Distributed Remote Sensing Devices for Dynamic Industrial Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated control and safety systems in industrial facilities rely on static sensing systems and predefined responses, which are inflexible, non-robust, and inefficient, leading to gaps in monitoring and ineffective responses to safety hazards, particularly in dynamic environments where personnel movement and equipment operation pose challenges.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of intelligent industrial facility safety systems employing distributed remote sensing devices (RSDs) with sensing, processing, communication, and alert units, allowing for adaptive monitoring and response through modular sensor modules and various communication configurations, including standalone, mesh, distributed, and distributed-mesh schemes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If fixed sensors are distributed throughout the facility to provide balanced coverage, then monitoring coverage is improved, but the system cannot adapt to dynamic personnel locations and maintains inflexible coverage patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static fixed sensors to mobile sensors that can dynamically relocate throughout the facility. These mobile sensors are carried by personnel or mounted on mobile platforms, enabling the monitoring system to adapt its coverage areas in real-time based on where personnel are located and where hazards are most likely to occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile sensor platform serves multiple functions: it provides monitoring coverage for multiple different areas as it moves, adapts to various personnel locations, and can respond to different types of hazards. This single mobile unit replaces multiple fixed sensors, providing both broad coverage and adaptive capability.
2Device complexity
If sensors rely on direct communication with a centralized controller, then system simplicity is maintained, but monitoring reliability fails when communication is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized monitoring system into distributed mobile sensor units, each capable of independent operation. Each mobile sensor can detect and respond to local hazards autonomously without requiring continuous communication with a central controller, thereby maintaining monitoring reliability even when communication is disrupted.
Solution Approach 2:
Each mobile sensor unit is self-sufficient, with onboard processing capabilities that allow it to independently analyze sensor data, detect hazards, and trigger local alarms or responses without needing to communicate with a centralized controller. This self-service capability ensures continuous monitoring reliability regardless of communication status.
3Device complexity
If fixed sensors provide partial coverage of an area, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of hazard location deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile sensor dynamically moves through the facility, allowing it to approach and closely monitor specific areas where hazards are detected or suspected. This dynamic positioning enables precise localization of hazards such as gas leaks by bringing the sensor directly to the source, rather than relying on distant fixed sensor coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are systems and methods for distributed industrial facility safety systems. Provided in some embodiments an industrial facility safety system that includes a plurality of remote sensing devices (RSDs) distributed throughout an industrial facility, and a facility safety control system (FSCS). The FSCS adapted to receive safety information from the plurality of RSDs, process the safety information to determine safety alerts, and send the safety alerts to RSDs of the plurality of RSDs. Each of the RSDs adapted to generate local safety data corresponding to characteristics of the environment surrounding the RSD sensed by the RSD, to exchange safety information with other RSDs and the FSCS based on available communication, and to present alerts.