CO Detector Fuel Valve Integration for Automatic Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and terminating carbon monoxide (CO) production are inadequate as they rely on human intervention and audible alarms, which can fail, leading to undetected accumulation of deadly concentrations of CO.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates a CO detector with a control board and fuel supply to automatically shut off power or fuel to the source when CO levels exceed a threshold, preventing further CO production without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated shutdown systems are implemented, then response time is reduced and reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the CO detection function and the fuel supply control function into a single integrated system. The detector is directly coupled to the fuel supply mechanism, allowing automatic shutdown when CO is detected. This merging eliminates the need for separate detection and response systems, reducing overall complexity while improving reliability through automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting CO and shutting off the fuel supply without human intervention. The detector monitors CO levels and directly controls the fuel supply valve or power source, enabling the system to respond to hazards autonomously. This self-service capability improves reliability by eliminating human response delays while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
2Loss of time
If automated shutdown systems are implemented, then loss of time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is pre-configured with the detector directly connected to the fuel supply control mechanism. All necessary components are in place and configured before CO detection is needed, allowing immediate automated response when CO is detected. This preliminary setup eliminates response delays while keeping the system relatively simple through direct coupling of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring CO levels and automatically adjusting the fuel supply based on detected concentrations. When CO exceeds safe levels, the system immediately shuts off the fuel supply, and can resume operation when levels return to safety thresholds. This feedback loop minimizes time loss while maintaining straightforward system operation through direct cause-and-effect control.
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
The system automatically disables the source of CO production, minimizing the time between detection and termination, reducing the risk of exposure and ensuring rapid mitigation of CO accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
a CO sensor operable to detect a threshold level of CO
Data Source
AI summary
Briefly, apparatus and methods for detecting and terminating production of undesirable gases, such as carbon monoxide (“CO”), at a potential source, such as a household appliance. The apparatus and methods may determine a threshold level of the gas. In one embodiment, the method and apparatus may determine whether to provide power to a power supply input of a controller of a potential gas producing device based on the detected level of gas, where providing power to the power supply input of the controller of the potential gas producing device enables the controller of the potential gas producing device to provide power to the potential gas producing device. In another embodiment, when gas concentrations about a potential source are above a maximum threshold, the system communicates with a fuel supply valve of the potential source to cause the valve thereof to interrupt the supply of fuel to the potential source.