CO Detector Controller Distinguishing End-of-Life from Other Trouble Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current carbon monoxide (CO) detectors cannot differentiate between an end-of-life sensor condition and other trouble conditions, such as loss of power, when transmitting trouble signals to monitoring companies, leading to unclear responses and potential misallocation of resources.
Innovation Solution
A CO detector system that includes a controller capable of distinguishing between an end-of-life condition and other trouble conditions, using distinct first and second trouble signals to differentiate between these conditions, allowing remote agents to determine the specific issue and prioritize responses accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single trouble signal is used for all trouble conditions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the information accuracy about the specific trouble condition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single trouble signal into multiple distinct signal types (first trouble signal and second trouble signal) to represent different trouble conditions. The controller transmits different signals based on whether the sensor is replacedable or non-replacedable, enabling the monitoring system to differentiate between trouble conditions without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the signal characteristics different for different trouble conditions. The first trouble signal has different characteristics from the second trouble signal, allowing the monitoring system to identify the specific condition (sensor replacement needed vs. non-replacement issue) based on the signal properties received.
2Device complexity
If trouble signals are not differentiated by condition type, then the transmission system remains simple, but the response efficiency of the monitoring system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the response process into different service call types based on signal reception. When the monitoring system receives a first trouble signal, it initiates a different service call process compared to receiving a second trouble signal, enabling efficient resource allocation and response based on the specific trouble condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having the controller in the CO detector transmit specific signals back to the monitoring system about the sensor condition. This feedback mechanism enables the monitoring system to understand the exact nature of the trouble and respond appropriately, improving service call response efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If all service calls are treated equally, then the operational simplicity is maintained, but the resource allocation optimization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality to service call processing by treating different signals differently. The monitoring system processes first trouble signals (indicating replaceable sensor) and second trouble signals (indicating non-replaceable sensor) through different procedures, optimizing resource allocation while maintaining operational simplicity through clear signal-based differentiation.
Data Source
AI summary
A CO detector includes a sensor configured to detect a presence of CO and generate a signal indicative of the presence of CO, and a controller in signal communication with the sensor. The controller is configured to measure a level of detected CO in response to receiving the signal generated by the sensor. The controller is further configured to detect a first trouble condition representative of an end-of-life condition of the sensor, and a second trouble condition different from the first trouble condition.