Socket Controller Maintains Loop Integrity During Detector Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing fire alarm systems, verifying the electrical integrity of a loop before all units are in place is challenging, and removing a smoke detector can break the loop, disrupting redundancy and fire detection.

Innovation Solution

A socket with a housing and a socket controller that maintains wireless and/or wired network communications with the system controller, allowing continuous power and data transmission even when a detector is removed, and includes connectors for daisy-chaining detectors and powering indicators, enabling status updates and seamless communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional detector sockets are used, then detector replacement is simple, but the loop is broken when detector is removed, disrupting redundancy and fire detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetector replacementVSAvoidloop integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The socket controller acts as an intermediary device that maintains loop continuity independently of the detector presence. It provides alternative communication paths and maintains electrical connections, allowing detector replacement without breaking the loop's redundancy or fire detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If all loop electronics are inside the detector, then the detector is self-contained, but electrical integrity verification before all units are in place is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetector self-containmentVSAvoidelectrical integrity verification

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The socket controller enables preliminary electrical integrity verification of the loop infrastructure before all detectors are installed. It can detect and report on loop continuity, electrical connections, and system readiness independently, allowing verification of the mounting surface and cabling before detector units are fully deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If micro switches are used to close the detector loop when removing a detector, then loop continuity is maintained, but the system lacks wireless communication capability and modern diagnostics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloop continuityVSAvoidcommunication capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The socket controller provides multiple functions in a single device: it maintains loop continuity like a micro switch, adds wireless communication capabilities, enables modern diagnostic functions, and provides indicator lighting. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by incorporating both the traditional reliability function and modern adaptability features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11367332B2Hazard detector socket

Publication Date: 2022.06.21 AUTRONICA FIRE & SECURITY

AI summary

Disclosed is a socket for removably connecting a hazard detector to a networked alarm system, the system having a first controller which is a system controller, the socket having: a housing having a base, an electrical interface for removably receiving the detector, and a second controller which is a socket controller mounted to the base, the socket controller maintaining wireless and/or wired network communications with the system controller when the detector is connected and disconnected.