Occupancy-Aware Hazard Detection and Appliance Response in Smart Homes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home automation systems lack comprehensive solutions for detecting and mitigating various hazard conditions within occupiable structures, such as fires, toxic gases, and intrusions, and do not effectively communicate risk information to occupants or emergency responders.
Innovation Solution
A safety automation system that includes a computing management system with detection devices, condition deterrence devices, and wireless notification capabilities, which can control appliances like locks, HVAC systems, and fire extinguishers, and adjust sensitivity based on occupancy, time, and location to mitigate hazards and assist in evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If home automation systems are expanded to include more detection and mitigation devices, then hazard detection capability and occupant safety are improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple detection devices (smoke detectors, heat detectors, carbon monoxide detectors) and mitigation devices (sprinkler systems, ventilation systems, lighting systems) into a single home automation system that can handle various hazard conditions (fire, smoke, carbon monoxide) through one centralized computing management system, reducing the need for separate independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines detection functions, notification functions, and mitigation functions into an integrated system where the computing management system coordinates all components (detection devices, notification devices, appliances) to work together seamlessly, merging what would traditionally be separate safety systems into a unified platform
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the system controls multiple appliances to mitigate hazards, then risk reduction capability is improved, but ease of operation and system reliability may worsen due to increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects hazards and triggers appropriate mitigation actions without requiring user intervention. The computing management system autonomously coordinates detection devices, notification devices, and appliances to respond to hazards, eliminating the need for occupants to manually operate complex safety systems during emergencies
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures mitigation strategies and appliance control sequences that are automatically executed when hazards are detected. Response protocols are established in advance, allowing the system to immediately implement appropriate actions (such as activating sprinklers, opening vents, or notifying emergency services) without requiring real-time decision-making by users
3Loss of information
If wireless notification signals are sent to mobile devices, then communication of hazard information to occupants is improved, but loss of time for system response may increase due to wireless communication delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous monitoring and communication channels, with detection devices constantly active and wireless notification systems ready to transmit alerts immediately upon hazard detection. The computing management system keeps communication pathways open and active, ensuring that notification can occur without interruption or delay when hazards are detected
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where mobile devices can acknowledge receipt of hazard notifications and provide status information back to the computing management system. This feedback mechanism ensures that communication is not only sent but also confirmed received, allowing the system to track whether occupants have been properly notified while maintaining rapid response capability
Data Source
AI summary
A safety automation system for an occupiable structure includes a computing management system including a computer processor, and a computer readable storage medium configured to run embedded software and cloud server software. A fire detection device of the automation system is adapted to detect a fire condition and output an associated fire condition detected signal to the computing management system. A condition deterrence device is configured to accept a wireless command signal from the computing management system associated with the fire condition detected signal and for actuating an appliance to at least reduce risk presented by the condition.