Intelligent Evacuation System with Sensor Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smoke detectors and evacuation systems do not effectively guide individuals to the safest exit routes during building fires or hazardous conditions, leading to confusion and potential casualties due to poor visibility and unfamiliarity with the building layout.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent evacuation system that uses sensory nodes and decision nodes to detect occupancy and evacuation conditions, determining optimal evacuation routes based on occupancy information, condition severity, and building layout, and conveying these routes to individuals through audible messages or other means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional smoke detectors are used to detect fire, then fire detection capability is provided, but individuals cannot effectively evacuate due to confusion, poor visibility, and unfamiliarity with building layout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (intelligent evacuation system with sensors and guidance devices) that mediates between fire detection and individual evacuation actions. This system provides real-time occupancy information, determines optimal evacuation routes, and guides individuals through audible/visual signals, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection capability and evacuation effectiveness
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple exits are provided in a building, then evacuation options are increased, but individuals have no way of knowing which exit is safest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor occupancy and environmental conditions, the system processes this information to determine current safest routes, and provides real-time feedback to occupants through guidance devices. This dynamic feedback loop ensures occupants always receive current safety information for multiple exit options
Solution Approach 2:
The intelligent evacuation system acts as an intermediary that processes information about multiple exits and translates it into actionable guidance for occupants, providing real-time recommendations on which exit is safest based on current conditions
3Ease of operation
If occupancy information is collected and processed to determine evacuation routes, then optimal route guidance is provided, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the evacuation system into modular components: occupancy sensors, communication network, processing units, and guidance devices distributed throughout the building. Each component performs a specific function, and they work together through standardized interfaces, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining sophisticated route determination capabilities
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
The system enhances the safety of building evacuations by providing clear and effective exit routes, reducing confusion and improving the chances of safe exit, even in conditions with multiple exits or high occupancy levels.
Implementation Method 1
A first signal is received with a portable occupancy unit using a first detector. A second signal is received with the portable occupancy unit using a second detector.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving, at a server, sensed data from a sensor located in a structure, wherein the sensor is part of an evacuation system for the structure. The method also includes determining, based on the sensed data, whether a threshold relative to the sensed data has been exceeded. The method further includes providing a notification if it is determined that the threshold is exceeded.