Distributed Event Detection Network for Fault-Tolerant Alarm Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing alarm systems in large facilities face failures due to centralized control panels and complex wired connections, leading to high installation costs and difficulty in modifications, with potential system-wide failures if the control panel malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

A decentralized alarm system using wirelessly connected event devices in a wireless mesh network, distributing logical functions across multiple event devices, eliminating the need for wired connections and enabling easier installation and fault tolerance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a centralized control panel is used in an alarm system, then the system can be controlled from a single location, but the system becomes vulnerable to total failure if the control panel malfunctions and requires complex wired connections that increase installation costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized control panel into multiple distributed event devices, each capable of independent operation. Each device contains local processing logic and can function autonomously, eliminating the single point of failure inherent in centralized systems. The segmentation of control functions across multiple devices directly addresses the reliability-complexity contradiction by distributing risk while maintaining manageable individual device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a centralized control architecture to a distributed architecture, fundamentally changing the system's organizational parameter. This architectural parameter change enables the system to achieve higher reliability through redundancy while the individual device complexity remains low, as each distributed device is simpler than the centralized panel it replaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If wired connections are used to connect event devices to the control panel, then reliable communication can be achieved, but installation becomes difficult and expensive requiring significant material and labor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. Event devices communicate with each other and with monitoring systems via wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical wiring infrastructure. This substitution maintains communication reliability through protocol design and redundancy while dramatically improving installation ease by removing the complex wiring requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If a centralized control panel is used, then system control is centralized, but modifications to the system become difficult and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol centralizationVSAvoidsystem adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the control function into multiple independent event devices, the system gains adaptability. Each device can be independently configured, added, removed, or modified without affecting the entire system. This segmentation directly improves adaptability while maintaining ease of operation through standardized device interfaces and centralized monitoring capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Stability of the object's composition

If wired connections are used throughout the facility, then stable communication can be maintained, but installation and modification require high material costs and labor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication stabilityVSAvoidmaterial quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes wireless communication for wired connections, eliminating the physical materials (cables, connectors, conduits) required for wired installations. Communication stability is maintained through error correction protocols, signal redundancy, and mesh networking capabilities inherent in the wireless event device system, while the quantity of material required drops to nearly zero.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4184468B1Event detection using distributed event devices
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP4184468B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4184468B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4184468B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Devices, systems, and methods for event detection using distributed event devices are described herein. In some examples, one or more embodiments include a first event device and a second event device, where the first event device is configured to detect an event in an area and wirelessly transmit a notification of the detected event and location information associated with the first event device to the second event device, and where the second event device is configured to receive the notification of the detected event and the location information from the first event device, determine whether the location information matches a location included in a database in response to receiving the detected event, and perform an activation action responsive to determining the location information matches a location included in the database.