Adverse Condition Detector With Historical Data Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current adverse condition detectors, such as carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, lack the ability to record and retrieve historical data regarding their operation, making it difficult for service technicians to diagnose issues and for manufacturers to identify design weaknesses.
Innovation Solution
An adverse condition detector with a microprocessor that records monitored events and time stamps them, allowing for retrieval of historical data through an external interrogating device via an interface pad, enabling technicians to analyze the detector's operation and identify potential issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If historical data recording capability is added to the detector, then diagnostic ability and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor records event occurrence data and time stamps in advance during normal operation, storing this information in memory before any diagnostic inquiry occurs. This preliminary data collection enables later analysis without requiring additional hardware or complex real-time processing during diagnostics.
Solution Approach 2:
An interface pad is introduced as an intermediary component that enables communication between the detector's microprocessor and external interrogating devices. This simple interface layer allows data retrieval without requiring complex wireless communication modules or proprietary connection systems.
2Loss of information
If event recording and time stamping functions are implemented, then information completeness is improved, but loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor continuously records event occurrence data and corresponding time stamps from its internal clock in real-time during normal operation. This preliminary recording ensures that when diagnostics are performed, all necessary information is already captured and stored in memory, eliminating the need for time-consuming retroactive data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The microprocessor automatically performs the data recording and time stamping functions without requiring external intervention or complex processing. The system serves itself by autonomously capturing and storing operational data, freeing up processing resources for other tasks.
3Ease of operation
If an interface pad for external interrogation is added, then ease of operation for technicians is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An interface pad is introduced as an intermediary component that enables communication between the detector's microprocessor and external interrogating devices. This simple interface layer allows data retrieval without requiring complex wireless communication modules or proprietary connection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface pad provides a standardized, simplified access point that copies the essential data retrieval function without requiring the full complexity of the microprocessor's internal architecture to be exposed. Technicians can query the system through this simple interface without needing to understand or access complex internal components.
Data Source
AI summary
An adverse condition detector that records historical data concerning the operation of the detector such that the detector can be interrogated by a technician. The microprocessor of the adverse condition detector monitors for alarm conditions and other important information related to the operation of the detector. Upon identifying an important characteristic of the detector operation, the microprocessor time stamps the information and stores the information within memory of the microprocessor. The detector includes an interface pad that is accessible from the exterior of the detector such that a technician can access the interface pad without removing the detector housing.