Glow Wire Fire Hazard Testing Device with Automated Image Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing the fire hazard of materials in electrical engineering equipment are subjective and prone to human error, as they rely on manual assessment, which can lead to inconsistent results.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a glow wire to test the fire hazard of materials, where image data is acquired and processed to detect ignition and extinguishment times, eliminating subjective influences and providing accurate, automated measurements of the glow wire flammability index and ignition temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual assessment methods are used to test fire hazard, then the testing process is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement precision and reliability are poor due to subjective influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical assessment with an automated optical measurement system. Cameras capture images of the specimen during glow wire testing, and image processing algorithms automatically detect ignition and extinguishment events, eliminating subjective human judgment while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement through automated image acquisition and processing. The camera system continuously monitors the specimen and the image processing unit automatically determines fire hazard parameters without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-sufficient and repeatable.
2Reliability
If automated image processing is used to detect ignition, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity and initial setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing system continuously monitors captured images and provides real-time feedback on ignition and extinguishment detection. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent and reliable measurement by automatically adjusting detection parameters based on observed conditions, eliminating variability in manual assessment.
3Productivity
If manual testing is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is reduced due to time-consuming manual assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system continuously captures images throughout the entire testing process without interruption. This continuous acquisition enables automated detection of ignition and extinguishment moments, significantly increasing testing speed and productivity while maintaining high measurement precision through uninterrupted monitoring.
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
The solution provides objective and reliable assessments of a material's fire hazard by accurately determining ignition and extinguishment times, reducing the likelihood of human error and enabling consistent comparison of materials according to their fire safety properties.
Implementation Method 1
a glow wire, which consists of a loop of resistor wire that is electrically heated to a set temperature
Implementation Method 2
image data of the specimen are acquired with at least a first camera at least while the specimen is in contact with the glow wire
Implementation Method 3
Image processing of the acquired image data of the specimen is furthermore carried out, ignition of the specimen by the glow wire being detected if applicable
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for testing the fire hazard of a material. According to one embodiment of the method, a plane region of the surface of a specimen made of the material is brought in contact for at most a predetermined contact time with a glow wire, which has been heated to a predetermined temperature. Image data of the specimen are furthermore acquired by at least a first camera at least while the specimen is in contact with the glow wire. Image processing of the acquired image data of the specimen is furthermore carried out, preferably in realtime, ignition of the specimen by the glow wire being detected if applicable. A first duration is then determined, which corresponds to the length of time between the application of the tip of the glow wire on the specimen and the ignition of the specimen. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the invention, a second duration may if applicable be determined by means of the image processing of the acquired image data of the specimen, the second duration corresponding to the length of time between the application of the tip of the glow wire on the specimen and the end of the ignition of the specimen. The method and the device are suitable in particular for carrying out tests to assess the fire hazard of materials according to the standards EN 60695-2-10, -12 and -13.