Universal Detector Servicing Tool with Interchangeable Functional Units

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies lack versatile and universal tools for setting up and servicing detectors attached to solid surfaces, requiring separate devices for each detector type, design, and functionality, leading to inefficiencies in marking installation points, assembling, testing, and maintaining detectors.

Innovation Solution

A manually operated device with interchangeable functional units for marking, assembling, testing, and cleaning detectors, featuring a telescopic rod for reaching detectors at various heights, and a system for reading detector identifiers, allowing simultaneous testing and identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate devices are used for each detector type and functionality, then specific testing and servicing requirements are met, but device complexity and the number of tools required increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetector testing accuracyVSAvoidnumber of separate devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device integrates multiple functional units (marking, assembling, testing, cleaning) into a single universal tool that can service different detector types. The base unit combines a marking device, assembly device, and test device, while functional units can be attached as needed, eliminating the requirement for multiple separate devices while maintaining reliability for each specific task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into a base unit and interchangeable functional units. The base unit contains common components (rod, marking device, assembly device, test device), while specific functionalities are provided by separate functional units that can be attached as needed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain versatility without requiring all functions to be present simultaneously, reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate devices are carried for different detector types, then comprehensive servicing capability is achieved, but ease of operation and portability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetector type coverageVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By consolidating marking, assembling, and testing functions into a single device with interchangeable functional units, the system maintains comprehensive detector type coverage while significantly improving portability. Users only need to carry one base unit and attach the specific functional unit required for each task, rather than transporting multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If separate marking devices are used for detector installation, then mounting location accuracy is achieved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting location accuracyVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The marking device is integrated into the base unit of the universal device, combining marking functionality with assembling and testing capabilities. This allows the installer to mark mounting locations accurately using the same device that will subsequently be used for assembly and testing, eliminating the need for separate marking tools and reducing overall installation time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Measurement precision

If detector identifiers are read separately from testing, then identification accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentifier reading accuracyVSAvoidtesting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The reading device is integrated into the test device, allowing detector identifiers to be read automatically during the testing process. The test device is positioned against the detector and simultaneously performs both identifier reading and functional testing, maintaining identification accuracy while significantly improving productivity by eliminating separate identification steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3579209B1Manually handled tool for installing and servicing detectors
Publication Date: 2021.01.27 WILLY CLEMENS
  • EP3579209B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3579209B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3579209B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a manually operated tool (1) for setting up and maintaining detectors (2) that are or will be mounted on a solid surface (3), in particular those used for technical fire protection. It comprises a base (8) for connecting the device (1) to a rod (7), a receiving device (11) for a reader (12) for determining a detector identifier, and a receiving unit (13) with an upper and a lower receptacle (14, 15) into which functional units (10) such as a marking unit (16), a mounting unit (17), a test unit (18), and a cleaning unit (19) can be interchangeably inserted.