Pressure Differentiating Device With Neural Network Self-Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing smoke and heat spread control systems for vertical evacuation routes face challenges in adapting to changing building conditions during construction or reconstruction, requiring manual calibration and failing to maintain pre-set overpressure values due to unauthorized access and unpredictable events like window cracks.

Innovation Solution

A pressure differentiating device equipped with a neural network-based predictive algorithm and a rotational speed governor that automatically adjusts settings to maintain a pre-set pressure difference, eliminating the need for manual calibration and enabling self-adaptation to changing conditions, including wind, temperature, and humidity, without mechanical redundant-relief curtains.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual calibration is used to set overpressure values, then the system can be initially configured, but it cannot adapt to changing building conditions during construction or reconstruction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to changing building conditionsVSAvoidmanual calibration requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration by automatically detecting pressure differences and adjusting fan speed accordingly. The microprocessor continuously monitors pressure sensor data and autonomously modifies operational parameters without requiring manual intervention, enabling the system to adapt to changing building conditions during construction or reconstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs continuous feedback through pressure sensors that monitor the actual pressure difference across the protected space. This feedback is processed by the microprocessor, which adjusts the fan motor speed in real-time to maintain the desired pressure differential, allowing automatic adaptation to varying building tightness and configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If mechanical redundant-relief curtains are installed to control pressure, then pressure can be governed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure control reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical components quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical redundant-relief curtains with an electronically controlled system. A microprocessor-based governor adjusts the speed of an electric fan motor to control pressure differentials, eliminating the need for complex mechanical moving parts while maintaining reliable pressure control through electronic regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the overpressure system is activated early during construction, then smoke protection can be provided, but calibration is impossible due to unauthorized access and changing conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmoke protection capabilityVSAvoidcalibration feasibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is pre-configured with pressure sensors, fans, and control electronics during construction, enabling immediate smoke protection capability. The self-calibrating feature is built-in from the start, allowing the system to automatically adapt to changing conditions without requiring subsequent manual calibration or restricted access periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static manual calibration to dynamic self-adjustment. The microprocessor continuously monitors pressure conditions and automatically modifies fan operational parameters in real-time, enabling the system to maintain effectiveness despite changing building conditions, unauthorized access, or environmental variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Speed

If fan speed is adjusted manually to maintain pressure difference, then pressure control is achieved, but the response time is slow and cannot adapt to rapid changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speed to pressure changesVSAvoidautomatic adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

Pressure sensors continuously monitor the pressure differential and provide real-time feedback to the microprocessor. The controller automatically adjusts fan motor speed based on this feedback, enabling rapid response to pressure changes without manual intervention and maintaining optimal pressure control dynamically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically changes operational parameters, specifically the fan motor speed, in response to detected pressure variations. The microprocessor modifies electrical parameters (voltage/frequency) supplied to the motor, enabling quick and precise adjustment of fan speed to maintain the desired pressure difference under varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 device ensures consistent overpressure maintenance in dynamic environments, adapting to changes in the building's shape and tightness, and rapidly adjusts fan speed to maintain pressure differences within three seconds, ensuring effective smoke and heat control without manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

a first space in which a fire has broken out, and a second space which is to be protected from the fire, in particular an escape route, and which is to be kept free of smoke by means of overpressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the governor (18) controls the rotational speed of the fan (4) so as to maintain a pre-set pressure difference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential control: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2722607B1Pressure differentiating device
Publication Date: 2019.01.23 SMAY
  • EP2722607B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present Invention relates to a pressure differentiating device used in systems to control smoke and heat spread, wherein the rotational speed governor with the processor (18) has a software that makes it possible to maintain the pre-set pressure difference while identifying the cubature and tightness of the object under control with the use of a neural network structure, and, by this means, the need to calibrate devices each time when the cubature and/or tightness has been changed is eliminated.