Automated Sprinkler Diagnostics for Faster Fault Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprinkler system testing methods are cumbersome, labor-intensive, and prone to precision and accuracy delays, lacking data validation and facing challenges in data storage and management, which results in significant system downtime.
Innovation Solution
A building management system (BMS) that automates sprinkler system testing by using one or more processors to execute instructions for obtaining input to trigger a test, retrieving a test procedure, transmitting control signals to operate components, monitoring sensor data, determining faults, and reporting test outcomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual testing methods are used for sprinkler systems, then human judgment and flexibility can be applied, but the process becomes labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-testing through automated control signals that trigger test operations and self-evaluation through processor-based analysis of sensor data, eliminating the need for manual human intervention in the testing process
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical testing operations are replaced with an automated electronic control system that uses processors to generate control signals, sensors to collect data, and algorithms to evaluate results, substituting human mechanical actions with automated electronic systems
2Productivity
If automated testing is implemented, then testing speed and consistency improve, but system complexity and data management challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The building management system's processor is designed to perform multiple functions including generating control signals for test operations, collecting sensor data, evaluating test results against criteria, and generating reports, consolidating what could be separate complex systems into a single multi-functional platform
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity between the physical sprinkler system components and the user interface, handling all automated testing operations, data processing, and result evaluation through a centralized intelligent controller
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive sensor monitoring is deployed, then fault detection accuracy improves, but data storage and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different sensors monitor specific local parameters of sprinkler system components (pressure, flow rate, temperature at specific locations), with each sensor providing targeted data about its local condition rather than comprehensive system-wide data, reducing overall data volume while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes operational criteria and fault thresholds before testing begins, allowing the processor to evaluate sensor data against predetermined standards in real-time, enabling accurate fault detection without requiring storage and analysis of all possible data variations
Data Source
AI summary
A building management system performs operations including obtaining an input triggering a test of a sprinkler system within a building associated with the BMS and retrieving a test having criteria regarding operation of components of the sprinkler system, transmitting control signals to trigger operation the components of the sprinkler system according to the test procedure and monitoring sensor data indicative of operational values associated with the components of the sprinkler system. The operations include determining whether a fault has occurred in a component of the sprinkler system during the test procedure based on evaluation of the operational value using the criteria, and reporting (1) a successful test of the sprinkler system responsive to determining that no faults or (2) reporting an unsuccessful test of the sprinkler system responsive to determining a fault occurred.