Intelligent Section Valve Fire Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sprinkler systems face delays in determining the presence of a fire due to false positive flow indications, which can lead to delayed resource allocation and potential property damage or injury, as they rely on traditional flow sensors and extensive cabling that are prone to errors and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of intelligent section valves (ISVs) with integrated processors and communication media that utilize pressure derivative techniques and back flow valves to accurately detect and report liquid flow, reducing false positives and minimizing cabling infrastructure through daisy-chaining and plug-in connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional flow sensors and delay mechanisms are used to prevent false positives, then measurement precision is improved, but detection time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical flow sensors with intelligent section valves that use pressure derivative techniques and electronic processing to detect flow conditions. The processor analyzes pressure changes over time to distinguish between actual fire conditions and false positives, eliminating the need for mechanical delay mechanisms while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from simple flow presence to pressure derivative analysis. By monitoring the rate of pressure change rather than just flow volume, the system can immediately identify actual fire conditions while filtering out false positives through computational analysis of pressure trends.
2Reliability
If extensive cabling infrastructure is used for flow detection, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow detection function with the section valve assembly itself. The intelligent section valve integrates the flow sensor, processor, and communication capabilities into a single unit, eliminating the need for separate cabling infrastructure and reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The intelligent section valve performs multiple functions: it controls water flow, detects flow conditions, processes pressure data, and communicates system status. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated flow detection cabling and reduces overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If delay mechanisms are implemented to filter false flow signals, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor continuously monitors pressure derivative data and provides feedback to distinguish between actual fire conditions and false positives. This feedback mechanism allows immediate detection of real fires while filtering false signals through computational analysis, eliminating the need for time-based delay mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical time-based delay mechanisms with electronic pressure derivative analysis. The processor analyzes the characteristics of pressure changes to immediately identify actual fire conditions, providing both speed and accuracy without the trade-off inherent in mechanical delay 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
This solution enables faster and more accurate detection of fire locations, reducing false alarms and resource delays, while also simplifying system maintenance and reducing infrastructure costs through intelligent communication and reduced cabling.
Implementation Method 1
utilize pressure derivative techniques and back flow valves to accurately detect and report liquid flow
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to a sprinkler system (200) having a valve (204, 206, 208, 352) for discharging a liquid to suppress fire, a sensor (214) disposed at the valve, the sensor configured to provide an output indicating a flow of liquid, and a processor disposed at the valve, the processer processing the output of the sensor to provide an indication of liquid flow at the valve.