Heat Detector Self-Testing for Debris-Impaired Fire Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire sensing devices in harsh environments, such as commercial kitchens, often become covered in debris, leading to impaired performance due to barriers between the heat source and the heat detector, and manual testing is time-consuming, expensive, and inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
Self-testing fire sensing devices that include a heat detector and a controller to automatically determine the time taken to heat to a threshold temperature, comparing it against a baseline to assess functionality and air flow, providing accurate notifications for maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual testing with heat gun is used, then heat sensor functionality can be checked, but testing is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The heat sensing device performs self-testing by automatically heating its own heat detector element through a current source and measuring its own temperature response time, eliminating the need for manual external testing with heat guns
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs baseline testing during initial installation and stores reference values, enabling future comparative self-assessment without requiring manual intervention or external equipment
2Reliability
If visual inspection and manual heat gun testing is used, then heat sensor response can be observed, but accurate indication of debris coverage is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The device measures its own heat detector temperature response time and compares it against stored baseline values, providing feedback that accurately indicates whether debris is impeding heat transfer to the sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing with heat gun and visual inspection with an automated electrical and thermal measurement system that objectively quantifies heat sensor performance
3Reliability
If regular manual testing is performed, then fire sensing device functionality can be maintained, but testing expense and disruption to business increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat sensing device autonomously performs its own functionality testing without requiring maintenance engineers or technicians, eliminating business disruption and reducing testing expenses
Solution Approach 2:
The device can perform self-testing continuously or on-demand without interrupting normal facility operations, maintaining fire safety monitoring while avoiding business disruption
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 self-testing devices reduce testing time and expense, provide accurate functionality assessments, and extend the service life of the devices by allowing continuous and on-demand testing without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a controller configured to provide energy to the heat detector to heat the heat detector to a threshold temperature
Implementation Method 2
determine an amount of time it takes for the heat detector to heat to the threshold temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, methods, and systems for testing a heat detector of a self-testing hazard sensing device are described herein. One device includes a heat detector, and a controller configured to provide energy to the heat detector to heat the heat detector to a threshold temperature, determine an amount of time it takes for the heat detector to heat to the threshold temperature, determine whether the amount of time it takes for the heat detector to heat to the threshold temperature meets or exceeds a threshold amount of time, and determine whether the heat detector is functioning properly based on whether the amount of time it takes for the heat detector to heat to the threshold temperature meets or exceeds the threshold amount of time.