Resistor-Based Hazard Warning Mode Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hazard detectors require reparameterization when replaced, leading to increased maintenance effort and incompatibility with existing detector bases.

Innovation Solution

A two-terminal network, such as a resistor, is mounted in the detector base to set operating modes by reading electrical characteristics via contact pairs, allowing for location-based setting without reparameterization and ensuring compatibility with existing systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hazard detectors are replaced with different operating modes, then operational flexibility is improved, but reparameterization effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating mode configurationVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The detector base is pre-configured with a two-terminal network (resistor) that encodes the desired operating mode parameters before the detector is installed. When the detector is placed in the base, the electrical connection automatically reads the resistance value and configures the operating mode without requiring manual reparameterization. This preliminary encoding of configuration data in the detector base resolves the contradiction by eliminating post-installation setup time while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If hazard detectors are replaced with different operating modes, then operational flexibility is improved, but compatibility with existing detector bases deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating mode configurationVSAvoidcompatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detector base is designed with a universal two-terminal network interface that can encode multiple operating mode configurations. The same physical detector base structure and contact interface are used across different installations, but the resistance-based encoding allows different operating modes to be selected. This universal interface design maintains compatibility with existing detector bases while enabling operational flexibility through the electrical encoding scheme.

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

3Measurement precision

If manual reparameterization is required, then operating mode precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter setting accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the existing detector line to automatically read the resistance value from the two-terminal network in the detector base and configure the operating mode without external intervention. The electronic controller autonomously performs the parameter configuration by reading the electrical characteristic, eliminating the need for manual programming interfaces or complex configuration procedures. This self-service approach maintains precise parameter setting while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Simplifies maintenance by eliminating the need for reparameterization and ensures compatibility with existing detector bases, allowing for easy selection of operating modes through electrical characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

a two-terminal network, such as a resistor, is mounted in the detector base to set operating modes by reading electrical characteristics via contact pairs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP2622588B1Setting the operating mode of a hazard warning system by means of an electrically readable bipole, in particular a resistor, which is arranged in a hazard warning system socket
Publication Date: 2015.05.20 SIEMENS SCHWEIZ AG
  • EP2622588B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to the use of a bipole (R1) that is fitted in a warning system socket (3) for removably receiving a hazard warning system (1) in order to set one of at least two operating modes of the hazard warning system (1). An electric characteristic of the bipole (R1) can be read out electrically by an electronic control (4) of the hazard warning system (1) via two electric contact pairs (X2, Y2; XEA, YEA) which are in contact with each other in the received state of the hazard warning system (1). In particular, the bipole (R1) is used via at least one pair of electric contacts (XEA, YEA), said pair being generally provided for externally connecting an optical and/or acoustic alarm emitter, in order to read in the electric characteristic of the bipole (R1). The bipole is preferably a passive electric resistor.