Fire Detector Identification Using Floor Plans and Line Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying fire detectors in a fire alarm system require manual steps that are time-consuming and prone to errors, necessitating 100% test coverage for accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes straight-line distances from floor plan data and resistance measurements along a transmission line to automatically identify fire detectors by generating a graph that matches the fire detector sequence with their installation locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual identification methods are used to assign fire detector addresses, then the identification can be performed with existing tools, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical identification processes with an automated electrical measurement system. The control panel automatically performs resistance measurements along the transmission line to determine cable lengths and identify fire detector positions, eliminating the need for manual tracking and verification methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire alarm system performs self-identification by automatically measuring resistance values along the transmission line and calculating cable lengths. The control panel autonomously determines fire detector positions and assigns addresses without requiring external manual intervention or specialized identification tools.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual identification methods are used, then existing installation tools can be utilized, but 100% test coverage is required to ensure accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual testing procedures with automated electrical resistance measurements. The control panel automatically performs measurements and calculations, eliminating the need for manual verification and reducing testing complexity while maintaining installation simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If fire detectors are identified by tracking sequence along the transmission line, then identification can be performed without specialized tools, but knowledge of cable routing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for visual tracking and cable routing knowledge with automated electrical resistance measurements. The control panel measures resistance values along the transmission line and calculates cable lengths to automatically determine fire detector positions, eliminating the requirement for installer knowledge of cable paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces resistance measurement as an intermediary method to indirectly determine fire detector positions. Instead of directly tracking cable routing, the system uses electrical resistance measurements along the transmission line as a mediator to calculate cable lengths and identify detector locations.
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 automatic and error-free identification of fire detectors, ensuring precise assignment of network addresses and serial numbers to their floor plan positions, eliminating manual errors and reducing installation time.
Implementation Method 1
distances are measured along the transmission line (14) by means of resistance measurements when the fire detectors (10) are sequentially connected to the transmission line (14)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for automatically identifying fire detectors (10) that are connected to a transmission line (14), by analyzing floorplan data and carrying out measurements along the transmission line (14).