Fire Alarm Control Panel Event Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional fire alarm system testing methods require manual activation and verification by multiple technicians, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, and do not efficiently manage event data or allow for remote monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A central communications system connects the fire alarm control panel to a mobile computing device, enabling real-time data transfer and storage of event data, allowing on-site technicians to verify device functionality and location, and allowing remote technicians to monitor progress, with automated data buffering and secure data management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual activation and verification by multiple technicians is used, then device functionality can be verified, but testing time is excessive and human error increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionality verificationVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual verification process with an automated electronic system. The control panel automatically detects device activation, generates event data, and transmits it to remote devices, eliminating the need for manual verification by multiple technicians while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control panel performs self-verification by automatically detecting when a device is activated, generating the corresponding event data, and initiating transmission without human intervention. This self-service capability reduces both testing time and potential for human error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual verification methods are used, then device location can be confirmed, but data management efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice location verificationVSAvoiddata management efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual location verification with automated electronic data transmission. The control panel automatically captures device location information and transmits it digitally to remote devices, improving both precision and data management efficiency simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control panel acts as an intermediary that automatically collects, processes, and transmits device location and event data between the fire alarm system and remote devices, eliminating inefficient manual data management while maintaining verification precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If traditional testing methods are used, then on-site verification is possible, but remote monitoring capability is absent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveon-site verificationVSAvoidremote monitoring capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control panel serves multiple functions: it performs on-site verification by detecting local device activation and simultaneously enables remote monitoring by transmitting event data to remote devices. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between on-site verification ease and remote monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control panel acts as an intermediary that bridges on-site device activation and remote monitoring. It receives signals from locally activated devices and transmits this information to remote devices, enabling both on-site verification and remote monitoring to occur simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If event data is transmitted in real-time, then data accuracy is improved, but communication system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveevent data accuracyVSAvoidcommunication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual data collection and verification processes with automated electronic data transmission. The control panel automatically generates and transmits accurate event data in real-time, improving data accuracy while the standardized communication protocol keeps system complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3095098B1Testing system and method for fire alarm system

Publication Date: 2022.04.27 JOHNSON CONTROLS FIRE PROTECTION LP

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AI summary

A system and method for testing fire detection and fire annunciation devices of a fire alarm system includes a central operations system, which provides a link between a control panel of the fire alarm system and a mobile computing device operated by a technician. During a walkthrough test, the on-site technician activates fire detection or fire annunciation devices of the fire alarm system and the activated devices signal the control panel and event data are generated. Event data from the control panel are sent to the central operations system to be stored. The central operations system sends the event data to a mobile computing device operated by the technician. The on-site technician is then able verify that the devices are physically sound, unaltered, working properly, and located in their assigned locations.