Agent detection system assisted by a building subsystem
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agent detection systems in buildings often produce false or delayed alarms, and are not cost-effective for wide-area coverage, such as in atriums and hallways, using technologies like LIDAR.
Innovation Solution
An agent detection system utilizing a building subsystem that includes agent detectors and a controller to alter ambient parameters like air temperature, humidity, or airflow, sending initial and subsequent measurement signals to confirm agent presence and trigger actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If LIDAR and other agent detection technologies are used to provide wide area coverage in buildings, then detection coverage area is improved, but false alarms and delayed alarms increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the building into multiple zones with distributed sensors (smoke detectors, heat detectors, gas detectors) rather than using a single wide-area LIDAR system. Each zone independently monitors for agents, improving local detection reliability while maintaining overall coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The building subsystem (HVAC system) acts as an intermediary between the agent detection system and the environment. By controlling airflow, temperature, and humidity, it enhances sensor performance and reduces false alarms caused by environmental variations.
2Speed
If LIDAR technology is used for agent detection, then detection speed is improved, but cost effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple low-cost detection technologies (smoke detection, heat detection, gas detection) into an integrated agent detection system. This approach achieves comprehensive detection capability at lower cost compared to expensive LIDAR systems while maintaining fast response times through parallel monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The building subsystem (HVAC system) serves multiple functions: it controls environmental parameters for sensor optimization, provides airflow patterns for rapid agent transport to detectors, and acts as a distribution network for detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated expensive detection infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If the building subsystem alters ambient parameters to confirm agent detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The building subsystem uses its existing operational capabilities (airflow control, temperature control, humidity control) to assist the detection process. Rather than adding dedicated confirmation equipment, the system leverages its own functions to enhance detection accuracy, minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where initial detection triggers building subsystem actions (airflow adjustment, temperature modification), and subsequent measurements confirm or refute the initial detection. This closed-loop approach improves accuracy while using existing system components.
Data Source
AI summary
An indoor air quality monitoring system (20) is adapted to function within a space (26) utilizing a building subsystem (22), such as a heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) unit, configured to control an ambient parameter, such as temperature, humidity or lightning, in the space (26). The system (20) includes an agent detector (30) configured to detect an agent in ambient air, such as smoke, biohazards or particulate matter, and sequentially output an initial agent measurement signal and a subsequent agent measurement signal. A controller (34) of the system (20) includes a processor and a storage media. The controller (34) is pre-programmed with an agent threshold value, and configured to receive the initial agent measurement signal, compare the signal to the agent threshold value, and if the signal exceeds the agent threshold value, then send a command signal (42) to the subsystem (22) to alter the ambient parameter associated with the agent detector, and then receive the subsequent agent measurement signal from the agent detector associated with the altered ambient parameter.