non-linear channel therebetween.

12. A smoke detector comprising: a chamber; wherein the chamber comprises: a plurality of fins disposed in an interior of the chamber, wherein the plurality of fins are arranged at an angle relative to each other; and a photo diode having a field of view. wherein the plurality of fins are arranged so that a first of the plurality of fins receiving reflections of a second of the plurality' of fins is configured to direct the reflections away from the field of view of the photo diode, wherein the second of the plurality of fins is illuminated by a light source.

13. The smoke detector of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of ribs surrounding at least a portion of the plurality of fins, wherein the plurality of ribs and the plurality of fins are arranged to form a plurality of apertures therebetween.

14. The smoke detector of claim 13, wherein the plurality of fins and the plurality of ribs are a single piece, unitary construction.

15. The smoke detector of claim 13, wherein the plurality of apertures have a major dimension between a first of the plurality of fins and a second of the plurality of fins of 0.028 inches to 0.042 inches.

16. The smoke detector of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of tabs extending from the chamber; wherein the plurality of fins, the plurality of tabs, and the plurality of ribs are formed of a thermoplastic.

17. A photoelectric smoke detector comprising: a chamber; wherein the chamber comprises: a plurality' of fins disposed in an interior of the chamber, wherein the plurality of fins are arranged at an angle relative to each other; and a plurality of ribs surrounding the plurality of fins; wherein the plurality of fins and the plurality of ribs are arranged to form a plurality' of apertures therebetween; an infrared light emitting diode (LED); and a photo diode having a field of view. wherein the plurality of fins are arranged so that a face of a first of the plurality of fins receiving reflections of a second of the plurality of fins is configured to direct the reflections away from the field of view of the photo diode, wherein the second of the plurality of fins is illuminated by the infrared LED.

18. The photoelectric smoke detector of claim 17, wherein the plurality of fins and the plurality of ribs are a single piece, unitary construction.

19. The photoelectric smoke detector of claim 17, wherein the plurality of apertures have a major dimension between a first of the plurality of fins and a second of the plurality of fins of 0.028 inches to 0.042 inches.

20. The photoelectric smoke detector of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of tabs extending from the chamber; wherein the plurality of fins, the plurality' of tabs, and the plurality of ribs are formed of a thermoplastic.