NFC Subscriber Configuration for Fire Protection Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire protection system subscribers are prone to configuration errors due to intricate mechanical settings, especially in construction environments, and require housing opening, which introduces contamination and additional error sources.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an NFC interface for configuration data transmission between a mobile device and the subscriber's data memory, eliminating the need for mechanical setting and housing opening, thereby reducing error susceptibility and simplifying the configuration process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical DIP switch setting is used for subscriber configuration, then the subscriber can be identified by the control panel, but configuration errors occur due to intricate mechanical setting in construction environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical DIP switch setting system with an NFC (Near Field Communication) based wireless configuration system. The mobile device with NFC interface communicates with the subscriber's NFC interface to transfer configuration data including the identifier, eliminating the need for manual mechanical switching and reducing configuration errors in construction environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a mobile device to copy and transfer configuration data (including subscriber identifier) from the mobile device's memory to the subscriber's data memory via NFC communication. This digital copying process replaces the manual mechanical setting process and ensures accurate configuration without human error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If housing is opened for mechanical configuration, then the DIP switch can be accessed for setting, but contamination and additional error sources are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of configuration componentsVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the configuration function from the mechanical DIP switch inside the housing and relocates it to an NFC interface that can be accessed wirelessly. The NFC interface is configured to receive configuration data through the housing material, eliminating the need to open the housing for configuration while preventing contamination of the housing interior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The NFC interface acts as an intermediary that enables configuration data transfer through the housing material without physical access to the interior. The mobile device communicates with the subscriber's NFC interface through electromagnetic fields that penetrate the housing, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need to open the housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If preconfiguration of subscribers is done before delivery, then the address is already set, but the large number of subscribers requires considerable storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration timeVSAvoidstorage requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables preliminary configuration of subscribers by allowing the identifier and other configuration data to be stored in the subscriber's data memory before installation. The NFC interface can then quickly transfer this pre-configured data to the control panel during commissioning, reducing on-site configuration time while maintaining efficient storage utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 NFC-based configuration method enhances error-free setup, reduces contamination risks, and simplifies the installation process for fire protection system subscribers, ensuring accurate and efficient identification and communication with control panels.

Implementation Method 1

The NFC interface is configured to receive at least the identifier of the subscriber from the mobile write and/or read device and to transmit it to the data memory

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNFC (Near Field Communication): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11804117B2Subscriber, module of a subscriber and method for configuring a subscriber

Publication Date: 2023.10.31 MINIMAX GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The present invention relates to a subscriber, in particular a module or device for monitoring a function and/or status and/or for transmitting an alarm, having: a first interface for communicating with a control panel, preferably a fire alarm and/or extinguishing control panel, a data memory for storing configuration data relating to the subscriber comprising at least an identifier of the subscriber for identifying the subscriber with respect to the control panel, a second interface for inputting configuration data to the data memory. The second interface has an NFC interface for communicating with a mobile write and/or read device The NFC interface is configured to receive at least the identifier of the subscriber from the mobile write and/or read device and to transmit it to the data memory. The invention improves known subscribers to the effect that a configuration which is less susceptible to faults and is simpler at the same time is possible.