Multi-gas fire sensing device testing

Abstract

Described herein are devices, methods, and systems for performing multi-gas fire sensing device testing. A fire sensing device includes a self-test module and a controller configured to vary a temperature within the self-test module; generate a test medium in response to the temperature variation; and detect a plurality of gases corresponding to the test medium within the fire sensing device in response to varying the temperature within the self-test module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates in general to apparatus, methods, and systems for testing multi-gas fire sensing devices. Background Technology

[0002] Large facilities (e.g., buildings) such as commercial facilities, office buildings, and hospitals may have fire alarm systems that can be triggered during emergencies (e.g., fire) to warn occupants to evacuate. For example, a fire alarm system may include a fire control panel and multiple fire sensing devices (e.g., smoke detectors) distributed throughout the facility (e.g., on different floors and / or in different rooms) that can detect a fire occurring in the facility and notify the occupants of the fire via alarms.

[0003] Maintaining a fire alarm system may include periodic maintenance and / or testing of the fire sensing equipment. Such maintenance and / or testing of the fire sensing equipment may be mandated by practice codes in an attempt to ensure that the fire sensing equipment is functioning properly. Attached Figure Description

[0004] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating a multi-gas fire sensing device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0005] Figure 2 A portion of an example of a multi-gas fire sensing device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0006] Figure 3 Examples of multi-gas fire sensing devices according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0007] Figure 4 Examples of systems for testing multi-gas fire sensing devices according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0008] Figure 5 This is an example of a controller for performing multi-gas fire sensing device tests according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0009] This document describes apparatus, methods, and systems for performing tests on multi-gas fire sensing devices. One apparatus includes a self-test module and a controller configured to change the temperature within the self-test module; generate a test medium in response to the temperature change; and detect multiple gases corresponding to the test medium within the fire sensing device in response to the temperature change within the self-test module. As mentioned above, maintaining a fire alarm system may include periodically cleaning and / or testing the fire sensing devices of the fire alarm system. However, because testing can only be performed periodically, there is a risk that faulty fire sensing devices may not be detected quickly or that not all fire sensing devices in the fire alarm system will be tested.

[0010] Furthermore, testing each individual fire detection device can be time-consuming, costly, and disruptive to the business. For example, maintenance engineers are often required to access fire detection devices located in areas occupied by building occupants or in typically inaccessible areas of the building (e.g., elevator shafts, high ceilings, suspended ceiling spaces, etc.). Therefore, maintenance engineers may need to spend several days and make multiple visits to complete the testing of fire detection devices, especially in large sites. Additionally, many fire detection devices are often never tested due to access issues.

[0011] Typical tests involve maintenance engineers using pressurized aerosols to force synthetic smoke into the fire sensing device's chamber, saturating it. In some examples, maintenance engineers may also use a heat gun to raise the temperature of the thermal sensors in the fire sensing device and / or gas generator to expel carbon monoxide (CO) gas into the fire sensing device. These tests may not accurately mimic the characteristics of a fire, and therefore may not accurately determine the fire sensing device's ability to detect actual fires.

[0012] Over time, fire detection devices can become clogged, for example, by getting dirty with dust and debris. Clogged fire detection devices can prevent gases and / or particles from passing through the device and reaching the sensors inside, which would otherwise prevent the device from detecting smoke, fire, and / or carbon monoxide.

[0013] To ensure thorough and accurate testing of fire sensing devices in a fast, easy, and inexpensive manner, the fire sensing devices according to this disclosure can utilize a self-test process. The self-test process can be an automated process performed by the fire sensing device without the need for a user (such as a maintenance engineer or other type of user who must be present at the fire sensing device). Therefore, the self-test process allows for testing of fire sensing devices even when such devices are located remotely and / or are difficult to access.

[0014] The self-test process may include altering the temperature within the fire sensing device to induce physical changes in the test medium. The test medium may be included within a self-test module incorporated into the fire sensing device. Temperature changes may induce chemical changes within the test medium. For example, the test medium may be a wax compound that stimulates various gaseous reactions upon exposure to temperature changes. The test medium may include various wax compounds that produce a range of gaseous reactions upon exposure to various temperatures.

[0015] Fire sensing devices may also include an automated process for detecting background gases in the surrounding environment to determine functionality by periodically increasing the sensitivity of the multi-gas fire sensing device. The sensitivity of the fire sensing device can be increased to detect gas levels in the local environment of the fire sensing device. Changes in the detected gas levels during the sensitivity-increased period can be used to determine whether the fire sensing device is functioning correctly.

[0016] According to this disclosure, performing multi-gas fire sensing device testing allows the sensing device (e.g., a multi-gas detector of the sensing device) to detect multiple gases according to an automated self-test process. The test medium within the self-test module can be periodically adjusted to various temperatures, and the multi-gas detector can detect multiple gases generated at different temperatures. Such automation of multi-gas testing can provide a more diverse and reliable self-test process, even under different environmental conditions (e.g., changes in external airflow, changes in ambient temperature, etc.).

[0017] In the detailed description below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of that detailed description. The drawings illustrate, by way of example, how one or more embodiments of this disclosure may be practiced.

[0018] These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one or more embodiments of this disclosure to be practiced by a person skilled in the art. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and mechanical, electrical and / or process changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0019] It should be understood that elements shown in the various embodiments herein may be added, interchanged, combined, and / or eliminated to provide multiple additional embodiments of this disclosure. The scale and relative dimensions of the elements provided in the accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate embodiments of this disclosure and should not be construed as limiting.

[0020] The figures in this document follow the following numbering convention: one or more first digits correspond to the figure number, while the remaining digits identify elements or parts in the figure. Similar elements or parts between different figures can be identified by using similar digits. For example, 104 could refer to... Figure 1 The component "04" in the text, and similar components in Figure 2The number 204 can be used to refer to the middle.

[0021] As used in this article, “one,” “a,” or “several” can refer to one or more such things, while “multiple” can refer to more than one such thing. For example, “several parts” can refer to one or more parts, while “multiple parts” can refer to more than one part.

[0022] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating a fire sensing device 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The fire sensing device 100 may include a controller (e.g., a microcontroller) 122, a sounder 118, an optical scattering chamber 104, and an air movement device 116.

[0023] The controller 122 may include a memory 124 and a processor 126. The memory 124 may be any type of storage medium accessible to the processor 126 to execute various examples of the present disclosure. For example, the memory 124 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions (e.g., computer program instructions) thereon, which can be executed by the processor 126 to perform a self-test process for a fire sensing device according to the present disclosure. For example, the processor 126 may execute executable instructions stored in the memory 124 to change the temperature within the self-test module of the fire sensing device, generate a test medium in response to the temperature change, detect multiple gases corresponding to the test medium within the fire sensing device after changing the temperature within the self-test module, and transmit the detection results to a computing device. As an additional example, the processor 126 may execute executable instructions stored in the memory 124 to increase the sensitivity of a multi-gas detector of the fire sensing device 100, detect gas concentrations within the fire sensing device via the multi-gas detector when the sensitivity is increased, and transmit the detected concentrations to a computing device.

[0024] As an example, a test medium can be generated from a test medium within the self-test module of a fire sensing device, such that the composition of the test medium allows for the generation of multiple gases in response to temperature changes. These multiple gases can be different gases. For example, they may include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, or nitrogen oxides. The controller can be configured to change the temperature within the self-test module in response to activating a self-test mode for the fire sensing device.

[0025] Figure 2 A portion of an example of a fire sensing device 200 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. The fire sensing device 200 may correspond to... Figure 1 The fire sensing device 100 may be, but is not limited to, a fire and / or smoke detector of a fire control system.

[0026] Fire sensing device 200 can detect a fire occurring in the facility and trigger a fire response to notify the occupants of the facility of the fire. The fire response may include, for example, visual and / or audio alarms. The fire response may also notify emergency services (e.g., fire department, police station, etc.). In some examples, multiple fire sensing devices may be distributed throughout the facility (e.g., on different floors and / or in different rooms of the facility).

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the fire sensing device 200 may include an optical scattering chamber 204 and an air movement device 216, which may respectively correspond to Figure 1 The optical scattering chamber 104 and the air movement device 116. Although in Figure 2 An air movement device 216 is illustrated, but any device capable of moving an air sample into the optical scattering chamber 204 can be used. For example, a variable airflow generator or a vibration device can replace and / or be combined with the air movement device 216. The air movement device 216 can move ambient air from the environment where the fire sensing device 200 is located, through the fire sensing device, and into the optical scattering chamber 204 to detect the presence of smoke or other particles in the surrounding environment.

[0028] Air movement device 216 can control airflow through fire sensing device 200, which includes optical scattering chamber 204. For example, air movement device 216 can move particles, gases, and / or aerosols from a first end of fire sensing device 200 to a second end of fire sensing device 200. Air movement device 216 can be started in response to a command and can be stopped in response to a command and / or after a specific period of time, as further described herein.

[0029] The fire sensing device 200 can be configured to perform a self-test, for example, by increasing the sensitivity of the multi-gas detector of the fire sensing device 200 at periodic time intervals.

[0030] The fire detection device 200 can automatically or by command perform a self-test process. The self-test process may include: increasing the sensitivity of the multi-gas detector of the fire detection device 200; detecting the gas concentration within the fire detection device via the multi-gas detector when the sensitivity of the multi-gas detector increases; and transmitting the detected concentration to a computing device. The computing device may be a remote computing device. The computing device can determine whether the self-test was successful based on the detected concentrations of gases determined to be present within the fire detection device and additional gases determined not to be present within the fire detection device when the sensitivity of the multi-gas detector increases.

[0031] The fire sensing device 200 can perform a self-test by, for example, increasing the sensitivity of a multi-gas detector above a threshold, and detecting the gas concentration within the fire sensing device via the multi-gas detector when the sensitivity of the multi-gas detector exceeds the threshold. The detected concentration can be transmitted to a computing device. The computing device can determine whether the self-test is successful by comparing the detected gas concentration level with a baseline measurement of the gas and determining whether the detected level differs from the baseline measurement. Furthermore, the computing device can determine whether the self-test is successful by comparing the detected concentration of the gas identified as being present in the fire sensing device with the concentration of the gas expected to be present in the fire sensing device at a specific time. For example, if the detected concentration of the gas identified as being present in the fire sensing device does not match the concentration of the gas expected to be present in the fire sensing device at a specific time, and / or there is a mismatch, the self-test can be determined to have failed.

[0032] Gas concentration detection may include measuring a value associated with an air sample in the optical scattering chamber 204 of the fire sensing device 200. A computing device may further compare the measurement associated with the gas concentration with a baseline measurement of the gas to determine if the self-test was successful. The gas may include different types of gases. Gases may have different baseline measurements associated with each specific gas detected. For example, a first gas detected among the multiple gases may have a first baseline measurement associated with it, and a second gas detected among the multiple gases may have a second associated baseline measurement. The multiple gases are not limited to a specific number of gases, and more than two gases may be detected.

[0033] The computing device can determine whether a self-test is successful by comparing the concentration of each of a variety of gases with their corresponding baseline measurements. For example, the computing device can determine that a self-test is successful when the gas concentration detected in the fire sensing device differs from the baseline measurement associated with the gas as the sensitivity of the multi-gas detector increases. The computing device can determine that a self-test is unsuccessful when the gas concentration detected in the fire sensing device is the same as the baseline measurement associated with the multi-gas as the sensitivity of the multi-gas detector increases. Alternatively, the computing device can determine that a self-test is unsuccessful when a portion of the multi-gases is the same as its baseline measurement and the sensitivity of the multi-gas detector increases. As another example, a single baseline measurement can be performed, comprising the baseline value of each gas detected in the multi-gases, such that a separate baseline value associated with a particular gas in the multi-gases is compared with the detected concentration of each gas in the multi-gases.

[0034] The self-test of a fire sensing device can be performed as a background test outside of normal operation. For example, the self-test can be initiated automatically in response to the fire sensing device performing a background test. Alternatively, the self-test can be initiated in response to the fire sensing device receiving a command from a computing device.

[0035] Baseline measurements can be stored in the memory of a computing device. The computing device can be a remote computing device.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the fire sensing device 200 may include an optical scattering chamber 204 and a variable airflow generator 216, which may respectively correspond to Figure 1 The optical scattering chamber 104 and the variable airflow generator 116. Additional fire sensing equipment 200 may also include a controller and similar... Figure 1 Those adjustable particle generators. Furthermore, the optical scattering chamber 204 and the variable airflow generator 216 function similarly to those described herein. Figure 3 The functions of chamber 304 and variable airflow generator 316 are further described.

[0037] Figure 3 Examples of multi-gas fire sensing devices according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated. The fire sensing device 300 may correspond to... Figure 1 The fire sensing device 100 may be, but is not limited to, a fire and / or smoke detector of a fire control system.

[0038] Fire sensing device 300 can detect a fire occurring in the facility and trigger a fire response to notify the occupants of the facility of the fire. In some examples, multiple fire sensing devices may be distributed throughout the facility (e.g., on different floors and / or in different rooms of the facility).

[0039] The fire sensing device 300 can automatically or by command perform one or more tests included within the fire sensing device 300. These one or more tests can determine whether the fire sensing device 300 is functioning properly and / or requires maintenance.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, the fire sensing device 300 may include an adjustable particle generator 302, an optical scattering chamber 304 including an emitter light-emitting diode (LED) 305 and a receiver photodiode 306, a heat source 308, a thermal sensor 310, a gas source 312, a gas sensor 314, a variable airflow generator 316, and an additional heat source 319. In some examples, the fire sensing device 300 may also include a microcontroller that includes memory and / or a processor, as previously described. Figure 1 Described.

[0041] The adjustable particle generator 302 of the fire sensing device 300 can generate particles that can be mixed into a controlled aerosol density level by a variable airflow generator 316. The aerosol density level can be a specific level detectable by the optical scattering chamber 304. Once the aerosol density level has been reached, the adjustable particle generator 316 can be shut off, and the variable airflow generator 316 can increase the airflow rate through the optical scattering chamber 304. The variable airflow generator 316 can increase the airflow rate through the optical scattering chamber 304 to reduce the aerosol density level back to the initial level of the optical scattering chamber 304 before the adjustable particle generator 316 generates particles. For example, the variable airflow generator 316 can remove aerosols from the optical scattering chamber 304 after determining the rate at which the aerosol density level decreases. If the fire sensing device 300 is not blocked or covered, airflow from the external environment through the optical scattering chamber 304 will result in a decrease in the aerosol density level. The rate at which the aerosol density level decreases indicates whether the sensing device 300 is obstructed and whether the sensing device 300 may require maintenance.

[0042] The adjustable particle generator 302 may include a reservoir to contain liquid and / or wax for forming particles. The adjustable particle generator 302 may also include a heat source, which may be heat source 308 or a different heat source. Heat source 308 may be a resistance wire coil. The current flowing through the resistance wire can be used to control the temperature of heat source 308 and further control the number of particles generated by the adjustable particle generator 302. Heat source 308 can heat the liquid and / or wax to form aerosol particles to simulate smoke from a fire. The particles may have a diameter of approximately 1 micrometer, and / or the particles may be within the sensitivity range of optical scattering chamber 304. Heat source 308 can heat the liquid and / or wax to a specific temperature and / or heat the liquid and / or wax for a specific time period to generate an aerosol density level sufficient to trigger a fire response from a normally operating fire sensing device without saturating optical scattering chamber 304 and / or generate an aerosol density level sufficient to test fault conditions without triggering a fire response or saturating optical scattering chamber 304. The ability to control aerosol density levels allows smoke tests to more accurately mimic the characteristics of a fire and prevents the optical scattering chamber 304 from becoming saturated.

[0043] The liquid and / or wax may consist of a variety of compounds to elicit a variety of gaseous reactions. The liquid and / or wax may also be referred to as the test medium and may be included within the self-test module of the fire sensing device 300. The test medium may consist of a variety of wax compounds that, when heated to various temperatures, generate aerosols to simulate smoke particles present during a fire event. For example, the test medium may contain wax compounds that, when heated to various temperatures, generate carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and / or nitrogen oxides.

[0044] The temperature within the self-test module can be changed (e.g., increased or decreased) by the controller of the fire sensing device 300. A test medium can be generated in response to temperature changes. For example, a test medium can be generated from a test medium included within the self-test module in response to a temperature change within the self-test module. Multiple gases corresponding to the test medium can be detected within the fire sensing device 300.

[0045] For example, the temperature within the self-test module can be increased from a first temperature to a second temperature by the controller of the fire sensing device 300. In response to increasing the temperature from the first temperature to the second temperature (e.g., the second temperature may correspond to the generation of a first gas), the first gas (e.g., the presence of the first gas) can be detected within the self-test module. The first gas may be, for example, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, or nitrogen oxides. The controller of the fire sensing device 300 can then increase the temperature within the self-test module from the second temperature to a third temperature. In response to increasing the temperature from the second temperature to the third temperature (e.g., the third temperature may correspond to the generation of a second gas), the second gas (e.g., the presence of the second gas) can be detected. The second gas may be carbon dioxide, hydrogen, or nitrogen oxides, and may be different from the first gas. The detection results of the first and second gases can be transmitted by the controller of the fire sensing device 300 to a remote computing device. The results may also include an indication of whether the self-test has passed or failed based on the detection. The remote computing device can determine whether the fire sensing device requires maintenance based on the detection results.

[0046] For example, the results of identifying multiple gases as present within a fire detection device can be transmitted to a remote computing device. The remote computing device can determine if a self-test has passed (e.g., the self-test is successful, and the result is as expected) by comparing the multiple gases identified as present within the fire detection device with the multiple gases expected to be present within the fire detection device. For example, the self-test may pass based on the determination that the multiple gases identified as present are the same as the gases expected to be present within the fire detection device at a specific time. Furthermore, the remote computing device can determine whether a self-test has passed or failed based on the determination that additional gases are not present within the fire detection device. For example, the self-test may pass based on the determination that no gases were detected within the fire detection device. Conversely, the self-test may fail based on the determination that some gases expected to be present within the fire detection device are not present within it.

[0047] The temperature within the self-test module can be increased from a third temperature to a fourth temperature. After increasing the temperature from the third temperature to the fourth temperature, a third gas (e.g., the presence of the third gas) can be detected within the self-test module. A fourth gas (e.g., the presence of the fourth gas) can also be detected in response to increasing the temperature from the third temperature to the fourth temperature. For example, both gases can be detected in response to increasing the temperature from one temperature to another. The thermal decomposition of the test medium wax compound can produce two separate gaseous reactions at the same temperature or within the same temperature range. Additional compounds can be added to the test medium wax compound to elicit a wider range of gaseous responses. Alternatively, or in addition to adding additional compounds to the test medium, a wider range of temperatures can be used to initiate the reaction.

[0048] The controller of the fire sensing device 300 can be configured to detect cross-sensitivity to other elements in multiple gases in response to changes in temperature within the self-test module. For example, the controller can detect carbon monoxide generated from the self-test module and cross-sensitivity to other multi-gas elements in the test medium.

[0049] As an example, the test medium may be included inside the test chamber (e.g., an optical scattering chamber) of the fire sensing device. For instance, a controller may cause the test medium to be generated. In some examples, the test medium may include an aerosol. For example, the controller may cause a coil to heat wax until the wax emits the temperature of an aerosol composed of smoke particles. As described above, the coil and wax may be included in the self-test module of the fire sensing device.

[0050] Although the test medium is described above as an aerosol, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the test medium may be, for example, a gas, light, etc.

[0051] When the fire sensing device 300 is in test mode (e.g., self-test mode), the controller can initiate a self-test process. For example, the controller can change the temperature within the self-test module from a first temperature to a second temperature in response to initiating the self-test mode for the fire sensing device 300. When the fire sensing device 300 is in test mode, it may detect that the number of particles sensed by the fire sensing device exceeds a threshold amount, but no alarm will be triggered in the facility.

[0052] The controller enables sensors in the self-test module of the optical scattering chamber to acquire readings of the test medium at predetermined times. These predetermined times may correspond to the temperature within the self-test module reaching a specific temperature. For example, thermal sensor 310 can determine that a target temperature has been reached, and the controller can enable sensors in the self-test module of the optical scattering chamber to acquire readings to determine the presence of any gas within the optical scattering chamber 304.

[0053] Because the baffle opening in the fire sensing device 300 allows air and / or smoke from a fire to flow through the fire sensing device 300, the optical diffusion chamber 304 can sense the external environment. The optical diffusion chamber 304 can measure aerosol density levels. In some examples, different measuring devices may be used to measure the aerosol density levels passing through the fire sensing device 300. The optical diffusion chamber can use readings of the external environment as a baseline measurement. The baseline measurement can be compared with subsequent readings to determine whether a fire event is occurring.

[0054] As previously mentioned, the rate of decrease in aerosol density level can be used to determine whether the fire sensing device 300 requires maintenance. For example, if the difference between the measured rate and the baseline rate is greater than a threshold, it can be determined that the fire sensing device 300 requires maintenance.

[0055] In some examples, the fire sensing device 300 may generate a message if the device requires maintenance (e.g., if the difference between the measured rate and the baseline rate is greater than a threshold). The fire sensing device 300 may send the message to, for example, a remote computing device (e.g., a mobile device). As an additional example, the fire sensing device 300 may include a user interface capable of displaying the message.

[0056] The fire sensing device 300 may include an additional heat source 319, but if the thermal sensor 310 is self-heating, the additional heat source 319 may not be required. In some examples, the heat source 319 may generate heat at a temperature sufficient to trigger a fire response from the normally operating thermal sensor 310. The heat source 319 may be turned on to generate heat during thermal self-tests and / or multi-gas self-tests. Once the thermal self-test and / or multi-gas self-test is complete, the heat source 319 may be turned off to stop generating heat.

[0057] Thermal sensor 310 is typically used to detect temperature rises caused by a fire. Once the heat source 319 is turned off, thermal sensor 310 measures the rate of temperature decrease. The rate of temperature decrease can be used to determine whether the fire sensing device 300 is functioning properly and / or whether the fire sensing device 300 is dirty. The rate of temperature decrease can also be used to determine whether the fire sensing device 300 requires maintenance. Maintenance may include cleaning the fire sensing device 300, allowing clean air to enter the fire sensing device 300 and reach thermal sensor 310. Thermal sensor 310 can also be used to determine if a temperature rise is sufficient to trigger a reaction during a multi-gas self-test.

[0058] Gas source 312 may be separate and / or included in adjustable particle generator 302, such as Figure 3As shown. Gas source 312 can be configured to release one or more gases. These gases can be generated by combustion. Gas source 312 can be used in conjunction with or separately from a test medium to perform a multi-gas self-test. In some examples, the one or more gases may be carbon monoxide (CO) and / or cross-sensitive gases. Gas source 312 is capable of generating gas at a level sufficient to trigger a fire response from a normally operating fire sensing device 300 and / or to trigger a fault in a normally operating gas sensor 314.

[0059] Gas sensor 314 can detect one or more gases in fire sensing device 300, such as one or more gases released, for example, by gas source 312. For example, gas sensor 314 can detect CO and / or cross-sensitive gases. In some examples, gas sensor 314 may be a CO detector. Once gas source 312 is turned off, gas sensor 314 can measure gas levels and determine changes in gas levels over time (e.g., the rate at which gas levels decrease) to determine whether fire sensing device 300 is operating normally and / or whether fire sensing device 300 is dirty.

[0060] The rate at which the gas level decreases can be used to determine whether the fire sensing device 300 requires maintenance. Maintenance may include cleaning the fire sensing device 300 to allow air to enter the fire sensing device 300 and reach the gas sensor 314.

[0061] In some examples, the fire sensing device 300 may generate a message if the device requires maintenance (e.g., if the difference between the measured rate and the baseline rate is greater than a threshold). The fire sensing device 300 may then send the message to, for example, a remote computing device. As an additional example, the fire sensing device 300 may include a user interface capable of displaying the message.

[0062] The variable airflow generator 316 can control the airflow through the fire sensing device 300, which includes the optical scattering chamber 304. For example, the variable airflow generator 316 can move gas and / or aerosol from a first end of the fire sensing device 300 to a second end of the fire sensing device 300. In some examples, the variable airflow generator 316 can be a fan. The variable airflow generator 316 can be activated in response to the activation of the adjustable particle generator 302, the heat source 319, and / or the gas source 312. The variable airflow generator 316 can be deactivated in response to the deactivation of the adjustable particle generator 302, the heat source 319, and / or the gas source 312, and / or the variable airflow generator 316 can be deactivated after a specific period of time after the adjustable particle generator 302, the heat source 319, and / or the gas source 312 has been deactivated.

[0063] Figure 4An example of a system 430 for testing multi-gas fire sensing devices according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. System 430 may be, for example, a fire alarm system and may include a fire sensing device 400, a fire control panel 431, and a computing device 434. The fire sensing device 400 may be, for example, a previously described combination of... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The fire sensing devices 100, 200, and / or 300 are described above. For example, fire sensing device 400 may include a self-test module 433, which may be a previously integrated... Figure 1 and Figure 3 The self-test module is described above. The computing device 434 may be a previously combined... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The described remote computing device. Fire sensing device 400, fire control panel 431, and computing device 434 can be connected via network 435.

[0064] Fire control panel 431 may be a cloud computing device for monitoring equipment, fire detection and control systems, and / or fire alarm systems 430. Fire control panel 431 may be configured to send commands to and / or receive reports from fire sensing device 400 via wired or wireless networks. For example, fire sensing device 400 may report sensor readings during its self-test process. Additionally, in some examples, fire sensing device 400 may report a confirmed fire to fire control panel 431 in response to a measurement value exceeding a threshold after a specific time period.

[0065] Fire control panel 431 can receive reports from multiple fire sensing devices similar to fire sensing device 400. For example, fire control panel 431 can receive reports from each of the multiple fire sensing devices similar to fire sensing device 400 and transmit commands based on the reports from each of the multiple fire sensing devices.

[0066] In several embodiments, the fire control panel 431 may include a user interface 432. The user interface 432 may be a GUI that provides information to and / or receives information from the user and / or the fire sensing device 400. The user interface 432 may display messages and / or data received from the fire sensing device 400. For example, the user interface 432 may alert the user to unconfirmed fires, confirmed fires, and / or false alarms reported by the fire sensing device 400.

[0067] The network 435 described herein can be a network relationship through which the fire sensing device 400, the fire control panel 431, and / or the computing device 434 can communicate with each other. Examples of such network relationships may include distributed computing environments (e.g., cloud computing environments), wide area networks (WANs) such as the Internet, local area networks (LANs), personal area networks (PANs), campus networks (CANs), or metropolitan area networks (MANs), and other types of network relationships. For example, the network may include multiple servers that receive information from the fire sensing device 400, the fire control panel 431, and the computing device 434 via wired or wireless networks and transmit information to the fire sensing device, the fire control panel, and the computing device.

[0068] As used herein, a “network” can provide a communication system that directly or indirectly links two or more computers and / or peripherals and allows fire control panels to access data and / or resources on fire sensing device 400 and vice versa. Network 435 can allow users to share resources on their own systems with other network users and access information on systems located at a central location or at a remote location. For example, network 435 can connect multiple computing devices together to form a distributed control network (e.g., a cloud).

[0069] Network 435 provides connectivity to the Internet and / or to the networks of other entities (e.g., organizations, institutions, etc.). Users can interact with network-enabled software applications to make network requests, such as to retrieve data. Applications can also communicate with network management software, which interacts with network hardware to transfer information between devices on network 435.

[0070] In some examples, network 435 may be used by fire sensing device 400 and / or fire control panel 431 to communicate with computing device 434. Computing device 434 may be a personal laptop, desktop computer, mobile device (such as a smartphone, tablet, wrist-worn device, and / or a redundant combination thereof), and other types of computing devices. Computing device 434 may receive reports from multiple fire sensing devices similar to fire sensing device 400 and / or multiple fire control panels similar to fire control panel 431, and transmit commands based on these reports to one or more of the multiple fire sensing devices and / or one or more of the multiple fire control panels.

[0071] Figure 5 This is an example of a controller 522 for performing multi-gas fire sensing device tests according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. The controller 522 may be one of those previously combined with... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The controller (e.g., a microcontroller) of the fire sensing devices 100, 200, 300, and / or 400. For example, controller 522 may be a previously combined... Figure 1 The controller 122 is described above. For example... Figure 5 As shown, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, controller 522 may include memory 524 and processor 526 for performing multi-gas fire sensing device tests.

[0072] Memory 524 can be any type of storage medium that can be accessed by processor 526 to execute various examples of the present disclosure. For example, memory 524 can be a non-transitory computer-readable medium on which computer-readable instructions (e.g., executable instructions / computer program instructions) are stored, which can be executed by processor 526 to perform a self-test process according to the present disclosure.

[0073] Memory 524 can be volatile or non-volatile memory. Memory 524 can also be removable (e.g., portable) memory or non-removable (e.g., internal) memory. For example, memory 524 can be random access memory (RAM) (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and / or phase-change random access memory (PCRAM)), read-only memory (ROM) (e.g., electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) and / or optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), flash memory, laser disc, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical storage devices and / or magnetic media (such as cassette tape, magnetic tape, or disk) and other types of memory.

[0074] Furthermore, although memory 524 is illustrated as being located within controller 522, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, memory 524 may also be located within another computing resource (e.g., enabling computer-readable instructions to be downloaded via the Internet or another wired or wireless connection).

[0075] Processor 526 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a semiconductor-based microprocessor, and / or other hardware device suitable for retrieving and executing machine-readable instructions stored in memory 524.

[0076] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will understand that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same technology may replace the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all modifications or variations of the various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0077] It should be understood that the above description is given by way of illustration and not limitation. Combinations of the above embodiments, as well as other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description.

[0078] The scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure includes any other application using the structures and methods described above. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents.

[0079] In the above specific embodiments, for the purpose of simplifying this disclosure, various features are combined in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. This approach to disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention to require more features than expressly recited in each claim.

[0080] Instead, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter of the invention lies in fewer than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the claims below are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim exists independently as a separate embodiment.

Claims

1. A fire sensing device (100, 200, 300, 400), said fire sensing device comprising: Self-test module (433); and Controller (122, 522), the controller is configured to: Change the temperature inside the self-test module (433); A test medium is generated in response to the temperature change; and In response to a change in the temperature within the self-test module (433), multiple gases corresponding to the test medium within the fire sensing device (100, 200, 300, 400) are detected.

2. The fire sensing device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 1, wherein the test medium is generated from the test medium included in the self-test module (433) in response to the change in temperature within the self-test module (433).

3. The fire sensing device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 1, wherein the multiple gases are generated from the test medium in response to the temperature change within the self-test module (433).

4. The fire sensing device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 1, wherein the controller (122, 522) is configured to detect cross-sensitivity to other elements in the plurality of gases in response to the change in temperature within the self-test module (433).

5. The fire sensing device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 1, wherein the controller (122, 522) is configured to change the temperature within the self-test module (433) in response to activating a self-test mode for the fire sensing device (100, 200, 300, 400).

6. The fire sensing device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of gases includes different gases.

7. The fire sensing device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 1, wherein the controller (122, 522) is configured to perform a self-test by increasing the sensitivity of the multi-gas detector at periodic time intervals.

8. The fire sensing device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 7, wherein the controller (122, 522) is configured to perform the self-test in such a way as: Increase the sensitivity of the multi-gas detector above a threshold; and When the sensitivity of the multi-gas detector increases to above the threshold, the gas concentration within the fire sensing device (100, 200, 300, 400) is detected via the multi-gas detector.

9. The fire sensing device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 8, wherein the controller (122, 522) is further configured to transmit the detected gas concentration to a computing device (434), and wherein the computing device (434) is configured to determine whether the self-test is successful by: The detected gas concentration is compared with a baseline measurement of the gas; and Determine whether the detected concentration differs from the baseline measurement.

10. The fire sensing device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 8, wherein the self-test of the fire sensing device (100, 200, 300, 400) is performed as a background test outside of normal operation of the fire sensing device.

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