Carbon Monoxide Shutoff System for Portable Generator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable generators pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning when operated in enclosed spaces due to the generation of harmful exhaust gases, and existing shutoff systems are not adequately effective in preventing dangerous concentrations from reaching hazardous levels.

Innovation Solution

A carbon monoxide shutoff system comprising a gas sensor and microcontroller that detects ambient carbon monoxide concentrations and generates a deactivation signal to stop the engine when predefined thresholds are met, ensuring safe operation by restricting the ignition signal or cutting off fuel supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a portable generator is operated in an enclosed space to provide power, then electrical power availability is improved, but carbon monoxide concentration increases to hazardous levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power availabilityVSAvoidcarbon monoxide concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The carbon monoxide sensor continuously monitors the environment before hazardous levels are reached, and the microcontroller is pre-programmed with shutdown thresholds. When the sensor detects CO levels approaching dangerous concentrations, the system automatically initiates engine shutdown before poisoning can occur, preventing the harmful effect rather than just responding to it

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the carbon monoxide sensor continuously measures ambient CO levels and feeds this information to the microcontroller. The microcontroller compares real-time sensor readings against predetermined safe thresholds and automatically adjusts engine operation accordingly, shutting down the engine when thresholds are exceeded to maintain safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If existing shutoff systems are used to detect carbon monoxide, then some safety monitoring is provided, but they are not adequately effective in preventing dangerous concentrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety monitoring capabilityVSAvoidcarbon monoxide concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a gas sensor that converts carbon monoxide concentration into an electrical signal, transforming the chemical parameter (CO concentration) into an electrical parameter that can be processed by the microcontroller. This parameter transformation enables precise, automated detection and response to CO levels, significantly improving upon manual or less sensitive detection methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces manual safety monitoring and mechanical shutoff mechanisms with an automated electronic system. The microcontroller electronically processes sensor data and automatically triggers engine shutdown through electronic control of the ignition system or fuel injection, eliminating delays and human error associated with mechanical or manual systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Effectively prevents engine operation when carbon monoxide levels exceed safe thresholds, reducing the risk of poisoning and ensuring safer use of portable generators in enclosed environments.

Implementation Method 1

a carbon monoxide gas sensor that generates an output electrical current proportional to a detected concentration of ambient carbon monoxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11336214B2Carbon monoxide shutoff system for electric generator

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 CHAMPION POWER EQUIP

AI summary

A carbon monoxide shutoff system for an engine of a portable electrical generator has a carbon monoxide gas sensor, a microcontroller, and an output indicator. The carbon monoxide gas sensor generates an output electrical current proportional to a detected concentration of ambient carbon monoxide. The microcontroller has an input connected to the carbon monoxide gas sensor, and an output connected to an operational control of the engine. A deactivation signal generated by the microcontroller in response to detection of a deactivation condition is based upon the output electrical current from the carbon monoxide gas sensor matching predefined value and duration thresholds. The deactivation signal is operative to stop the engine.