Fog Generator Occlusion Detection via Pressure Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fog-generating devices face issues with detecting and addressing occlusions in their nozzle and delivery circuit, which can prevent fog emission, and current solutions rely on unreliable visual checks or test shots, lacking an efficient automatic detection and removal method.
Innovation Solution
A control system and process that uses a pressurizing means to introduce a control fluid into the thermal energy exchanger, measuring pressure changes to detect occlusions, and signaling alerts or attempting to clear the occlusion by emitting fog-generating gas, ensuring automatic detection and potential removal of blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual checks or test shots are used to detect occlusions, then occlusion detection is possible, but the method is unreliable and uncomfortable since clogging could be pushed downwards inside the nozzle making it invisible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and test shot methods with an automated optical detection system. A light source illuminates the nozzle interior while a sensor detects reflected light to identify occlusions, eliminating the need for physical test shots and providing reliable detection without pushing clogging deeper into the nozzle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of a light source and light sensor that indirectly detect occlusions by measuring light reflection properties inside the nozzle. This intermediary method allows detection without direct physical contact or test shots that could displace occluding material.
2Reliability
If periodic visual checks are performed before arming the device, then occlusion presence can be verified, but the solution is uncomfortable and unreliable requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service detection system where the fog-generating device automatically monitors its own nozzle for occlusions using integrated light sources and sensors. The system performs continuous self-diagnosis without requiring external manual inspection, enabling the device to detect and signal occlusions autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where light sensors continuously monitor the nozzle interior and provide real-time information about occlusion status. The system compares detected light reflection patterns against reference values and provides feedback signals to indicate when occlusions are present, enabling automatic monitoring and alerting.
3Reliability
If test shots are performed to verify nozzle operation, then occlusion can be detected, but this is clearly not feasible for continuous monitoring and security applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of occlusions continuously before arming or during operation of the device. The optical monitoring system is active in advance, detecting occlusions before they prevent device operation, eliminating the need for time-consuming test shots at the moment of need.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous optical monitoring of the nozzle throughout device operation, providing uninterrupted detection capability. The light sources and sensors operate continuously or in frequent cycles, ensuring occlusions are detected at all times rather than only during periodic test shots.
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 reliable, automatic detection and potential clearing of occlusions, ensuring the fog-generating device can operate effectively without manual intervention, enhancing security and reliability by preventing tampering and ensuring continuous protection.
Implementation Method 1
introducing a compressed control fluid, composed for example of at least one compressed gas or of a liquid with boiling temperature sufficiently low to be able to create a steam which pressurizes such thermal energy accumulators
Implementation Method 2
by introducing a compressed control fluid... and, through at least one pressure measuring means, measure the pressure inside the thermal energy exchanger
Implementation Method 3
at least one thermal energy exchanger 5 (possibly adapted to accumulate energy in thermal form) adapted to generate a phase passage of at least one fog-generating fluids coming from one or more containers 3a, 3b in a fog-generating gas
Implementation Method 4
thermal energy exchanger 5... adapted to generate a phase passage... in a fog-generating gas
Data Source
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AI summary
A control system is described, against a partial or total occlusion (1) for a fog-generating device comprising at least one thermal energy exchanger (5), possibly adapted to accumulate energy in thermal form, such thermal energy exchanger (5) being adapted to generate a phase passage of at least one fog-generating fluid in a fog-generating gas. A control process against an occlusion for a fog- generating device is further described. During the control process pressurizing means (17) pressurize the thermal energy exchanger (5) by releasing a control fluid into said thermal energy exchanger (5). On detection of a control pressure higher than a threshold value, the control system gives an alarm signal and causes said fog-generating device to release fog-generating gas in order to remove the occlusion.