Chimney Sensor Network for Condition-Based Maintenance Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chimney maintenance schedules are inefficient as they do not account for varying usage and build-up rates, leading to unnecessary resource allocation and potential safety hazards due to unchecked pollutant accumulation.

Innovation Solution

A sensor network system comprising sensors in or near chimneys to measure parameters like temperature, contaminant presence, and firing frequency, transmitting data to a remote analysis unit that estimates chimney health and schedules maintenance based on actual needs using chimney profile data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If regular maintenance schedules are used for all chimneys, then maintenance is performed consistently, but resources are wasted on chimneys that do not need frequent maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance consistencyVSAvoidresource waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The maintenance schedule transitions from a static fixed interval approach to a dynamic condition-based approach. Sensors continuously monitor chimney parameters (temperature, contaminant levels, firing frequency) and the system adjusts maintenance timing based on actual chimney health status, allowing frequent maintenance for high-risk chimneys and extended intervals for low-risk ones

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor chimney conditions, transmit data to the analysis unit, which then adjusts maintenance scheduling based on actual measured parameters. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to respond to real-time chimney health status rather than following predetermined schedules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If fixed interval maintenance is implemented, then scheduling is simple, but maintenance may occur too frequently or too infrequently based on actual chimney needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescheduling simplicityVSAvoidmaintenance timing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The chimney maintenance system becomes self-monitoring and self-scheduling. Sensors automatically detect chimney conditions, the analysis unit processes the data and determines optimal maintenance timing, and the system generates maintenance alerts without human intervention. This eliminates the need for manual assessment while maintaining scheduling simplicity through automated decision-making

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive sensor monitoring is deployed, then chimney health assessment is accurate, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechimney health assessment accuracyVSAvoidsensor network complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the monitoring function into separate modular components: temperature sensors, contaminant sensors, firing frequency sensors, data transmission modules, and central analysis unit. Each component performs a specific function independently, making the complex system manageable through functional segmentation and allowing selective deployment based on risk levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor unit is designed as a multi-functional integrated device that simultaneously monitors multiple parameters (temperature, contaminants, firing frequency) and communicates with the central system. This universal sensor design reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple single-function devices into one integrated unit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12492947B2Sensor network

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 AIRMONT AS

AI summary

A sensor network system for determining a chimney maintenance schedule comprises a sensor unit (16) arranged for placement in or proximate to a chimney (6). The sensor unit comprises at least one sensor arranged to measure a parameter of the chimney (6) and use the measured parameter to generate chimney health data associated with the chimney (6). The sensor unit includes a transmission module arranged to transmit (20) the chimney health data to a remote analysis unit (18). The remote analysis unit (18) is arranged to receive chimney profile data associated with the chimney (6) and to estimate a chimney health level associated with the chimney (6) from the respective chimney health data and chimney profile data. The remote analysis unit (18) determines the chimney maintenance schedule from the estimated chimney health level.