Duct Detector Remote Airflow Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual testing of airflow in duct detectors is inconvenient and hazardous due to elevated installation locations, and conventional methods may not accurately measure airflow through the detector assembly, potentially masking clogged filter issues.

Innovation Solution

A duct detector with a remote airflow testing capability, incorporating an airflow sensor connected to control circuitry that measures airflow, generates signals, and determines if they exceed predetermined thresholds, activating alarms or deactivating blowers as needed, allowing for safe and accurate testing without manual access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual airflow testing is performed using conventional methods, then airflow measurement capability is provided, but accessibility and safety are compromised due to elevated installation locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow measurement capabilityVSAvoidaccessibility during testing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical testing with an automated electronic airflow sensor system. The airflow sensor electronically measures airflow through the detector assembly without requiring physical access to elevated locations, substituting mechanical manual measurement with electronic sensing and automated data collection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary airflow sensor as a mediator between the detector assembly and the testing system. This sensor is positioned within the detector housing to directly measure airflow through the detector assembly, serving as an intermediate measurement point that eliminates the need for manual testing at elevated locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual airflow testing is performed at the duct level, then airflow measurement is achieved, but accuracy in measuring detector assembly airflow is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting convenienceVSAvoidairflow measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning the airflow sensor specifically at the detector assembly level rather than at the general duct level. This localized measurement approach ensures that airflow is measured precisely where it matters - through the detector assembly itself - providing accurate data about the actual airflow condition of the detector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The airflow sensor acts as an intermediary measurement device positioned between the duct airflow and the detector assembly. It directly samples air flowing through the detector assembly, providing an accurate intermediate measurement that reflects the actual airflow through the detector components without being influenced by broader duct conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If duct detectors are installed in elevated locations for optimal monitoring, then detection coverage is improved, but testing accessibility and safety deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidtesting accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical testing operations with an automated electronic sensing system. The airflow sensor and associated electronics automatically perform airflow measurements without requiring technician access to elevated locations, substituting the mechanical testing process with electronic automation that maintains detection reliability while eliminating accessibility issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The detector system performs self-testing through the integrated airflow sensor that continuously or periodically monitors airflow through the detector assembly. This self-service capability allows the system to autonomously assess its own operational status without requiring external manual testing, maintaining optimal installation locations while eliminating testing accessibility problems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables safe, convenient, and accurate airflow testing of duct detectors, ensuring proper functionality and preventing the spread of unsuitable air by remotely measuring airflow and triggering alerts or system adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

an airflow sensor mounted within the detector assembly for detecting particulate in air flowing therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow detection:

Data Source

PatentUS9459208B2Duct detector with remote airflow test capability

Publication Date: 2016.10.04 TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH

AI summary

A device and method for facilitating convenient measurement of airflow in a duct detector. The device may include a detector assembly and an airflow sensor mounted within the detector assembly. The airflow sensor may be coupled to a remote control device, such as via control circuitry. A method for testing airflow in the duct detector may be performed by measuring airflow in the detector assembly, generating a signal that corresponds to the measured airflow in the detector assembly, and determining whether the generated signal exceeds a predetermined threshold signal level. If the generated signal does not exceed the threshold signal level, alarms may be activated and/or blowers in a ventilation system may be deactivated.