Fire Alarm System Powering Wireless Building Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building management systems (BMS) with fire detection systems lack an efficient method to power wireless infrastructure components during power outages, leading to disruptions in communication and safety operations.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a wireless infrastructure component that utilizes power from the building fire system, including a control board to determine the system state and selectively provide power, ensuring continuous operation of wireless communications even during power failures by using backup batteries when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless infrastructure components are integrated into the fire detection system and powered by it, then continuous operation during power outages is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fire detection system and wireless infrastructure components into a single integrated unit. The wireless access point, routers, and other communication devices are physically coupled to and powered by the fire alarm control panel, eliminating the need for separate power sources and reducing overall system complexity despite the increased functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire detection system is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional fire detection and suppression in addition to powering wireless communication infrastructure. This multi-functionality allows the same power source to support both safety-critical fire detection and non-critical wireless communications, ensuring continuous operation during outages.
2Productivity
If power is diverted to wireless infrastructure components from the fire system, then network performance and coverage are improved, but the power availability for fire system components may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically manages power distribution between fire detection components and wireless infrastructure. The control board selectively provides power based on system state, adjusting power allocation in real-time to ensure fire safety requirements are met while optimizing wireless network performance when available power permits.
Solution Approach 2:
The control board monitors the state of the building fire system and uses this feedback to selectively provide power to wireless communications. The system continuously assesses power availability and system needs, adjusting power distribution accordingly to maintain both fire safety and network functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless infrastructure component for integration with a building fire system includes a first mounting interface and a wireless communications interface. The first mounting interface is configured to physically couple to a mounting surface and includes a first power connector that is configured to receive power from the building fire system. The wireless communications interface is electrically coupled to the first power connector and is configured to use the power from the building fire system in order to conduct wireless communications with one or more wireless devices.