A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A CONNECTED FIRE DOORSET SYSTEM

Abstract

A retrofit unit is disclosed, adapted to be attached to a door as part of a door closer apparatus, the door closer apparatus being adapted to selectively prevent or facilitate movement of a door relative to its associated door frame, the retrofit unit comprising energy harvesting means adapted to convert energy harvested into electrical energy, the retrofit unit further having a first energy storage means, control means adapted to control the door closer unit, one or more sensors adapted to detect one or more environmental state, and a communication means adapted to transmit and receive information wirelessly to and from a remote base station and adapted to transmit and receive information wirelessly to and from a further retrofit unit. A door-integrated unit is also disclosed, as well as a fire safety system having a plurality of units and one or more base stations.

Claims

1. A retrofit unit adapted to be attached to a door as part of a door closer apparatus, the door closer apparatus being adapted to selectively prevent or facilitate movement of a door relative to its associated door frame, the retrofit unit comprising an actuator adapted to prevent or facilitate movement of the door relative to its associated door frame, energy harvesting means adapted to convert energy harvested into electrical energy and comprising an electromechanical transducer adapted to convert kinetic energy of movement of the door to electrical energy, the retrofit unit further having a first energy storage means, control means adapted to control the door closer unit, one or more sensors adapted to detect one or more environmental state, and a communication means adapted to transmit and receive information wirelessly to and from a remote base station and adapted to transmit and receive information wirelessly to and from a further retrofit unit.

2. A retrofit unit according to claim 1, wherein the energy harvesting means further comprises a piezoelectric transducer.

3. A retrofit unit according to claim 1, wherein the energy harvesting means further comprises a electromagnetic induction transducer.

4. A retrofit unit according to claim 1, wherein the energy harvesting means is further adapted to convert radio frequency electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy.

5. A retrofit unit according to claim 1, wherein the energy harvesting means is further adapted to convert solar radiation into electrical energy.

6. A retrofit unit according to claim 1, wherein the energy harvesting means is further adapted to convert ambient heat into electrical energy.

7. A retrofit unit according claim 1, further comprising a secondary energy storage means adapted to receive electrical energy from the first energy storage means.

8. A retrofit unit according to claim 7, wherein the control means and components connected thereto are primarily powered by the secondary storage means.

9. A retrofit unit according to claim 1, wherein the control means is adapted to process a signal from the energy harvesting means.

10. A retrofit unit according to claim 1, wherein the unit is a module adapted to attach to the door to replace a plate, and is in turn adapted to attach to the aforementioned main body.

11. A retrofit unit according to claim 1, wherein the unit is adapted to replace the main body of the door closer itself.

12. A door-integrated unit being enclosed in an enclosure and having a power source comprising an energy storage means, a control means, one or more sensors adapted to detect one or more environmental state, and a communication means adapted to transmit and receive information wirelessly to and from a remote base station and adapted to transmit and receive information wirelessly to and from a further door-integrated unit.

13. A door-integrated unit according to claim 12, wherein the enclosure is adapted to be affixed to and substantially enclosed by a portion of a door.

14. A door-integrated unit according to claim 12, wherein the door-integrated apparatus is arranged in a portion of the door furthest from the door's hinges.

15. A door-integrated unit according to claim 12, wherein the door-integrated apparatus is arranged in a portion of the door relatively near the top of the door in use.

16. A door-integrated unit according to claim 12, wherein one or more sensors are embedded within the door-integrated apparatus.

17. A door-integrated unit according to claim 12, wherein one or more sensors are arranged outside but the apparatus and connected thereto by appropriate means.

18. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the control means is adapted to communicate with the one or more sensors and the communication means.

19. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the control means is adapted to provide information signals via the communication means to the remote base station.

20. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the control means comprises a substantially integral data processing unit.

21. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors may be selected from a fire detector, temperature sensor, smoke sensor, door state sensor, force sensor.

22. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the control means is adapted to process signals from one or more sensors.

23. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the control means is adapted to effect self-diagnostics.

24. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the control means is adapted to operate in a passive mode while a trigger signal is not received.

25. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the control means is adapted to monitor the status of the control means and the connected sensors, energy storage means and other components.

26. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the control means is adapted to determine which radio channels in the available radio bandwidth network are prone to noise.

27. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the unit is adapted to provide a two-way communications check signal and response even when the control means is in passive mode.

28. A plurality of units according to claim 1, forming a peer-to-peer communications network.

29. A fire safety system comprising a plurality of units each according to claim 1 and a base station, wherein the base station comprises a communication means adapted to transmit and receive information wirelessly to and from the or each unit and adapted to transmit and receive information to and from a remote data processing unit.

30. A fire safety system according to claim 29, wherein the base station further comprises an integral data processing unit.

31. A fire safety system according to claim 29, wherein each unit is adapted to communicate directly with the base station and indirectly with the base station via a peer to peer network.

32. A fire safety system according to claim 29, wherein the system has more than one base station.

33. A fire safety system according to claim 32, wherein each unit is adapted to communicate directly with a primary pre-determined base station in preference to a subsequent base station.

34. A fire safety system according to claim 29, wherein the or each base station is adapted to store information about the system and the building(s) in which it is located.

35. A fire safety system according to claim 29, wherein the or each base station is adapted to provide configurable notifications.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0095] Exemplary embodiments of aspects of the present inventive concept will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0096] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a system effecting the inventive concept;

[0097] FIG. 2 shows a retrofit unit effecting the inventive concept (especially the first aspect);

[0098] FIG. 3 shows a door-integrated unit effecting the inventive concept (especially the second aspect);

[0099] FIG. 4 shows an example of a temperature change over time which might be reported by a temperature sensor;

[0100] FIG. 5 shows an example of a force over time which might be reported by a force sensor;

[0101] FIG. 6 shows an example of a typical temperature variation over time in a room where a fire breaks out;

[0102] FIG. 7 shows a flow chart with an exemplary process of operation of a retrofit unit or door-integrated unit embodying the present inventive concept;

[0103] FIG. 8 further exemplifies the machine learning aspect described;

[0104] FIG. 9 shows a side elevation of a retrofit unit embodying the present inventive concept (especially the first aspect);

[0105] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary energy harvesting means;

[0106] FIG. 11 shows another side elevation of a retrofit unit embodying the present inventive concept (especially the first aspect); and

[0107] FIG. 12 shows a front elevation of a door closer unit including a retrofit unit embodying the present inventive concept.

[0108] Turning to FIG. 1, a building 20 is shown in which a system embodying the present inventive concept is arranged. A retrofit unit 30 is located within the building 20. At the outset of an event the retrofit unit 30 is triggered by a signal from a sensor (not shown). The retrofit unit 30 transmits a radio signal 40 to base station 50. In turn the base station 50 can communicate to a service centre 60 or 70. The information received by the service centre(s) 60, 70 will shown the location and type of event reported by the retrofit unit 30. That information can include detection of fire or smoke, for example, and the location of the retrofit unit (and any zone information).

[0109] FIG. 2 shows an enclosure 90 for a door-integrated unit. The enclosure 90 is in this example constructed from fire retardant material. The enclosure contains the electronic elements 100 of the door-integrated unit. Also within the enclosure 90 is a battery 110 which is encase in an explosion proof enclosure 120 to prevent damage or injury during a fire event. Also shown are an antenna 130 to transmit and receive wireless signals from the door-integrated unit. The antenna 130 is encased within the enclosure 90 for protection thereof. The enclosure can be attached to a door by way of fixture points 140.

[0110] FIG. 3 shows a door 180 in which a door-integrated unit 190 has been fitted. This example shows the door-integrated unit 190 fitted to the outer edge of the door to improve sensitivity. A sensor 160 is shown inset within an accompanying door frame 170 and discrete from the door-integrated unit 190. Alternatively a sensor could be formed integrally with the door-integrated unit. The sensor 160 is arranged relatively high on the door frame 170, to reduce the likelihood of damage. Correspondingly, the door-integrated unit 190 is arranged relatively high on the door 180.

[0111] FIG. 4 shows possible temperature-time relationships 290, 300 which could be detected by a suitable temperature sensor of the present inventive concept. One of the functions of the present inventive concept is to detect a temperature rise in the event of a fire. A unit of the present inventive concept can monitor temperature over time. The temperature difference 220 along the temperature-time relationships 290 and 300 can allow an interpretation of whether a fire event has a higher burn rate as in relationship 300 or a slower burn rate as in relationship 290. A suitable signal or trigger can be sent as a notification, accordingly.

[0112] A fire door is generally only effective in the event of a fire if it is closed properly. One of the functions of the present inventive concept is to detect whether a fire door is closed. A unit of the present inventive concept can monitor force experienced against time, and this information can be interpreted to detect whether the respective door is closed properly. When a door is opened 360 this creates an event which can be recorded against time to determine a “usual” closing pattern 340 for that door, and with respect to the initial position 350. The unit can then report whether the door is closed properly or not. Improperly closed doors or those which are regularly not closed, for example, can be reported for maintenance so as to prevent the door being ineffective in the event of a fire.

[0113] FIG. 6 shows a typical temperature-time relationship in a room affected by a fire, or in other words a life cycle of a fire. The pattern of acceleration and life cycle of a fire is charted and shown from ignition 390 through growth 400 and full development 410 and then decay 420.

[0114] FIG. 7 shows a system flow diagram for an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept. A unit will transmit a signal prompted by an event shown 430 to a service centre monitoring the status of the unit. The unit will remain in passive mode 440 to preserve battery life unless an event occurs—as shown by the flow chart and leading to the transmission of an alert 450.

[0115] Turning to FIG. 8, the system may perform machine learning in a plurality of stages:

[0116] 1. Data cleansing

[0117] 2. Predictive analysis

[0118] 3. Results verification

[0119] Data cleansing is the process by which data samples are grouped into sets for statistical analysis. Said set may be, but not limited to, 10 to 100 samples. A plurality of tests of said data set may determine common data set features, such as spikes, mean, median, oscillations, spread of results. The collective results of said analysis provides a measure of the data set's stability and suitability for predictive analysis. To proceed to the next stage, a confidence of at least 80% is required.

[0120] Predictive analysis is the process of determining if an alert event is imminent. Typically, but not limited to, by linear regression or polynomial regression. Data sets provide the means of providing points on a curve. Said curve is the predication of a future event. For the prediction of a slow burning fire, the gradient is a measure of how a given fire may develop. For the detection and prediction of a failing door closure mechanism, a plurality of progression curves of limited range respective to each curve is a requirement. Predictive analysis is the means of determining a plurality of thresholds of an event to alert for.

[0121] Results verification is the process by which a confidence measure is applied to the predictive analysis. Said confidence is required to determine if the predictive analysis is correct, or likely to be correct. Results verification can be, but not limited to, if future data results are within a tolerance of less than +/−20% if the predictive analysis curve, within the limit of where the curve's gradient is high to resulting in a large resultant for a low data set range. Results verification is also measured from the system's ability to measure parameters. Said ability being measured by the data cleansing process and battery level as examples.

[0122] In FIGS. 9 to 12 a door closer main body 300 is mounted vertically in parallel with a vibrational axis of a mechanical energy harvester 330. Clamp bar 320 also acts as a conductor of electrical energy through isolated conductive screws 370. Tip mass 340 is not clamped and is thus able to move in an air gap to allow movement of the mechanical energy harvester 330. Three photodiodes 396 in series can create 4.5 volts, 45 microamps as a dual redundant (N+1) power supply in case the energy harvester 330 fails. Radio frequency aerial 380 can be embedded in FR4 material of a PCT or as a separate loop antenna and can by used both for transmission and receiving with a peer to peer network (mesh network) of units and/or base stations. Furthermore, the aerial 380 can be used for harvesting radio frequency energy when not being used to transmit or receive a signal as such. Accumulator 395 is an arrangement of prismatic super capacitors in a dual redundancy (N+1) configuration. Cells are coated in a high heat resistant sacrificial aluminium coating to IP9356 standard, allowing operating temperatures up to 700 celcius. Tip mass 340 is selected for the harmonic frequency moment of door vibration. Sensors 397 may be thermal and/or carbon monoxide sensors. Also shown in FIG. 11 is a radio frequency radio and central processing unit, and an accumulator module.