Fire System Isolator Mapping via Voltage Drop Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire panel systems experience large voltage drops due to high currents and the use of mapping resistors, especially in systems with a single pair of wiring for both power supply and communication, which can impact device operation and accuracy in isolator-based mapping algorithms.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that activate and measure the status of isolators in devices within a system, using a controller to issue commands and receive feedback on voltage drops, allowing for accurate mapping without the need for advance knowledge of device locations, and potentially avoiding series resistors to minimize voltage drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mapping resistor and base resistor are used with high currents in signature mapping algorithm, then device mapping can be performed, but large voltage drops occur in the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mapping function from a centralized signature mapping algorithm to individual isolators at each device. Each isolator independently responds to mapping commands by opening its switch, eliminating the need for high-current signaling through mapping resistors. This extraction of the mapping function to the device level resolves the voltage drop issue while maintaining mapping accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an isolator as an intermediary component at each device that mediates the mapping process. Instead of using high currents through resistors to detect device presence, the isolator's switch opening serves as the intermediary signal that indicates device status. This intermediary mechanism enables accurate mapping without the energy loss associated with high-current resistor-based detection.
2Reliability
If isolators are implemented as switches that open on short circuit detection, then device isolation is achieved, but system complexity increases due to additional components and mapping procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by embedding the isolator functionality directly within each device. Each device contains its own isolator with a switch that automatically opens upon detecting a short circuit or receiving an isolator command, without requiring external control or complex centralized management. This self-service approach achieves reliable isolation while minimizing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the isolation function into independent isolator units at each device location. Rather than using a centralized isolation mechanism, each device has its own isolated control circuitry and switch. This segmentation enables localized isolation decisions and simplifies the overall system architecture by distributing the isolation functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single pair of wiring is used for both power supply and communication, then installation is simplified, but voltage drops are exacerbated due to shared conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action through pulsed or sequential isolator activation during the mapping process. Instead of continuous high-current signaling that would cause sustained voltage drops on shared conductors, the system uses brief, periodic isolator switch openings to detect device presence. This periodic activation minimizes the time that high currents flow through the shared power/communication conductors, reducing voltage drops while maintaining installation simplicity.
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 efficient and accurate mapping of devices in fire detection systems by identifying voltage drops and isolator states, ensuring operational integrity and reducing voltage drop issues, while allowing for effective isolation and power management.
Implementation Method 1
an isolator circuit for a unit of a safety system. Through a remote control, a switch can be opened so as to isolate a section of a power control line
Implementation Method 2
a mapping command may be broadcast to all the devices, where the mapping command instructs a specific device (e.g., a first device) to draw current through the communication line. The other devices measure the current and respond to the panel with a value for what those other devices measured
Implementation Method 3
The signature mapping algorithm may result in large voltage drops. Such voltage drops are due to the use of a mapping resistor and base resistor coupled with high currents in systems that include high consumption devices
Data Source
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AI summary
A method including receiving, by a plurality of devices, a first command to activate a first isolator of a first device included in the devices; measuring, by the devices, a first set of applied voltages at each of the devices when the first isolator is activated; communicating, by the devices, first status regarding the measured first set of applied voltages to a controller.