Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Evacuation Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current measures to prevent smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning in residential settings are insufficient, as existing systems do not have an automatic method to evacuate toxic gases, leading to delayed detection and potential fatalities.
Innovation Solution
An automatic smoke and carbon monoxide evacuation system that utilizes existing ventilation pathways and sensors to actively ventilate hazardous gases outside a building, incorporating a smoke/carbon monoxide activated switch with a microprocessor, sensors, and ventilation devices to evacuate gases and alert occupants and authorities, while also automatically cutting off power to appliances and opening garage doors if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional smoke detectors are used to detect smoke, then smoke can be detected and alarms can be sounded, but the smoke is retained inside the home until the fire burns through the rooftop, causing building collapse and occupant fatalities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful smoke from the building interior by activating ventilation systems (exhaust fans, HVAC systems) to evacuate smoke through existing ventilation pathways, ducts, and exhaust systems to the exterior, thereby removing the accumulated hazard rather than merely detecting it
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning ventilation pathways, exhaust fans, and automated control systems in advance so that when smoke is detected, immediate evacuation can occur without delay, cutting off power to appliances and activating exhaust systems before smoke accumulation reaches critical levels
2Ease of operation
If existing air-handling systems are used, then air can be circulated, but the systems merely recirculate the smoke and do not evacuate it, allowing smoke to accumulate inside the building
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control by using automated switches and microprocessors to change the operational state of air-handling systems from recirculation mode to exhaust/evacuation mode based on smoke detection, thereby adapting the system function to the emergency condition
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from smoke detectors and carbon monoxide sensors to automatically trigger ventilation system activation, creating a closed-loop control where detection results directly control the evacuation response without human intervention
3Reliability
If carbon monoxide detectors are used to detect carbon monoxide, then carbon monoxide presence can be detected and alarms can be sounded, but the devices do nothing to alleviate the dangerous condition, allowing carbon monoxide to continue filling the residence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts harmful carbon monoxide gas from the building interior by activating ventilation systems and exhaust fans to evacuate the toxic gas through existing ventilation pathways to the exterior, thereby removing the accumulated hazard
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning carbon monoxide sensors and automated control systems that can immediately activate ventilation and cut off power to carbon monoxide-generating appliances upon detection, preventing further accumulation before it reaches lethal levels
4Productivity
If automated systems are implemented to evacuate smoke and carbon monoxide, then toxic gases can be actively vented outside, but the device complexity increases with microprocessors, sensors, and automated power switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a control system that handles multiple functions (smoke detection, carbon monoxide detection, ventilation activation, power switching) through a single integrated automated switch and microprocessor platform, reducing overall system complexity despite multiple functions
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated control where the microprocessor and sensors automatically detect hazardous conditions and trigger appropriate responses (ventilation activation, power cutoff) without requiring human intervention or complex manual control systems
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 the accumulation of deadly smoke and carbon monoxide inside buildings, alerting occupants and authorities, and saving lives by actively venting toxic gases outside, thereby mitigating the risk of injury and fatality from smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Implementation Method 1
a smoke/carbon monoxide sensor that automatically generates a signal upon detection of smoke/carbon monoxide
Implementation Method 2
a smoke/carbon monoxide sensor that automatically generates a signal upon detection of smoke/carbon monoxide
Implementation Method 3
causes a ventilation fan to automatically turn on and actively ventilate the smoke/carbon monoxide outside via existing ductwork
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic smoke/carbon monoxide detection system and method are described that are configured to automatically shut off power supplied to an appliance/equipment, a room of a structure, a zone within a structure, or an entire structure upon detection of smoke/carbon monoxide/hazardous gases. A system and method are further described herein that are configured to connect to an on-board diagnostic port, where upon detection of smoke/carbon monoxide/hazardous gases exceeding a certain level, an alert is displayed/sounded so that the driver/passenger of the vehicle can act appropriately. Alternatively, a command may be issued to shut off the engine of the vehicle to immediately halt the production of deadly gases.