Fire Alert Signal Timing to Distinguish Detector Faults
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire alert systems in aircraft fail to reliably distinguish between the extinguishing of a fire and detector malfunction, leading to unreliable information for the crew, and the visual verification method is not always feasible or reliable.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine a transitory time between the end of a fire alert signal and the start of a fault signal, comparing it to an alert threshold time to differentiate between fire extinction and detector malfunction, and emit an alert signal if the transitory time is less than the threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fire detector continues to monitor after fire extinction, then the system can detect re-ignition, but the detector may malfunction due to prolonged exposure to heat and smoke
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by monitoring the fire alert signal duration and comparing it against predetermined thresholds before the detector may malfunction. The processing system anticipates potential detector failure by tracking the temporal characteristics of the fire alert signal and triggering appropriate responses based on whether the signal exceeds expected duration thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the processing system continuously monitors the fire alert signal characteristics and adjusts the system response accordingly. By feedback the duration and temporal pattern of the fire alert signal, the system can distinguish between genuine fire conditions and detector malfunction, and accordingly adjust alarm responses.
2Measurement precision
If the crew visually verifies fire presence, then they can confirm fire extinction, but the method is not always feasible or reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual verification method with an automated electronic monitoring system. The processing system electronically analyzes the temporal characteristics of fire alert signals and automatically determines fire extinction conditions, eliminating the need for crew members to physically inspect or visually verify fire presence or extinction.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire detection and monitoring system performs self-service by automatically analyzing its own signal characteristics to determine fire extinction conditions. The processing system monitors the temporal pattern of fire alert signals and independently verifies fire extinction without requiring external human intervention or visual verification.
3Reliability
If the fire alert signal duration is extended to ensure complete fire detection, then detection reliability improves, but the system cannot distinguish between sustained fire and detector malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by analyzing the temporal evolution and changing characteristics of the fire alert signal over time. The processing system monitors how the signal duration and temporal pattern change, using this dynamic information to distinguish between a sustained fire condition and detector malfunction. The system adapts its interpretation of the signal based on its temporal development.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes by monitoring changes in the temporal parameters of the fire alert signal, such as duration, intermittency, and temporal pattern. By analyzing these parameter changes over time, the processing system can distinguish between genuine fire conditions (which follow expected temporal patterns) and detector malfunction (which presents atypical temporal characteristics).
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention has for object a method of managing fire alert signals coming from at least one fire detector configured to generate at least one fire alert signal (S1) if overheating is detected, a fault signal (S2) being generated if the fire detector is malfunctioning. According to the invention the management method includes a step of determining a transitory time between the end of the fire alert signal (S1) and the start of the fault signal (S2), and a step of emitting an alert signal (S3) if the transitory time is less than or equal to an alert threshold time. This solution enables reliable determination if the end of the fire alert signal (S1) is the result of extinction of the fire or malfunctioning of the fire detector. The invention also has for object a system for executing said method.