Interface Cable Temperature Sensor for Radio Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable communication systems used in public safety environments, such as fire rescue, are susceptible to heat damage due to the external placement of radio accessories and interface cables, which can lead to undetected temperature extremes and potential system failure, compromising user safety and communication.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a temperature sensor within the interface cable's strain relief or collar allows for accurate external temperature monitoring, sending alerts and emergency declarations to the user and other radios without requiring changes to the radio accessory, using existing communication lines and multiplexing the sensor onto these lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the radio accessory and interface cable are worn externally for accessibility, then ease of operation is improved, but susceptibility to heat damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by integrating a temperature sensor into the interface cable that continuously monitors temperature conditions before heat damage can occur. The sensor provides early warning through audible and visual alerts when temperature thresholds are approached, allowing users to take preventive action before the cable or accessory suffers thermal damage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the radio is worn beneath protective clothing for protection, then protection from environmental factors is improved, but temperature awareness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the interface cable as an intermediary element that bridges the protected radio (worn under clothing) and the external environment. The temperature sensor in the cable measures external temperatures directly, providing accurate temperature data without requiring the radio itself to be exposed to environmental conditions. This intermediary approach allows the radio to remain protected while still achieving precise temperature monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is integrated into the interface cable for accurate monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature sensor functionality with the existing interface cable structure by integrating the sensor into the cable's strain relief or collar. The sensor is multiplexed onto existing communication lines between the radio and accessory, sharing the same physical medium and communication protocol. This merging approach adds temperature monitoring capability without requiring separate wiring or additional communication channels, thereby minimizing the increase in system complexity.
4Reliability
If early temperature detection is implemented to prevent damage, then reliability is improved, but loss of time in system setup occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by making the temperature sensor and monitoring system fully operational immediately upon connection of the interface cable to the radio. The sensor automatically begins monitoring temperatures and can provide alerts without requiring any manual activation, configuration, or calibration by the user. This self-service approach ensures reliable temperature protection from the moment the system is assembled, eliminating setup time for the temperature monitoring functionality.
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
This solution provides early detection and warning of adverse temperature conditions, enhancing user safety, minimizing system damage, and maintaining communication by accurately monitoring external temperatures and transmitting alerts through the portable radio system.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor integrated as part of the cable to add temperature monitoring capability of the external environment
Data Source
AI summary
A portable communication system (100) comprises a portable radio (102) and a radio accessory (106) coupled through an interface cable (108). The interface cable (108) provides an electronic interface for remote access to radio functions at the radio accessory (106). The interface cable (108) further provides a temperature sensor (110) integrated therein for monitoring environmental conditions external to the portable communication system. The portable communication system (100) generates user notifications indicating extreme temperature conditions. Notifications of extreme temperature conditions may also transmitted from the portable communication system (100) to other radios, such as a land mobile radio (120), dispatch center (130), or other radio (140) operating within a communications network.