Modular Multi-Sensor Fire Detector Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire detectors are cumbersome and costly to install and maintain, particularly in hazardous environments, and require multiple detectors to reliably detect fire hazards, leading to complex system coordination and high installation efforts.
Innovation Solution
A modular multi-sensor fire detector design where sensor heads are spatially separated from the evaluation unit, allowing for compact, flexible installation and maintenance, with the evaluation unit processing signals remotely and sending alarms independently of sensor types, reducing system complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple sensors are permanently installed in a single housing, then the detector structure is compact and integrated, but if one sensor fails the entire detector must be replaced and monitoring cannot take place during this period
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into separate sensor units and a central evaluation unit. Each sensor can be independently replaced without affecting the others, allowing continuous monitoring operation. The segmentation enables modular replacement of failed components while maintaining system functionality.
2Reliability
If fire detectors are installed in or very close to the danger zone, then hazard detection is reliable, but the detectors must meet stringent safety and environmental requirements increasing construction and approval effort
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor units are separated from the evaluation unit, allowing sensors to be installed in the danger zone while the evaluation unit can be positioned in a less restrictive environment. This segmentation reduces the construction and approval burden on the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation unit is designed with universal interfaces that can connect to different types of sensor units. This multi-functionality allows the same evaluation unit to work with various sensor configurations, simplifying approval processes and reducing construction effort.
3Reliability
If several fire detectors are necessary to reliably determine the occurrence of a dangerous event, then detection reliability increases, but the installation effort and coordination with the alarm signal receiving device increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor units are merged into a single detector system with a common evaluation unit. The evaluation unit coordinates the signals from multiple sensors locally, eliminating the need for complex coordination with the alarm signal receiving device and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection reliability.
4Extent of automation
If the alarm signal receiving device performs the analysis of signals from multiple detectors, then centralized control is maintained, but the device requires a significant amount of processing effort and the installation effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal analysis function is segmented from the alarm signal receiving device and transferred to local evaluation units at each detector. This distributed intelligence reduces the processing burden on the central receiving device and simplifies installation while maintaining centralized control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each evaluation unit performs self-service by autonomously analyzing signals from its connected sensors and determining when alarm conditions are met. This eliminates the need for complex centralized signal analysis and reduces installation and processing effort.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a modular multi-sensor fire detector (300). According to the invention, the detector (300) has an evaluation unit (200) and a number of sensor heads (100) spatially remote from the evaluation unit (200) and signal-connected to the latter (200). The evaluation unit (200) can be signal-connected to a spatially remote alarm signal receiver (301) such that the evaluation unit (200), the sensor heads (100) and the alarm signal receiver (301) are not integrated into a common housing or into a number of housings assembled together. The invention further relates to a fire detection system comprising a fire detector of this type.