Autonomous Smoke Detector Test Device with Radio Diffusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing smoke detector test systems are cumbersome, requiring manual operation, extensive cabling, and limited range, making them expensive and unreliable, especially for detectors at height or difficult to access, and often fail to validate detector operation due to obstructions.

Innovation Solution

A universal, autonomous test device for smoke detectors that uses a container for test gas, a diffusion mechanism, an energy source, and radio communication to remotely trigger the test gas diffusion, eliminating the need for perches and cables, and allowing remote control and low energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual testing with perches and cables is used, then the detector can be tested, but the system becomes cumbersome and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the cumbersome cabling and perch components from the testing system. The autonomous test device contains all necessary components (aerosol generator, power supply, radio communication) within a single portable unit that attaches directly to the detector, removing the need for external cables and support structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The test device is fully autonomous with an integrated power supply (battery or rechargeable pack) and self-contained aerosol generation system. It can operate independently without external power sources or manual intervention, performing the complete testing sequence automatically under remote control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If wired test systems are used, then detectors can be tested, but the installation cost increases due to extensive cabling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting accessibilityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical cabling system with wireless radio communication for control and data transmission. The test device communicates with the central control unit via radio frequencies, eliminating the need for physical cable installation and reducing installation costs while maintaining full operational control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional test systems with limited range are used, then testing is possible, but the action distance is restricted to 100 metres

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting rangeVSAvoidoperator accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a radio communication intermediary that enables long-distance wireless communication between the operator and the test device. This allows the operator to control the autonomous test device from remote locations without being constrained by cable length or physical proximity to the detector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If aerosol generation is used for testing, then detector validation is achieved, but significant energy is required during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetector validationVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous test device generates aerosol in periodic bursts rather than continuous operation. The aerosol generation is triggered only when needed for actual testing, with intervals of inactivity between tests, significantly reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective detector validation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient, reliable, and remote testing of smoke detectors without the need for extensive cabling or manual operation, improving accessibility and reducing costs while ensuring effective validation of detector operation even in obstructed paths.

Implementation Method 1

a diffusion means associated with the container and designed to diffuse the test gas or the test gas/particle mixture in the detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS11867678B2Test device and system for a detector based on the detection of a gas or of a gas/particle mixture

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

AI summary

A test device for a detector for detecting gas or a gas/particle mixture, includes a joining means for joining the test device to the detector; a container configured so as to receive a gas or a test gas/particle mixture; a diffusion means associated with the container and designed to diffuse the gas or the test gas/particle mixture in the detector; an energy source; and a radio apparatus able to manage local radio communication in order to remotely trigger the diffusion of the gas or of the test gas/particle mixture in the diffusion means from a control means. A test system comprising at least one test device, at least one radio gateway, a control network comprising a control unit able to remotely control the test device and at least one communication link between the control unit and the radio gateway, said gateway being able to connect the radio apparatus and the control network.