Wireless Flame Detector Configuration via IR Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flame detection apparatuses face challenges such as the need for frequent service and recalibration, difficulty in diagnosing faults remotely, and lack of wireless communication capabilities, which restrict their operational efficiency and flexibility in high-risk environments.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a flame detection apparatus equipped with a controller component and flame detecting components that can detect infrared radiation and transmit/receive communication signals. This apparatus can modify configuration settings, such as sensitivity and field of view, based on analyzed IR control signals, and includes wireless IR communication capabilities using a proprietary protocol for secure data exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If flame detection apparatuses are installed in high-risk environments to monitor fire hazards, then safety monitoring capability is improved, but the need for frequent service and recalibration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety monitoring capabilityVSAvoidservice and recalibration frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The flame detection apparatus automatically transmits operational status, diagnostic data, and calibration information via wireless communication without requiring manual intervention. The system performs self-diagnosis and reports faults remotely, enabling autonomous operation and reducing the frequency of physical service visits to harsh environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors its own operational parameters and transmits feedback data wirelessly to remote monitoring systems. This real-time feedback mechanism allows for proactive identification of calibration drift or component degradation, enabling scheduled maintenance before failures occur and reducing overall service frequency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Area of stationary object

If flame detection apparatuses operate in remote or hard-to-reach locations to expand coverage, then fire detection coverage is improved, but the ability to diagnose faults remotely deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire detection coverageVSAvoidfault diagnosis accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

A wireless communication system acts as an intermediary between the remotely located flame detection apparatus and the central monitoring facility. This intermediary transmits diagnostic information, operational status, and fault data through wireless networks, enabling remote access to detailed system information without requiring physical presence at the detection location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/physical access requirements with wireless electronic communication. Instead of requiring technicians to physically travel to remote locations to diagnose faults, the system uses wireless transmission of diagnostic data, operational parameters, and system status information to enable remote troubleshooting and diagnosis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If flame detection apparatuses use traditional wired communication for configuration, then communication reliability is improved, but operational flexibility and remote configurability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidremote configurability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless communication technology. Configuration data, operational parameters, and control signals are transmitted wirelessly between the flame detection apparatus and configuration devices, maintaining communication reliability through error correction protocols while enabling flexible remote configuration without physical cable connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The solution enables remote monitoring and configuration of flame detection apparatuses, reduces the need for frequent physical maintenance, and enhances operational reliability by providing real-time status updates and fault diagnosis, thereby improving safety and efficiency in fire detection and suppression systems.

Implementation Method 1

at least one flame detecting component configured to detect infrared radiation associated with a fire in an environment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP4020419B1Methods, apparatuses, and systems for configuring a flame detection apparatus using flame detecting components

Publication Date: 2025.02.19 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

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AI summary

Methods, apparatuses and systems for configuring a flame detection apparatus using flame detecting components are disclosed herein. An example apparatus may comprise: a controller component and at least one flame detecting component in electronic communication with the controller component. The flame detecting component may be configured to detect infrared radiation associated with a fire in an environment and receive and transmit communication signals. In response to detecting a first infrared control (IR) signal, the flame detecting component may provide an indication of the first IR control signal to the controller component.