An evaluation device and method for underground fire training
By designing an assessment device for underground fire training, using light and pressure sensors to monitor the time spent on excavation and fire extinguishing, and combining it with a scoring model, the problem of simulation and evaluation in underground fire training was solved, and the objective quantification and scientific evaluation of the training process were achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BEIJING AEROSPACE INST FOR METROLOGY & MEASUREMENT TECH
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-09
Smart Images
Figure CN122176977A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of fire training technology, specifically to an assessment device and method for underground fire training. Background Technology
[0002] Forest fires are one of the major natural disasters threatening the ecological environment and public safety. In addition to surface fires and crown fires, underground fires (also known as ground fires or smoldering fires) are also a common and extremely dangerous type of forest fire.
[0003] Current fire training facilities mostly focus on simulating surface fires and crown fires, enabling firefighters to train their firefighting, evacuation, and self-rescue skills under open flame conditions. However, effective training and assessment methods are lacking for the unique fire type of forest underground fires. Existing facilities often can only simulate surface fires or smoke environments, failing to realistically reproduce the characteristics of underground fires, such as "concealed combustion, large amounts of smoke, and digging for firefighting."
[0004] Furthermore, simply simulating underground fire environments is insufficient to meet training requirements; corresponding assessment devices are also needed to scientifically quantify the training effectiveness of firefighters. The time spent digging out and extinguishing smoldering fires is a key indicator of training effectiveness. Without systematic assessment and data support, training effectiveness is difficult to evaluate objectively, affecting subsequent improvements and practical guidance. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides an assessment device for underground fire training, which can accurately evaluate the time and effect of digging during underground fire fighting, thereby achieving a comprehensive assessment of the training process and improving the scientific and practical nature of forest fire fighting training.
[0006] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: An assessment device for underground fire training includes: a simulated passage comprising a pipe with an open top and a mesh cover plate disposed on the top of the pipe, the mesh cover plate being covered by a covering layer simulating an underground environment, the mesh cover plate allowing smoke to seep out while preventing leakage under the covering layer; a smoke generating module disposed at one end of the simulated passage for supplying smoke into the simulated passage; one or more light sensors uniformly arranged within the pipe along its length; a drainage structure disposed at the bottom of the simulated passage for draining water accumulated during fire extinguishing training; and a control unit for receiving light-sensing signals from the light sensors, determining the digging time of the trainees based on the light-sensing signals, and generating a training assessment score based at least on the digging time.
[0007] Furthermore, it also includes one or more pressure sensors for monitoring the pressure of water impact on the pipeline; The control unit is also used to receive the pressure signal from the pressure sensor, determine the fire extinguishing time of the trainees based on the pressure signal, and generate training evaluation scores based on at least one of the excavation time and the fire extinguishing time.
[0008] Furthermore, the cross-section of the pipe is circular.
[0009] An assessment method for underground fire training, employing the assessment device described above, includes: The pipe is buried underground, and the mesh cover is completely covered by the capping layer. The smoke-generating module is activated to fill the simulated channel with smoke, which seeps out sequentially through the mesh cover and the capping layer to simulate an underground fire smoldering scenario. Trainees receive instructions to begin inspections until an underground fire is discovered, and record the time taken to discover the fire. Trainees begin digging through the overburden to expose a light sensor. The light sensor monitors the light signals emitted by the trainees as they dig through the overburden and transmits them to a control unit. Based on these light signals, the control unit automatically calculates the digging time for each stage of the excavation. After excavation, trainees sprayed water into the pipe until the smoke dissipated and recorded the time taken to extinguish the fire. The control unit generates a training evaluation score based on at least one of the discovery time, excavation time, and fire extinguishing time, using a preset scoring model.
[0010] Furthermore, the scoring model is as follows: hour, ; hour, ; in, These correspond to the discovery phase, excavation phase, firefighting phase, and all phases, respectively. For trainees The time consumed in each stage, among which = ; for Standard time set for each stage; for Final score for the stage; for A perfect score for the stage; for Deduction coefficient for each stage.
[0011] Furthermore, the scoring model is as follows:
[0012] in, For the final overall score; These correspond to the discovery phase, the excavation phase, and the firefighting phase, respectively. For the first The weighting of the stage's score. ; Both are fractional mapping functions.
[0013] Beneficial effects: 1. This invention can complete the entire process of fire detection, excavation and extinguishing in an environment close to real underground fire, and the generated training evaluation results objectively reflect the training level; by using a light sensor to monitor the changes in ambient light caused by excavation, the excavation time can be accurately determined, effectively solving the subjectivity and error problems of traditional manual recording methods, and realizing the objective quantification of the training process.
[0014] 2. This invention monitors water pressure impact signals using a pressure sensor, providing objective and quantitative judgment criteria for the fire extinguishing stage, in addition to subjective observation of smoke. The control unit can automatically determine the effectiveness and completion of the fire extinguishing action based on the pressure signal and calculate the fire extinguishing time, thereby achieving accurate evaluation of the fire extinguishing operation.
[0015] 3. This invention integrates a multi-stage scoring model, which can not only evaluate the total time but also provide independent or weighted comprehensive scores for the three key stages of discovery, excavation, and firefighting. The standard time, deduction coefficient, and weights are determined according to the actual situation, adapting to training scenarios of varying difficulty and focus, thus improving the relevance and effectiveness of training.
[0016] 4. The device of this invention has a simple and reasonable structure, strong practicality, reusability, and low maintenance cost; the training ground can be quickly reset by re-covering it with soil, and it has efficient operability and cyclical use characteristics, making it very suitable for forest fire brigades to carry out routine and high-frequency combat training. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the evaluation device.
[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The left view.
[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The right view.
[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Top view.
[0021] Among them, 1-pipe, 2-mesh cover, 3-light sensor, 4-drainage pipe, 5-smoke generation module. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0023] Example 1 This invention provides an assessment device for underground fire training, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the evaluation device includes a simulation channel, a smoke generation module 5, one or more light sensors 3, one or more pressure sensors, a drainage structure, and a control unit.
[0024] The simulated tunnel consists of a pipe 1 with an open top and a mesh cover 2 placed on top of the pipe 1. During simulation training, the simulated tunnel is buried underground, and the mesh cover 2 is covered with a certain thickness of soil as a cover layer to simulate the underground environment. The soil particles and composition are determined according to the actual training scenario. This cover layer can completely block light from shining into the interior of the pipe 1.
[0025] The mesh cover 2 allows smoke to seep from inside pipe 1 to the outside while preventing leakage under the cover layer. In practice, the pore size and porosity of the mesh cover 2 are determined based on the soil particles used in the simulation training.
[0026] The smoke-generating module 5 is located at one end of the simulation channel and is used to provide simulated smoldering smoke into the simulation pipe 1. In this embodiment, as shown... Figure 2 , 4 As shown, the smoke generating module 5 includes a smoke generator, a smoke generator housing, and a housing cover; the smoke generator housing is located at the left end of the pipe 1 and is connected to the pipe 1, the smoke generator is located inside the smoke generator housing and is sealed by the housing cover which is hinged to the smoke generator housing; the smoke generator can continuously release smoke into the pipe 1.
[0027] Inside pipe 1, one or more light sensors 3 are evenly installed along the length of pipe 1. The light sensors 3 are used to monitor changes in ambient light caused by excavation operations. When the trainee is not excavating the overburden, there is no light inside pipe 1, and the light sensors 3 will not emit light-sensing signals. As the soil is gradually removed by the trainee, the light sensors 3 in the corresponding areas receive light in sequence, and the light sensors 3 send the light-sensing signals to the control unit in real time.
[0028] One or more pressure sensors are evenly installed inside pipe 1 along its length. These pressure sensors monitor the pressure of water impact inside the pipe. After the trainees finish digging, water is flushed into the simulated tunnel to simulate a fire extinguishing process. The pressure sensors transmit the pressure signals detected by the water impact to the control unit in real time.
[0029] The number and spacing of the light sensor 3 and pressure sensor 3 are determined based on their own parameters and the length of the simulated channel. In this embodiment, the pipe 1 is five meters long and has a radius of 250 millimeters. According to the selected models of the light sensor 3 and pressure sensor 3, nine light sensors 3 and nine pressure sensors are evenly arranged inside the pipe.
[0030] A drainage structure is installed at the bottom of the simulated passage to drain water accumulated during firefighting training. In this embodiment, pipe 1 is a semi-cylindrical pipe 1, which facilitates the drainage of water accumulated at the bottom of the simulated passage. The drainage structure is a drain pipe 4 connected to the bottom of pipe 1, such as... Figure 1 , 3 As shown, the drain pipe 4 is located at the bottom right end of the pipe 1 to drain the water accumulated during the fire extinguishing process into the external pipe 1, ensuring the smooth progress of the training cycle.
[0031] The control unit is connected to the light sensor 3 and the pressure sensor. The control unit receives the light signal from the light sensor 3 and the pressure signal from the pressure sensor. Based on these signals, the control unit determines the training participant's digging time and firefighting time, and generates a training assessment score based on at least one of these two times. For example, based on the digging time, the control unit generates an assessment score for the digging stage according to a built-in algorithm; based on the firefighting time, the control unit generates an assessment score for the firefighting stage according to a built-in algorithm.
[0032] Specifically, during the training process, when the soil is covering the pipe 1, the light inside is insufficient and the light sensor 3 is in a dark state; when the trainee digs away the soil, the outside light gradually enters, and the light sensor 3 responds in sequence. The light-sensing signals of all the light sensors 3 are transmitted to the control unit, and the control unit determines the digging time according to the built-in program.
[0033] In some embodiments, excavation is considered successful only after all light sensors 3 have successfully detected light. The time difference between the first and last light sensors 3 to emit a valid light-sensing signal can be used as the total trigger time to determine the excavation time. A valid light-sensing signal refers to a light-sensing signal that is emitted for at least a set time, excluding light-sensing signals that are emitted accidentally or that result in a brief period of unsuccessful excavation.
[0034] After excavation is completed, the trainees flush water into pipe 1. The water flow impacts the pressure sensor, which sends a pressure signal to the control unit. The control unit then determines the excavation time based on its built-in program.
[0035] In some embodiments, the control unit determines that the fire extinguishing is complete after receiving valid pressure signals from all pressure sensors; the time difference between the first and last pressure sensors that emit valid pressure signals is taken as the fire extinguishing time; wherein a valid pressure signal refers to a pressure signal within a set range that is emitted for at least a set time, that is, the underground fire in the same area is extinguished when water is continuously flushed at a set pressure within a set range for a set time.
[0036] In some other embodiments, the fire extinguishing time can be determined manually, rather than based on the pressure signal from the pressure sensor, and the time from the spraying of water to the complete dissipation of smoke can be used as the extinguishing time.
[0037] In some embodiments, the time it takes for the trainee to discover the underground fire can also be manually recorded and input into the control unit as the discovery time. For example, the time taken from when the trainee receives the instruction to when the patrol finds and arrives at the location of the simulated passage can be used as the discovery time. After determining the excavation time and the fire extinguishing time, the control unit can give a final score based on at least one of the discovery time, excavation time, and fire extinguishing time through a built-in program.
[0038] Example 2 This embodiment provides an assessment method for underground fire training, employing the assessment device described in Embodiment 1. The assessment method includes: The simulated channel is buried underground, and the smoke-generating module 5 is activated to fill the simulated channel with smoke. The smoke seeps out through the mesh cover plate 2 and the covering layer in sequence to simulate the underground fire smoldering scenario.
[0039] After receiving instructions, the trainees begin their operations, patrolling until they discover underground fire and recording the time taken to discover that stage. .
[0040] The trainee begins to excavate the covering layer to expose the light sensor 3 in sequence. The light sensor 3 monitors the light exposure when the trainee is excavating the covering layer and transmits the light-sensing signal to the control unit.
[0041] The control unit automatically calculates the excavation time during the excavation phase based on the photosensitive signals. Excavation time The time difference between the first and last light sensor 3 to emit a valid light-sensing signal is used (light-sensing time difference).
[0042] Trainees sprayed water until the smoke dissipated and recorded the time taken to extinguish the fire during this stage. Firefighting time The time from the automatic water spraying to the complete dissipation of smoke can be manually determined. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the time difference between the first and last pressure sensors to emit a valid pressure signal can be used as the extinguishing time. .
[0043] The control unit generates a training evaluation score based on at least one of the following: discovery time, excavation time, and firefighting time, using a pre-set scoring model. The scoring model can convert the actual time into a score by comparing it with a set standard time using a score mapping function. The type of score mapping function is not limited; it can be obtained through training with multiple simulated data sessions, or it can be obtained using the following... As a fraction mapping function.
[0044] In some embodiments, the scoring model is: hour, ; hour, ; in, For the actual time spent by the trainees, including , , or total actual time used = ; The standard time set includes the standard time for the discovery phase. Standard time for the excavation stage Standard time for fire extinguishing stage or total standard time ; For the final score, this includes the final score for the discovery phase. Final score of the excavation stage Final score for the fire extinguishing phase or the final score ; A perfect score is awarded, including a perfect score in the discovery phase. Excavation stage: full marks Firefighting phase: full marks or full marks ; This is a deduction coefficient used to measure the impact of exceeding the time limit on the score, and includes a deduction coefficient for the discovery phase. Deduction coefficient for the excavation stage Deduction coefficient for the fire extinguishing stage or total deduction coefficient .
[0045] In other words, based on the above scoring model, not only can the time spent on discovery be considered... Excavation time and the time required to extinguish the fire Separate scores can be given for the discovery phase, excavation phase, and firefighting phase, and scores can also be based on the total actual time used. A comprehensive score is given for the entire process. This score includes consideration of total practical application. hour, .
[0046] In other embodiments, the control unit assigns weighted factors to the three stages (discovery stage, excavation stage, and firefighting stage) to form a more refined quantitative evaluation based on the time taken in different stages, further improving the fairness and practicality of the evaluation. The scoring model is as follows:
[0047] in, For the final overall score; These correspond to the discovery phase, the excavation phase, and the firefighting phase, respectively. For the first The weighting of the stage's score. ; Both are fractional mapping functions.
[0048] Right now: ; There are no restrictions on the type of fraction mapping function selected; all can be as described above. Alternatively, the three can be different from each other.
[0049] The above scoring model quantifies the entire process, evaluating not only the total time but also down to each key stage; it is also flexible and adjustable, allowing for adjustments to the standard time and weighting coefficients based on different training scenarios; and it automatically generates scoring results, making it easy for trainers and managers to intuitively understand performance differences.
[0050] The assessment device provided by this invention can reproduce the scene of underground fire smoke accumulation and seepage in forests, allowing trainees to intuitively experience its concealment and danger, significantly improving the relevance of training. Utilizing a light sensor 3 to monitor digging actions in real time and automatically record the entire process time, it effectively overcomes the subjectivity and errors of manual timing, achieving objective and quantitative assessment. Combined with a scoring model, it reflects both operational speed and the thoroughness of fire extinguishing, avoiding issues such as focusing solely on speed without considering accuracy. The overall device has a simple structure and reasonable layout. The assessment device is reusable; the site can be quickly restored by covering it with soil. It features low maintenance costs and high reusability, making it suitable for routine combat training of forest fire brigades.
[0051] In summary, the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. An assessment device for underground fire training, characterized in that, include: The simulated passage includes a pipe with an open top and a mesh cover on top of the pipe. The mesh cover is covered by a covering layer simulating an underground environment. The mesh cover allows smoke to seep out and prevents leakage under the covering layer. A smoke-generating module, located at one end of the simulation channel, is used to provide smoke into the simulation channel; One or more light sensors are evenly arranged inside the pipe along its length. A drainage structure is installed at the bottom of the simulated channel to drain water generated during fire-fighting training. The control unit is configured to receive the light-sensing signal from the light sensor, determine the digging time of the trainees based on the light-sensing signal, and generate training evaluation scores based at least on the digging time.
2. The assessment device for underground fire training as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes one or more pressure sensors to monitor the pressure of water impact on the pipeline; The control unit is also used to receive the pressure signal from the pressure sensor, determine the fire extinguishing time of the trainees based on the pressure signal, and generate training evaluation scores based on at least one of the excavation time and the fire extinguishing time.
3. The assessment device for underground fire training as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The pipe has a circular arc cross-section.
4. An assessment method for underground fire training, characterized in that, The assessment device as described in any one of claims 1-3 includes: The pipes are buried underground, and the mesh cover is completely covered by the covering layer. The smoke generation module is activated to fill the simulated channel with smoke, which seeps out through the mesh cover and the covering layer to simulate an underground smoldering fire scenario. Trainees receive instructions to begin patrols until they discover underground fire, and record the time taken to discover each stage. ; Trainees begin digging through the covering layer to expose the light sensor, which monitors the light signals as the trainees dig through the covering layer and transmits them to the control unit. Based on the photosensitive signal, the control unit automatically calculates the excavation time during the excavation phase. ; After excavation, trainees sprayed water into the pipe until the smoke dissipated and recorded the time taken to extinguish the fire. ; The control unit generates a training evaluation score based on at least one of the discovery time, excavation time, and fire extinguishing time using a preset scoring model.
5. The assessment method for underground fire training as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The scoring model is as follows: hour, ; hour, ; in, These correspond to the discovery phase, excavation phase, firefighting phase, and all phases, respectively. For trainees The time consumed in each stage, among which = ; for Standard time set for each stage; for Final score for the stage; for A perfect score for the stage; for Deduction coefficient for each stage.
6. The assessment method for underground fire training as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The scoring model is as follows: in, For the final overall score; These correspond to the discovery phase, the excavation phase, and the firefighting phase, respectively. For the first The weighting of the stage's score. ; Both are fractional mapping functions.