Power Cord Apparatus with Remote Parametric Sensing for Fire Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire suppressant systems in machining facilities and appliances detect fires after they start, failing to disconnect power and posing risks to operators and causing re-ignition, while traditional arc detector circuits detect arcing too late to prevent catastrophic fires.
Innovation Solution
A power cord apparatus with remote parametric sensing devices, such as thermistors and vibration sensors, that detect excessive operational parameters and trigger an interrupter circuit to disconnect AC power before a fire occurs, incorporating a shielded power cable and a controller with a solid-state switching control circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fire suppressant systems are used to detect fires, then fire detection capability is provided, but power disconnection is not achieved and re-ignition risk remains
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of excessive operational parameters (temperature, vibration, arc) before catastrophic fire occurs. The parametric sensing devices monitor conditions and trigger power disconnection in advance, preventing the harmful effect of re-ignition by ensuring power is cut before fire starts or recurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The interrupter circuit acts as an intermediary between the parametric sensing devices and the power source. It receives signals from sensors detecting excessive parameters and automatically disconnects power, serving as a mediator that prevents the harmful effect of continued power supply to failing equipment.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If traditional arc detector circuits are used, then arc detection is provided, but detection timing is too late to prevent catastrophic fires
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple parametric sensing devices including temperature sensors, vibration sensors, and arc detectors that monitor conditions before catastrophic failure. By detecting excessive parameters in advance (temperature rise, abnormal vibration, early arcing), the system triggers power disconnection before catastrophic fire occurs, eliminating the time loss associated with late detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent parametric sensing devices (temperature sensors, vibration sensors, arc detectors) that monitor different aspects of equipment condition. This segmentation allows early detection of various failure modes through multiple parameters, providing earlier warning than single-function detectors and enabling preventive power disconnection.
3Productivity
If power is continued to be applied after mechanical failure, then operational continuity is maintained, but overheating and fire risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback through parametric sensing devices that continuously monitor operational parameters (temperature, vibration, electrical conditions). When excessive parameters are detected indicating mechanical failure or abnormal conditions, the feedback loop triggers the interrupter circuit to disconnect power, preventing overheating and fire while maintaining productivity by enabling quick reset after fault clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service protection by automatically detecting excessive operational parameters and triggering power disconnection without operator intervention. The parametric sensing devices and interrupter circuit work autonomously to protect equipment from overheating and fire hazards, eliminating the need for manual monitoring while maintaining operational continuity through automatic fault response.
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 effectively interrupts power and provides early warning of potential hazards, reducing the risk of fires and preventing damage by detecting excessive parameters before they lead to catastrophic failures.
Implementation Method 1
The remote temperature assembly is connectable to the conductive shield via a sensor wire, an L-sensor wire connectable to the line wire, and an N-sensor wire connectable to the neutral wire. The power cord includes a remote temperature detection sensor assembly having at least one PTC thermistor for changing electrical resistance in response to a change in temperature
Implementation Method 2
The interrupter circuit includes a manually latched ganged switch and a solenoid for electronically de-latching the manually latched ganged switch
Implementation Method 3
A power cord apparatus with remote parametric sensing devices, such as thermistors and vibration sensors, that detect excessive operational parameters
Data Source
AI summary
A power cord apparatus for remotely detecting excessive operational parameters in an alternating current (AC) powered machine (e.g., dehumidifiers, air conditioners, refrigerators, and Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines) is provided. The power cord apparatus includes a cooperative remote parametric sensing device (e.g., heat sensing, vibration transducer) in the vicinity of the electrically powered machine.