Safety Automation System for Hazard Detection and Mitigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current home automation systems lack comprehensive solutions for detecting and mitigating various hazard conditions such as fires, carbon monoxide, and extreme temperatures in occupiable structures, which can pose risks to occupants and require enhanced safety measures.

Innovation Solution

A safety automation system incorporating a computing management system with sensors like thermistors, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide sensors, which communicate with condition deterrence devices like central heating and cooling systems, and mobile user interfaces to alert and respond to hazard conditions, ensuring occupant safety and property protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If comprehensive hazard detection sensors are deployed throughout the structure, then detection coverage and safety are improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehazard detection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the monitoring function into multiple independent sensor units (smoke detectors, CO sensors, temperature sensors) distributed throughout the structure. Each sensor independently detects specific hazard types and communicates with the central control system, allowing comprehensive coverage while maintaining modular simplicity in each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system serves multiple functions: it receives signals from various types of sensors, processes different hazard conditions, activates appropriate response devices (vents, HVAC, alerts), and communicates with mobile devices. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated systems.

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

2Loss of time

If automated condition deterrence devices are integrated, then response time and occupant safety are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidautomation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures response actions for detected hazards: when smoke or CO is detected, the control system automatically activates ventilation systems and HVAC controls before occupants can manually respond. This preliminary automated action reduces response time while the rules-based control logic keeps the automation complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensor types are deployed for different hazard conditions, then detection precision and coverage are improved, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehazard detection precisionVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Different hazard detection functions are segmented into separate sensor units (smoke detectors for fire, CO sensors for carbon monoxide, temperature sensors for heat detection). Each sensor type is optimized for its specific detection task, improving precision while allowing independent installation and maintenance of each sensor type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 system effectively reduces hazard risks by providing timely notifications and automated responses to detected conditions, enhancing occupant safety and comfort through integrated detection, alert, and abatement mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

a fire detection device comprising a plurality of thermistors located throughout the occupiable structure, adapted to detect a temperature outside of a predetermined range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermistor

Implementation Method 2

actuate a central heating and cooling system in response to the condition detected signal to at least reduce risk of the condition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3323120B1Safety automation system
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 CARRIER CORP
  • EP3323120B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3323120B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3323120B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A safety automation system (20) for an occupiable structure includes a computing management system (44) including a computer processor (46), and a computer readable storage medium (48) configured to run embedded software and cloud server software. A detection device (30) of the automation system is adapted to detect a condition and output an associated condition detected signal to the computing management system. A condition deterrence device (40) is configured to accept a wireless command signal from the computing management system associated with the condition detected signal and thereby actuate an appliance (51) to at least reduce risk of the condition.