CO Detector Power-On Reset for False Alarm Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire detection systems struggle to integrate smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors within a single zone due to differences in the type of risk they detect and the potential for false alarms, making it difficult to determine the source of alarms in large buildings.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates carbon monoxide detectors with programmed processors that measure CO levels over time, transmit signals through a two-wire system, and include a reset mechanism from a central control panel with a programmed delay, allowing for differentiation between alarm sources and reducing false alarms by using distinct integration thresholds and timers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are integrated into a single alarm zone, then the system can provide comprehensive fire and CO detection coverage, but it becomes difficult to determine the source of alarms and increases the potential for false alarms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidalarm source identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the alarm system into distinct functional segments: smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors operate as separate detector types within the same physical zone, but their alarm signals are processed and identified separately through distinct signal protocols and processor recognition, allowing comprehensive coverage while maintaining source identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The central control panel receives feedback signals from both smoke and CO detectors through a two-wire system, with each detector type transmitting distinctive signal patterns that enable the processor to identify the alarm source. The system provides feedback to the user through visual and audible annunciators that specify whether the alarm is from smoke or CO detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If carbon monoxide detectors are added to existing fire detection systems, then comprehensive safety coverage is achieved, but the system complexity increases and troubleshooting becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety coverageVSAvoidsystem integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal two-wire communication system that serves multiple functions: it provides power to both smoke and CO detectors, transmits alarm signals from both detector types, and enables central panel control for resetting both detector types. This multi-functional approach achieves comprehensive safety coverage while maintaining system simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The central control panel acts as an intermediary that manages the integration between smoke detectors and CO detectors. It receives signals from both detector types through the shared two-wire system, processes the information, and provides unified control functions including alarm indication and reset capabilities, thereby simplifying troubleshooting despite the added complexity of integrating CO detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If carbon monoxide detectors use standard alarm thresholds, then detection sensitivity is maximized, but false alarms increase due to environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidfalse alarm rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a time-delay mechanism that activates before the alarm threshold is reached. When CO levels approach the alarm threshold, the system initiates a delay period during which continued exposure to elevated CO levels is required before an alarm is triggered. This preliminary action allows the system to distinguish between temporary environmental fluctuations and genuine CO hazards, maintaining detection sensitivity while reducing false alarms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8354935B2Method for hushing a CO detector through power-on reset

Publication Date: 2013.01.15 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A method and apparatus is provided for activating a carbon monoxide detector. The method includes the steps of the carbon monoxide detector measuring a current carbon monoxide level, the carbon monoxide detector comparing the current carbon monoxide level with a first threshold value, determining whether the current carbon monoxide level exceeds the first threshold value, entering an alarm state upon detecting that the current carbon monoxide level exceeds the first threshold value after a first predetermined time period, determining from memory whether the carbon monoxide detector had previously been in an alarm state before activation and upon detecting that the current carbon dioxide level does not exceed the first threshold and the carbon monoxide detector was previously in the alarm state, resuming the alarm state after a second predetermined time period.