Smoke ventilation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressurization and depressurization systems for smoke ventilation in buildings face challenges in controlling smoke ingress due to slow pressure sensor response and fluctuating pressure levels, especially when multiple fire doors are opened, posing safety risks and inefficiencies in maintaining optimal air velocity across fire doors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of door and window position sensors that provide linear output based on the position of doors or windows, allowing for real-time control of air leakage and pressure differentials, replacing traditional pressure sensors to enhance the responsiveness and accuracy of smoke ventilation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure differential sensors are used to detect air pressure changes, then smoke ventilation control is achieved, but the response speed is slow and pressure levels fluctuate causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pressure differential sensors with door position sensors that directly detect the physical position of fire doors. This substitution eliminates the indirect measurement through pressure changes, providing immediate and accurate detection of door status changes. The door position sensor directly measures the mechanical position rather than inferring from pressure fluctuations, resolving the contradiction between reliability and response speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces door position sensors as an intermediary device between the door state and the control system. Instead of using pressure sensors that require interpreting pressure differential changes, the door position sensor provides direct feedback about door opening/closing status. This intermediary measurement method eliminates the lag and fluctuation issues associated with pressure-based detection.
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are used to monitor air pressure, then smoke ingress detection is possible, but the sensing delay causes commissioning difficulties and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements door position sensors that detect door status changes before pressure differential changes occur. By monitoring the actual door position in real-time, the system can anticipate and respond to potential smoke ingress scenarios before they develop. This preliminary detection action eliminates the time loss associated with waiting for pressure sensor responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the pressure sensing mechanism with a direct mechanical position sensing mechanism. The door position sensor provides immediate electrical signals corresponding to door position changes, eliminating the time delay inherent in pressure wave propagation and pressure sensor response. This substitution achieves both precise measurement and instantaneous detection.
3Reliability
If pressurisation or depressurisation systems are used, then smoke prevention is achieved, but the systems are difficult to control and commission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system based on actual door position rather than inferred pressure conditions. The door position sensor provides direct feedback about the true system state, enabling the control system to adjust pressurisation or depressurisation levels in real-time based on actual door positions. This improves both smoke prevention reliability and operational ease by providing accurate, actionable data.
Solution Approach 2:
The door position sensor system enables the pressurisation/depressurisation system to self-regulate based on actual door positions. The system automatically adjusts airflow and pressure differentials in response to door opening/closing events without requiring manual intervention or complex commissioning procedures. This self-service capability simplifies operation while maintaining effective smoke prevention.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fire doors are opened simultaneously, then escape routes are accessed, but pressure differential systems struggle to maintain set-point pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that continuously monitors door positions and adjusts pressurisation or depressurisation levels in real-time. When multiple doors open simultaneously, the system dynamically responds by detecting each door's position change and adjusting airflow accordingly. This dynamic adaptation maintains pressure stability despite multiple door operations, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The door position sensors provide continuous feedback about the actual state of each door, enabling the control system to maintain set-point pressure even when multiple doors are opened. The feedback mechanism allows the system to compensate for pressure changes caused by multiple door openings, maintaining stable escape route conditions while accommodating versatile door operation scenarios.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention provides door and window sensors, which can be incorporated into building pressurisation and depressurisation systems, for use in protecting a building's escape routes against smoke ingress during a fire.