Modular Central Detection Unit for Aspirating Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aspirating detection systems require multiple systems and installations for detecting various conditions, leading to increased costs and complexity in installation, maintenance, and monitoring due to the need for multiple piping systems, detection units, and control panels.

Innovation Solution

A modular central detection unit with interchangeable sensor units and a single controller that can detect multiple conditions using a single network of pipes, allowing for customizable and flexible monitoring of smoke and other substances like gases, reducing the need for multiple systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple systems are employed to detect different gas properties and fire detection purposes, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The aspirating detection system is designed to perform multiple detection functions (smoke detection, gas leak detection, carbon monoxide detection, and other industrial substance detection) using a single integrated system with a common network of pipes and a single centralised detection location, eliminating the need for multiple separate systems

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple piping systems and detection units are installed within a building, then detection coverage is improved, but installation and maintenance cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single network of pipes is used to transport air samples from multiple sampling locations throughout the building to the centralised detection location, enabling comprehensive detection coverage without requiring multiple separate piping systems

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows flexible configuration of sampling locations along the pipe network, enabling detection coverage to be segmented into different zones while using a single integrated piping infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If multiple detection units are installed at separate locations, then detection reliability is improved, but monitoring complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidmonitoring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple detection functions and sampling locations are merged into a single centralised detection location where all air samples are analyzed using one control panel and alarm system, maintaining detection reliability while simplifying monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3886067A1Central detection unit for an aspirating detection system
Publication Date: 2021.09.29 UTC FIRE & SECURITY EMEA BVBA
  • EP3886067A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3886067A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3886067A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A central detection unit for an aspirating detection system, a kit for assembling a central detection unit for an aspirating detection system and a method of assembling a central detection unit for an aspirating detection system are described. The central detection unit 2 comprises: a plurality of modular sensor units 3; and a controller 4 for receiving an input from each of the plurality of modular sensor units.