Furnace shut off device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furnace shut off devices do not include a transmitter to send an alarm to a mobile device when dangerous CO levels are detected, and they lack features like multiple carbon monoxide sensors, an alarm system, and an automatic shut off mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A furnace shut off device with multiple carbon monoxide sensors, a microcontroller to control the shut off, a speaker for audible alerts, a display for CO level indication, and a transmitter to alert a mobile device via Bluetooth, along with an automatic shut off mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing shut off devices are used, then the basic CO detection function is provided, but the alarm notification to mobile devices and additional safety features are missing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple safety functions into a single integrated device: CO sensing, audible alarm, visual display, mobile notification transmitter, and furnace shut-off control all operate within one unified system, eliminating the need for separate devices for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The shut off device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: detecting CO levels, providing local audible and visual alerts, sending remote notifications to mobile devices, and controlling furnace shut-off, making it a universal safety solution rather than a single-purpose device
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and alarm systems are added, then the detection accuracy and safety alert capability are improved, but the device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple CO sensors that can be positioned at different locations within the furnace system to detect CO levels independently, with each sensor providing redundant measurement capability that enhances overall detection accuracy and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller serves as an intermediary that processes signals from multiple sensors, coordinates the alarm system, manages the transmitter communications, and controls the shut-off mechanism, integrating all components through a central intelligence unit that reduces overall system complexity
3Extent of automation
If automatic shut off and alarm features are implemented, then the safety response capability is enhanced, but the device complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is pre-configured with threshold values for dangerous CO levels and programmed response protocols, so that when CO levels exceed these pre-set thresholds, the microcontroller automatically triggers the alarm and shut-off mechanisms without requiring manual intervention or complex real-time decision algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors CO levels through the sensors and provides feedback to the microcontroller, which compares current readings against safe thresholds and automatically adjusts the furnace operation state accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that simplifies the automation logic
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
Provides effective, economical, and user-friendly CO detection and shut off capabilities, ensuring safety by emitting alarms, displaying CO levels, and automatically shutting down the furnace when dangerous levels are detected.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of carbon monoxide (CO) sensors 22 suitable to sense data indicative of a concentration level of carbon monoxide (CO) in a residence
Implementation Method 2
a speaker 62 suitable to emit an audible sound to warn the user of high CO levels
Implementation Method 3
a transmitter 45 suitable to send an alarm to a mobile device when dangerous CO levels are detected
Data Source
AI summary
A furnace shut off device including a sensor assembly, a shutoff assembly and an alarm assembly. The sensor assembly includes a plurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors can be used to collect data of carbon monoxide concentration level. The shutoff assembly includes a microcontroller. The microcontroller receives the collected data from the plurality of sensors to shut off a furnace unit if the carbon monoxide concentration level is high. The alarm assembly includes a display, a light and a speaker. The microcontroller actuates said display, said light and said speaker if the carbon monoxide concentration level is high.