Integrated Fire Detection Apparatus with Optical Oxygen Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fire prevention systems lack integration and synergy between oxygen and smoke sensors, do not consider air quality parameters, and are not redundant, leading to increased detection inertia and potential damage in case of sensor failures.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with integrated optical oxygen sensors, smoke sensors, temperature sensors, relative humidity sensors, carbon dioxide sensors, and VOC sensors, along with a microprocessor for functional safety logic, allowing for redundant data transmission and power supply to ensure continuous operation and accurate fire detection despite sensor failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate oxygen sensors and smoke sensors are installed, then the detection coverage is improved, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (oxygen sensor, smoke sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor) into a single integrated monitoring apparatus. This merging approach maintains comprehensive detection coverage while reducing device complexity, installation requirements, and overall system cost compared to using separate sensors.
2Reliability
If redundant sensors are installed, then the reliability in case of sensor failure is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates functional security logic that provides redundancy through software-based monitoring and cross-validation of sensor readings. The microprocessor continuously monitors sensor outputs and can detect failures, providing a cushion against sensor failures without requiring physical redundant sensors, thus maintaining reliability while avoiding increased hardware complexity.
3Ease of operation
If multiple sensors are integrated into one apparatus, then the ease of installation and maintenance is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor functions into modular components that can be independently manufactured and then integrated into the final apparatus. This segmentation allows each sensor module to be manufactured with standard precision requirements, while the integration process combines them into a unified system that provides comprehensive monitoring, thus easing installation without requiring excessive manufacturing precision.
4Measurement precision
If zirconium oxide oxygen sensors are used, then the measurement precision is improved, but the energy consumption and temperature requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the oxygen sensor by using electrochemical sensing technology that operates at ambient temperatures with low energy consumption. This parameter change from high-temperature zirconium oxide sensors to low-temperature electrochemical sensors maintains measurement precision while dramatically reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for thermal management systems.
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 apparatus provides comprehensive atmospheric monitoring, reduces false alarms, ensures continuous fire detection and safety even with sensor failures, and extends sensor lifespan, improving fire outbreak management and air quality assessment in protected environments.
Implementation Method 1
an oxygen sensor (6), in particular of the optical type
Implementation Method 2
a smoke sensor (3)
Implementation Method 3
a temperature sensor (4)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An apparatus for monitoring atmospheric characteristics and detecting fires, including an electronic unit provided with a means for detecting the presence of smoke in an environment to be protected, a means for detecting the quantity of carbon monoxide, and a means for detecting the temperature. The particularity of the apparatus resides in that the electronic unit furthermore includes a partial or complete combination of means for detecting the quantity of oxygen, means for detecting the relative humidity, means for detecting the differential pressure, means for detecting the carbon dioxide and means for detecting the quantity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the environment; the electronic unit, with all the related detection means, is operatively connectable to a remote central control unit and can be supplied by means of a power source.