Fire notification device with integrated environmental node sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire detection systems in buildings require cumbersome and costly installation processes due to the need for individual wiring of sensors, which hinders the integration of new features and upgrades, especially when retrofitting existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A sensor apparatus that can be physically and electrically coupled to existing fire notification devices, powered by the same system, allowing for wireless communication and reducing installation time and costs by leveraging the power from the Initiating Device Notification Appliance Circuit (IDNAC) bus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are individually wired into the building system, then reliable power and communication are provided, but installation time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor apparatus is integrated with the fire notification device into a single unified unit. The environmental sensor, fire detection components, and notification elements are combined in one housing, eliminating the need for separate wiring of individual sensors. This merging allows the entire assembly to be installed as one component while maintaining reliable power supply through the existing fire system infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire notification device is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a fire detection device and an environmental monitoring station. The device can detect fire conditions through traditional smoke/heat sensors while simultaneously monitoring environmental parameters like temperature and humidity through integrated environmental sensors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensor installations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new sensors are added to the fire detection system, then monitoring capabilities are enhanced, but system complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing functions are merged into a single integrated apparatus. The environmental sensor node combines fire detection sensors, environmental monitoring sensors, and notification components into one unified device that interfaces with the fire system through a single connection point, thereby enhancing monitoring capabilities without increasing wiring complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire notification device is designed as a universal platform that can perform both traditional fire detection and environmental monitoring functions. By integrating multiple sensor types within the same device housing and using a common power and communication interface, the system achieves enhanced versatility without requiring separate wiring infrastructure for each sensor type.
3Ease of manufacture
If wireless sensor attachment is implemented, then installation costs are reduced, but power supply reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless sensor attachment is merged with the powered fire notification device into a single integrated unit. This combination allows the device to benefit from the reliable powered connection for critical fire detection functions while incorporating wireless environmental sensing capabilities that do not require additional wiring, thereby achieving both cost efficiency and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire notification device serves as a universal platform that supports both wired power/connection for essential fire safety functions and wireless capabilities for enhanced environmental monitoring. This multi-functional design ensures that critical safety functions maintain reliable powered operation while optional environmental monitoring features provide wireless flexibility and cost savings.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor apparatus for integration with a building fire system includes a first mounting interface configured to physically couple to a mounting surface. This first mounting interface comprises a first power connector configured to receive power from the building fire system. The sensor apparatus further comprises an environmental sensor electrically coupled to the first power connector and configured to use the power from the building fire system to monitor environmental conditions of a building.