Temperature Sensor Evaluation Using Outlier Detection for Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Technicians performing walkthrough inspections of fire alarm systems often need to visit buildings twice, once for heat detectors and another time for smoke detectors, making the process time-consuming and costly due to the rudimentary nature of manual testing methods.
Innovation Solution
An automated method is implemented where temperature information from heat detectors and thermostats is sent to a connected services system for analysis, allowing for continuous tracking of temperature fluctuations and identifying outliers that require service, thereby reducing the need for manual testing on a fixed schedule.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual testing of heat detectors is performed using heat guns during walkthrough inspections, then temperature detectors can be tested, but technicians must visit buildings twice (once for heat detectors, once for smoke detectors), increasing time consumption and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines heat detector testing and smoke detector testing into a single walkthrough inspection by integrating heat detectors with smoke detectors into unified testing procedures. The mobile computing device and connected services system coordinate both detector types simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate visits and reducing inspection time while maintaining comprehensive testing coverage.
2Reliability
If technicians perform routine walkthrough inspections on a fixed schedule, then all temperature detectors can be checked, but the process is time-consuming and costly regardless of whether service is actually needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback mechanisms where temperature detectors transmit data to the connected services system, which analyzes the information and automatically generates service notifications only when anomalies are detected. This feedback loop enables condition-based maintenance, allowing technicians to respond only when service is actually needed rather than following rigid schedules, thereby improving service efficiency while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables temperature detectors to self-monitor and self-report their status continuously. The connected services system automatically processes the data and identifies when service is required, reducing the need for manual intervention and routine inspections. This self-service capability allows the system to manage its own maintenance needs efficiently.
3Measurement precision
If manual testing with heat guns is used, then temperature detectors can be tested, but the rudimentary nature of the testing method requires repeated visits and increases costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing with heat guns with an automated electronic testing system. The connected services system uses mobile computing devices to communicate with temperature detectors, sending test commands and receiving data electronically. This substitution eliminates the need for physical heat gun application and manual observation, reducing device complexity in the field while improving measurement precision through automated data collection and analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A service management system facilitates service on building management systems. A connected services system of a connected services system stores temperature information from temperature detectors of building management systems (including heat detectors of fire alarm systems and thermostats of building automation systems), which send sensor values to control panels, which, in turn, send the temperature information to the connected services system. A temperature detector evaluation module of the connected services system retrieves the temperature information from the connected services database, generates aggregate temperature information based on the temperature information and then determines which of the temperature detectors require service based on the aggregate temperature information, for example, by detecting outlier temperature information. Scheduled service tasks for the temperature detectors requiring service are then pushed to a service workflow module, which sends the scheduled service tasks to a mobile computing device operated by a technician performing the service.