Input/Output Module Self-Testing Without Fire Control Panel

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire alarm systems require manual connection and verification of input/output modules through a fire control panel, leading to low operating efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An input/output module with self-test capabilities, including a self-test mode activation unit, port switching unit, and port indicator lights, allowing direct self-testing without a fire control panel, ensuring efficient and intuitive port functionality verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual connection and verification through fire control panel is used, then system reliability is ensured, but operating efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating efficiencyVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The input/output module performs self-testing through integrated test signal generation and indicator lights, eliminating the need for external fire control panel verification. The module tests its own ports and displays results independently, achieving self-service functionality that improves operating efficiency while maintaining reliability through automated verification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through indicator lights that display test results and port states. The module receives test signals, processes them through ports, and provides visual feedback via indicator lights, creating a closed-loop verification system that ensures reliability while enabling quick self-testing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If self-test mode with multiple ports and indicator lights is added, then detection efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The testing functionality is segmented into distinct components: test signal generation unit, port switching unit, indicator light units for each port, and mode activation. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, improving detection efficiency through systematic port-by-port testing while managing complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The indicator lights serve multiple functions: displaying normal operation states, indicating test modes, showing test results, and revealing fault conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate display components for each function, improving detection efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4641997A1Input/output module and self-test method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 GULF SECURITY TECH CO LTD
  • EP4641997A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4641997A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4641997A1 patent drawing

AI summary

This application relates to the technical field of fire detection, and in particular, to an input/output module (1) and a self-test method for the input/output module (1). This application provides an input/output module (1) and a self-test method thereof, and an operator can directly perform a self-test after the input/output module (1) is installed, without relying on a fire control panel, making installation and testing operations convenient and efficient. The input/output module (1) includes a plurality of ports (2), a self-test mode activation unit (3), a port switching unit (4), and a plurality of port indicator lights (5). The plurality of ports (2) includes input ports (21) and output ports (22), the self-test mode activation unit (3) activates the input/output module (1) to enter a self-test mode, the port switching unit (4) switches and selects a port (2)-currently being tested in the self-test mode, and the plurality of port indicator lights (5) are disposed corresponding to the plurality of ports (2) respectively and display selected states and detection results of the corresponding ports (2).