Automatic Electrical Shut-off Device for Hazard Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire detection systems often result in false alarms and fail to effectively mitigate hazardous conditions such as carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke spread in residential and commercial buildings, leading to potential injuries and costly damage.
Innovation Solution
An automatic electrical shut-off device that communicates via wireless protocols (RF, IR, microwave) with detectors to de-power connected electrical devices, control garage doors, and ventilation systems in response to alarm signals, thereby preventing hazards and reducing false alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detectors are designed to alarm at 1.5% obscuration to meet UL standards, then false alarms are reduced, but hazardous conditions such as carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke spread cannot be effectively mitigated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically shutting off electrical devices, opening garage doors, and activating ventilation systems before the situation escalates to dangerous levels. This proactive response addresses hazardous conditions immediately upon detection, rather than waiting for fire to fully develop.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated response system that acts between the detector alarm and the final hazardous outcome. This intermediary system coordinates multiple mitigation actions (power shut-off, ventilation, garage door opening) to address the root causes of hazardous conditions, bridging the gap between detection and effective harm prevention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If automatic shut-off systems are implemented to mitigate hazardous conditions, then safety is improved, but device complexity and false alarm potential increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: detection module, processing module, and multiple execution modules (power control, ventilation control, garage door control). This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, simplifying the overall system design and reducing complexity while maintaining comprehensive hazard mitigation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service through automated decision-making and execution. The processor automatically interprets alarm signals and triggers appropriate mitigation actions without requiring human intervention. This automation reduces operational complexity and eliminates the need for complex human-machine interfaces while maintaining effective hazard response.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple mitigation actions are automatically executed in response to alarms, then hazard mitigation is enhanced, but the risk of false alarm-induced disruptions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the processor continuously monitors alarm signals and system state. This feedback loop allows the system to verify alarm validity before executing mitigation actions and to adjust responses based on real-time conditions, reducing the impact of false alarms while maintaining effective response to genuine hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic response strategies where mitigation actions are adjusted based on the specific alarm conditions and system state. Rather than executing fixed predetermined actions, the system dynamically selects and adjusts mitigation measures based on real-time sensor data and environmental conditions, optimizing the balance between hazard mitigation and false alarm impact.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical shut-off device (10) is provided and includes a housing (11), first and second inputs (12, 13) and an output disposed on the housing, a transmission/reception (T/R) module (14) coupled to the first input, an input device (15) coupled to the second input, an electrical device coupled to the output and a processor (20). The processor is in signal communication with the T/R module, the input device and the electrical device via the first and second inputs and the output, respectively. The processor is configured to issue an instruction via the T/R module and to take an action relative to the electrical device responsive to a signal being received by the T/R module and to take an additional action in accordance with an actuation state of the input device.