HVAC monitoring system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Residential building fire safety is compromised due to the failure of HVAC systems to shut off the central ventilation blower during a fire, which feeds the fire with oxygen and spreads toxic gases and smoke, as existing fire alarm systems primarily alert occupants without mitigating the fire's severity.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC monitoring system that includes a sensor to detect abnormal conditions, such as smoke, generating a first event marker signal to control circuitry, which outputs a second event marker signal to a relay to activate and shut down the HVAC system, preventing oxygen feed and smoke circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fire alarm systems only alert occupants without automated HVAC shutdown, then the system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the fire safety effectiveness deteriorates due to continued oxygen supply and smoke circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the HVAC shutdown sequence to automatically execute when fire conditions are detected. The control circuitry is pre-programmed with the exact sequence of operations (disconnecting blower motor, condenser fan, compressor, etc.) so that when the sensor detects smoke or abnormal conditions, the system immediately initiates the shutdown without requiring real-time decision-making or increasing operational complexity during the emergency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control circuitry component that acts as a mediator between the fire detection sensor and the HVAC system components. This intermediary device receives the alarm signal from the sensor and automatically executes the shutdown sequence, bridging the gap between detection and system response without requiring direct complex integration between all HVAC components and the alarm system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If HVAC system shuts down automatically during fire, then the fire severity is reduced by preventing oxygen feed and smoke spread, but the device complexity increases due to additional control circuitry and relay components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the HVAC shutdown function into separate controllable components (blower motor, condenser fan, compressor, etc.). Each component can be independently disconnected through the relay circuitry, allowing the system to selectively shut down specific HVAC elements based on fire conditions. This modular approach manages complexity by treating each component separately rather than requiring a complete system overhaul.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry is designed to be self-service by automatically executing the HVAC shutdown sequence without requiring external intervention or complex processing. Once the sensor detects fire conditions, the control circuitry autonomously manages the entire shutdown process, including timing sequences and component disconnection, eliminating the need for additional complex control systems or manual operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing fire alarm systems are used without HVAC integration, then the ease of manufacture and installation is maintained, but the productivity of fire safety response is reduced due to lack of automated mitigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing the control circuitry to perform multiple functions: it monitors fire conditions via the sensor, executes the HVAC shutdown sequence, and can potentially interface with existing fire alarm systems. This multi-functional design allows the same control device to handle both detection response and system shutdown without requiring separate dedicated components, thereby maintaining installation simplicity while enhancing response effectiveness.
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
Effectively reduces the severity of a residential fire by stopping the HVAC system's air circulation and preventing the spread of toxic smoke, enhancing fire safety and reducing property loss.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for detecting the environment abnormal condition
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC monitoring system that tests for an abnormal environmental condition, wherein the abnormal condition results in effectuating a selected response from an HVAC building system, the HVAC monitoring system optionally including a sensor for detecting the gas abnormal condition, wherein a first event marker signal is generated from the sensor detecting the abnormal condition. Further included is control circuitry in a first communication with the sensor, wherein the control circuitry is in a ready state that is operative to monitor for the first event marker signal, wherein the control circuitry outputs a second event marker signal corresponding to the first event marker signal, a relay in a second communication with the control circuitry, the relay is operative to be in an activated operational state upon receiving the second event marker signal to operationally effectuate the selected response from the HVAC building system.