Hybrid Remote Device With Interchangeable Fire Alarm Sub-Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fire alarm control panels (FACPs) face challenges in integrating remote devices due to proprietary device protocols, requiring complex and time-consuming integration processes, and conventional remote devices are limited to singular functions, necessitating multiple devices for combined functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A modular hybrid remote device with interchangeable sub-devices and an addressable printed circuit board (PCB) that supports multiple protocols, allowing integration of different device types into a single unit, and an interface plate that connects to a junction box for efficient mounting and data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conventional remote devices are used to provide multiple functions, then the functionality is achieved, but the number of devices and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple remote device functions (detection, notification, addressability) into a single integrated base unit with replaceable sub-devices. The base unit includes a processor, memory, and communication interface that can support different sub-device types, eliminating the need for multiple separate conventional devices while maintaining all required functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed with universal compatibility to support multiple types of sub-devices through standardized interfaces. The processor and memory are configured to execute different protocols and control different sub-device types, allowing a single base unit to perform multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary device protocols are used for each manufacturer, then device compatibility is achieved, but integration complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit includes a processor configured to execute different communication protocols depending on the sub-device type. The system can switch between proprietary protocols and standardized protocols (such as Addressable Device Protocol) based on the connected sub-device, allowing rapid integration without manual reconfiguration of communication parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit automatically detects the type of sub-device connected and configures its communication parameters accordingly. The processor self-adjusts protocol settings, addressing assignments, and communication timing based on the sub-device's capabilities, eliminating the need for manual integration configuration and reducing installation time.
3Ease of manufacture
If non-addressable PCBs are used in remote devices, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but addressability and reconfiguration capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit serves as an intermediary between the non-addressable sub-devices and the fire alarm control panel. It receives address assignment commands from the control panel and translates them into appropriate addressing for the connected sub-device, allowing non-addressable devices to function in an addressable system without requiring changes to the sub-device PCBs.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus relating to providing a remote device for a fire alarm control system are, in turn, provided. The aspects include configuring each at least two replaceable sub-devices to provide at least one of a notification and a detection of a fire event. The aspects include configuring a housing to receive and connect to the at least two replaceable sub-devices.