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EP-4738304-A1 - AN INSPECTION DEVICE FOR INSPECTING A WORKING OF AN AMBIENT AIR COMPOSITION DETECTOR

EP4738304A1EP 4738304 A1EP4738304 A1EP 4738304A1EP-4738304-A1

Abstract

Inspection device for inspecting an ambient air composition detector, comprising an assembly of a control member and a receptacle, said receptacle being provided for receiving a fluid container equipped with an opening valve mechanism, said inspection device being dimensioned for being applied on a drone, said control member comprises a trigger member provided for opening and closing of the valve mechanism, said trigger member being lodged in a housing having a clamping member for clamping said fluid container, said control member further comprising a receiver, a control unit and a power source, said control unit being provided for performing said opening and closing of the valve mechanism under control of received valve mechanism opening and closure control instructions, said receptacle being cup shaped and further provided for carrying the receiver, the control unit and the power source, and wherein the cumulated weight of the assembly is less than 120g.

Inventors

  • BASTIN, Maxime

Assignees

  • Vincotte International S.A.

Dates

Publication Date
20260506
Application Date
20251031

Claims (15)

  1. An inspection device for inspecting a working of an ambient air composition detector, in particular a fire and/or smoke detector inspection device, comprising an assembly of a control member and a receptacle, said receptacle being provided for receiving a fluid container equipped with a valve mechanism, said control member being provided for controlling an opening and closure of said valve mechanism, said inspection device being dimensioned for being applied on a drone, said control member comprises a trigger member provided for mechanically performing said opening and closing of the valve mechanism, characterized in that said trigger member being lodged in a housing having a clamping member dimensioned for clamping the housing against said fluid container, said receptacle and said housing being two separate entities, said control member further comprising a receiver, a control unit and a power source for powering the receiver, the control unit and the trigger member, said receiver being connected to the control unit which on its turn is connected to the trigger member, said receiver being provided for receiving valve mechanism opening and closure control instructions, said control unit being provided for performing said opening and closing of the valve mechanism under control of the received valve mechanism opening and closure control instructions, said receptacle being cup shaped and further provided for carrying the receiver, the control unit and the power source, and wherein the cumulated weight of the assembly is less than 120g, more preferably less than 100g.
  2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the trigger member comprises a servomotor coupled to an output shaft having an end to which a cam is mounted.
  3. The inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the trigger member is lodged in the housing and retained therein by screws, nails, glue and/or clamped therein.
  4. The inspection device according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein the housing is made from rigid plastic, preferably, from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filaments, more preferably filaments having a diameter of 1.75mm.
  5. The inspection device according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein the housing partially surrounds the valve mechanism, preferably over half of a diameter or less of the valve mechanism, and comprises one passage extending through it for receiving the clamping member, preferably a tie wrap, for clamping the housing against the fluid container..
  6. The inspection device according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein the housing comprises at least one passage extending through it for receiving the clamping member.
  7. The inspection device according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein the clamping member is a tie-wrap.
  8. The inspection device according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein the receptacle comprises a bottom surface and a cylindrical wall, said cylindrical wall having a height comprised between 1 and 4 cm, more preferably between 1.5 and 3.5 cm, even more preferably between 2 and 3 cm.
  9. The inspection device according to claim 8, wherein the thickness of the cylindrical wall is comprised between 0.5 and 3mm, more preferably between 1 and 2mm, even more preferably between 1.25 and 1.75mm.
  10. The inspection device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the receptacle comprises at least one pocket, arranged along the cylindrical wall, and provided to house the receiver, the control unit and the power source.
  11. The inspection device according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein the receptacle is made from rigid plastic, preferably from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filaments, more preferably 1.75mm filaments.
  12. The inspection device according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein the receptacle is provided to be mounted on the drone by means of a loop and hook system, glue and/or a clamp.
  13. The inspection device according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein the assembly comprises a light source, in particular a LED and/or laser for assisting a drone operator to position the device underneath the ambient air composition detector to be inspected.
  14. The inspection device according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein the inspection device comprises a tube arranged to be connected to an output of the valve mechanism, wherein the tube has a length greater than 10cm, preferably greater than 12.5cm, preferably greater than 15cm, preferably greater than 17.5cm, preferably greater than 20cm.
  15. Method for inspecting a working of an ambient air composition detector, in particular a fire and/or smoke detector inspection device, the method comprising the use of a drone equipped with an inspection device according to anyone of the previous claims.

Description

Field of the invention The invention relates to an inspection device for inspecting a working of an ambient air composition detector, in particular a fire and/or smoke detector inspection device, comprising an assembly of a control member and a receptacle, said receptacle being provided for receiving a fluid container equipped with a valve mechanism, said control member being provided for controlling an opening and closure of said valve mechanism, said inspection device being dimensioned for being applied on a drone. State of the art Smoke detectors play a crucial role in fire safety, serving as a first line of defence in early fire detection. Widely adopted in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, these smoke detectors are essential for safeguarding lives and property by providing timely alerts in the event of a fire. However, to ensure their reliability, regular inspection, testing, and maintenance are required. Typically, this involves manual labour, which can be time-consuming, labour-intensive, and often risky, especially in large or hard-to-reach areas such as high ceilings, industrial facilities, or remote locations. Advancements in drone technology offer a promising solution to these challenges. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, provide an innovative approach to contribute to automating the smoke detector inspection process. Equipped with specific sensors, actuators and/or cameras, drones can efficiently access difficult-to-reach smoke detectors via traditional methods, such as high ceilings, over machinery, or in areas with restricted physical access, support real-time functional testing, and capture data on their operational status. The drone-based aerosol inspection devices eliminates the need for aerial platforms, scaffolding, or other access equipment, which would traditionally require halting or restricting operations in industrial or commercial environments. The use of drones allows for smoke detector testing to be performed with minimal or no disruption to ongoing operations. The use of drones mitigates the risks associated with manual access to elevated smoke detectors, such as those mounted on high ceilings or in confined spaces. By utilizing a drone to carry and deploy the fluid, operators remain on the ground, thus eliminating the need for ladders or aerial work platforms and reducing the risk of falls or other accidents. The speed and mobility of drones allow for quicker access to detectors, resulting in a more time-efficient process. Additionally, cost savings are realized by eliminating the need for expensive access equipment and reducing labour time and costs. The patent documents LU100705, KR1020160024651, and KR1020210102034 disclose drones specifically designed for the inspection of installations, including smoke detectors. These drones, equipped with inspection devices, are manoeuvred just below the installations to be inspected and generate smoke to test the functionality of the smoke detectors. The smoke generation according to these patent documents is achieved either through a heat source or by altering the properties of the air to create smoke-like particles. However, none of these patent documents suggest the use of an aerosol to emit smoke, which presents several advantages. An aerosol-based system can provide a more consistent and controlled release of smoke, ensuring better accuracy in functional testing. Additionally, aerosol solutions are more portable, easier to refill or replace, and do not require complex mechanisms like heating elements or air modification systems, making the drones more efficient and safer to operate. The patent application US14/193788 and the device available at https://www.scannfly.be/rookmelder-drone/ propose using an aerosol can for spraying smoke into the detector in order to test the smoke detectors. To accommodate the aerosol can, these solutions rely on custom-built drones specifically designed for this purpose. However, these aerosol systems are heavy and bulky, making them incompatible with the lightweight drones available on the market. In order to carry those aerosol systems "home-made" drones were developed, which can present safety risks. Unlike commercially certified drones, these custom-built models lack the stringent safety standards necessary for reliable operation. Additionally, the large payload required for these systems makes the drones heavier and more cumbersome, increasing the risk of accidents in the event of a malfunction or crash. This poses a direct danger to the operator and nearby individuals. The applicant therefore considered it useful to develop an inspection device for inspecting a working of an ambient air composition detector that is sufficiently flexible and light to be mounted on standard commercial drones meeting strict safety criteria. Solution of the invention To this purpose the inspection device for inspecting a working of an ambient air composition detector is charac