Telescoping Detector Tester With Segmented Rim
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing testing devices for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors face challenges in reaching high-mounted detectors, maintaining a sealed testing environment due to external electrical conduits, accommodating various detector sizes, and ensuring regular testing and data recording, especially in large facilities.
Innovation Solution
A testing device with a telescoping pole, adjustable chamber, and extender options that can accommodate different aerosol canister sizes and external conduits, along with a system for identifying and recording detector data using UPC or RFID technology for centralized communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an enclosed delivery system is used to maintain a sealed testing environment, then testing reliability is improved, but the device cannot accommodate external electrical conduits which block the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The rim is divided into multiple segments or sections, allowing it to conform to irregular surfaces and accommodate conduits. The rim includes notches or gaps that can be positioned around conduit locations, enabling the chamber to seal effectively despite the presence of external electrical conduits.
Solution Approach 2:
The rim is designed with varying properties at different locations - smooth sections for sealing against flat surfaces and notched or flexible sections for accommodating conduits. This localized adaptation allows the single rim structure to handle both sealing and conduit accommodation requirements.
2Device complexity
If a fixed-length testing device is used, then device simplicity is improved, but the device cannot reach detectors mounted at high elevations
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device incorporates a telescoping pole with multiple extendable sections that can be adjusted to different lengths. This dynamic structure allows the operator to extend the pole to reach high-mounted detectors while maintaining a compact form when retracted, balancing simplicity with extended reach capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single-size testing chamber is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the device cannot accommodate various detector sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The testing chamber is designed as an assembly of modular components including the chamber body, rim, and extender. These segments can be configured in different combinations to accommodate various detector sizes, from small residential detectors to large industrial detectors, while each individual component remains simple to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing device is designed as a universal system that can test detectors of various sizes and types. The chamber volume can be adjusted by extending or contracting the modular sections, allowing a single device to serve multiple functions across different detector applications.
4Device complexity
If manual testing and recording is used, then equipment simplicity is improved, but productivity and data management efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device includes an integrated data collection system that automatically captures test results and feeds this information to a centralized database or software system. This feedback mechanism eliminates manual recording, reduces errors, and improves productivity by automatically managing test data across multiple detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automatic identification features (such as barcode scanning or RFID reading) that allow the detector to self-identify and automatically log its test results. This self-service capability reduces operator involvement in data entry while maintaining comprehensive records for productivity tracking.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (10) for testing detectors has a cup or chamber (30) supported within a mid-cap (40) by a support ring (50). An adjustable cap (70) attaches at one end to a mid-cap (40) and at the other end to a step-adjust cap (80) via bayonet mounting. A handle (60) is pivotally connected to pivot pins (46) located on the mid-cap (40). An external ring (200) attaches to the distal rim (34) of the chamber (30) and has legs (202) for covering notches (35) formed in the chamber (30). An identifier reader or receiver/PDAs (500,516) is used in the system to communicate with the detector to identify the detector and/or transmit the test results to a central location.