Fire Safety Control System With Connection Sensor

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current fire safety systems require frequent manual inspections of control heads and storage containers, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and there is a need for remote monitoring of connection status and agent properties to ensure system readiness and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A fire safety system that includes a container assembly with sensors to monitor the connection status between the control head and valve, as well as pressure, temperature, and agent level sensors, which send signals to a control panel for real-time monitoring and notification, reducing the need for manual inspections and ensuring system readiness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual inspection of control heads and storage containers is performed frequently, then system reliability is improved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem readinessVSAvoidinspection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-monitoring through sensors that automatically detect connection status, pressure, temperature, and agent level without requiring human intervention. The control panel continuously receives signals from these sensors and can autonomously identify when inspections are needed, allowing the system to serve itself in monitoring its own status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor parameters and send signals to the control panel. When parameters deviate from normal ranges or when connection status changes, the system provides immediate feedback through visual or audible alerts, enabling timely response without waiting for scheduled manual inspections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If manual inspection intervals are extended to reduce labor, then operational efficiency improves, but system reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem readiness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The automated sensor system continuously monitors connection status and agent properties without requiring manual intervention. This self-monitoring capability allows extended inspection intervals while maintaining reliability, as the system independently tracks its own status and alerts operators only when actual issues arise rather than on fixed schedules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection processes with electronic sensing and automated monitoring systems. Sensors electronically detect connection status, pressure, temperature, and agent level, substituting the need for physical manual examination and enabling continuous monitoring without labor-intensive periodic inspections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If remote monitoring is implemented, then manual labor is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring convenienceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control panel serves multiple functions: it receives signals from various sensors (connection status, pressure, temperature, agent level), processes this information, provides visual and audible alerts, and can control system outputs. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated unit, reducing overall system complexity while enabling comprehensive remote monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2658616B1Fire safety control system
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 UTC FIRE & SECURITY AMERICAS CORPORATION INC
  • EP2658616B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2658616B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2658616B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fire safety control system includes a storage container with an agent; a valve on the storage container for releasing the agent; a control head on the valve for actuating the valve; and a connection sensor on the control head for sensing whether the control head is connected to the valve and for producing a connection status signal.