Hazard Detector Self-Testing During Active Event Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual testing of event input devices in large facilities is prone to errors, time-consuming, and disruptive, leading to potential missed hazard events and access issues, as multiple users are required to test each device individually.
Innovation Solution
An automated system where event input devices can perform self-testing while remaining in an active mode for hazard detection, using a controller to manage a predetermined test sequence and alert users of any detected hazards, allowing for remote monitoring and reducing the need for multiple users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual testing of event input devices is performed, then testing can be conducted, but it is time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The event input device performs self-testing by automatically generating test signals and evaluating its own functionality, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The device autonomously executes the testing process, comparing expected versus actual outputs to determine operational status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing procedures with automated electronic signal generation and processing. A controller generates test signals that are processed electronically through the event input device, substituting human operators with automated control systems.
2Reliability
If multiple users test each device individually, then comprehensive testing can be achieved, but disruption to facility occupants increases
Solution Approach 1:
The event input device autonomously performs comprehensive testing without requiring multiple users to physically access each device. The self-testing mechanism eliminates the need for technicians to traverse the facility, thereby eliminating disruption to occupants while maintaining testing completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing function is extracted from the physical presence of users and embedded within the event input device itself. By extracting the testing capability from external operators and integrating it into the device, the system eliminates the harmful effect of user presence while preserving the testing function.
3Measurement precision
If event input devices are taken offline for testing, then accurate testing can be performed, but hazard detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The event input device dynamically switches between operational mode and test mode. During self-testing, the device temporarily enters test mode to evaluate its response to generated signals, then immediately returns to operational mode to resume hazard detection, ensuring continuous protective capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs brief periodic self-tests during which it temporarily suspends normal operation, then immediately resumes hazard detection. These periodic actions are designed to be so brief that they do not create meaningful gaps in hazard detection coverage, maintaining overall system reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for event input device testing are described herein. In some examples, one or more embodiments include a controller comprising a memory and a processor to execute instructions stored in the memory to cause a first event input device of a group of event input devices to perform an automated test process, and determine whether a second event input device of the group of event input devices has detected a hazard event while the first event input device is performing the automated test process.