Wireless Environmental Control for Portable Diesel Exhaust Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diesel engine exhaust management systems in facilities are not portable, limited in range, and lack power conservation and maintenance monitoring capabilities, posing health risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A wireless environmental control system with a transmitting device and receiver that uses radiofrequency signals to control environmental devices, including fans and air cleaning systems, with a microprocessor for timer functions, power management, and alarm systems, allowing remote operation and monitoring of environmental parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hardwired remote control systems are used to control environmental devices, then the control system can reliably operate environmental devices, but the system cannot be easily portable from vehicle to vehicle and is limited in range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardwired connection system with a wireless radiofrequency communication system. The transmitting device uses a radio transmitter to send signals wirelessly to the receiver, eliminating the need for physical hardwired connections while maintaining reliable control of environmental devices. This substitution enables portability between vehicles without compromising control reliability.
2Reliability
If continuous signal transmission is used to ensure reliable control, then the control response is immediate, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic signal transmission instead of continuous transmission. The transmitting device sends radiofrequency signals at specific intervals triggered by button presses or control events, rather than maintaining constant transmission. This periodic action ensures reliable control responsiveness when needed while significantly reducing overall power consumption during idle periods.
3Ease of operation
If basic remote control functionality is provided, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot actively conserve power, mitigate emergencies or monitor maintenance needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional transmitting device that combines basic remote control capabilities with advanced features including power consumption monitoring, emergency mitigation functions, and maintenance need assessment. The device can perform multiple functions simultaneously - controlling environmental devices, monitoring system status, detecting emergencies, and tracking maintenance requirements - all through a single unified interface that maintains operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow the transmitting device to monitor and report on power consumption levels, system status, and maintenance needs. The device receives feedback from the controlled environment and sends appropriate control signals, while also providing feedback to users about system health, power usage, and when maintenance is required, enabling proactive management without complicating operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables portable, long-range control of environmental devices, conserves power, and actively manages maintenance and emergency situations, improving safety and efficiency in diesel engine exhaust management.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter may be configured for transmitting a signal that may be received by a receiver. The signal, which may be but is not limited to being a radiofrequency signal
Data Source
AI summary
An environmental control system includes a transmitting device for signaling to a receiver to activate an environmental control unit (ECU). The transmitting device includes a connector for removably installing and connecting to electrical power in the vehicle and a transmitter for transmitting a signal to a remote receiver. The ECU comprises of an exterior control panel and microprocessor-based controller for operating environmental devices within a facility or other defined space. When the controller receives an input from any of the receiver and an external environmental device, it activates at least one of the environmental devices. When the controller receives any such input that is outside a predefined range, the controller generates any of a visual or audible alarm and notifies a predetermined recipient.