Thermally operated alarm and response system

Abstract

A thermally actuated fire suppression system is provided. The system may include one or more modules installed in an exterior panel of a building. The one or more modules may include a shape memory alloy wire that deforms when heated, causing the module to release a pressurized substance. The system may include an alarm module that issues an audible alarm. The system may include a fire suppression module that releases a fire suppression substance when the shape memory wire deforms in response to heating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 047,565, titled "HEAT - ACTIVATED ALARM AND RESPONSE SYSTEM," filed on July 2, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The specific embodiments discussed herein relate to methods, systems, and devices for protecting against dangerous conditions such as building fires.

Background Art

[0003] Fire protection systems for buildings can be complex. Residential or commercial buildings may have complex fire protection systems that include multiple sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, smoke sensors) and response systems (e.g., sprinklers, alarms), which are coordinated to monitor and maintain the safety of the building. These systems can be expensive to install and maintain. There is a need for devices and systems that can provide alternative options for maintaining building safety.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The systems, methods, and devices described herein have innovative aspects, and not only one of them is essential, nor does only one of them carry its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of this disclosure, some of the advantageous features are summarized below.

[0005] In a first embodiment, a module for a fire suppression and / or alarm system is described. The module includes a cylinder containing a substance under pressure; a seal configured to prevent the substance from leaving the cylinder when the seal is in an intact configuration, and further configured to allow the substance to leave the cylinder when the seal is in a broken configuration; and a shape memory alloy wire configured to trigger a transition of the seal from an intact configuration to a broken configuration when the shape memory alloy wire is heated to a deformation temperature.

[0006] In some embodiments, the module further includes a horn portion through which a substance passes to generate an audible alarm. In some embodiments, the audible alarm has a sound level of 120 decibels and a duration between 5 and 60 minutes. In some embodiments, the audible alarm includes a first and second musical tone that are superimposed. In some embodiments, the substance is a fire suppressant. In some embodiments, the fire suppressant is foam. In some embodiments, the fire suppressant is carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, the trigger includes a seal breaking element configured to puncture a seal, and when a shape memory alloy wire is heated to a deformation temperature, the length of the shape memory alloy wire decreases so that the cylinder is drawn to the seal breaking element. In some embodiments, the trigger further includes a gas or fluid conduit configured to regulate the pressure of the substance exiting the cylinder.

[0007] In a second embodiment, a module for a thermally actuated alarm system is described. The module includes a sound emitter, a power circuit configured to connect the sound emitter to a power source, an insulator which is at least partially disposed within the power circuit so as to interrupt the power circuit when the module is in an armed configuration, and a shape memory alloy wire configured to connect the power circuit and supply power to the sound emitter by at least partially removing the insulator from the power circuit when the shape memory alloy wire is heated to a deformation temperature.

[0008] In some embodiments, the power circuit includes at least one battery and a conductive contact, the conductive contact positioned to connect to a first terminal of at least one battery, and an insulator is disposed between the conductive contact and the first terminal when the module is in a ready configuration. In some embodiments, a first end of a shape memory alloy wire is fixed to the module, and a second end of the shape memory alloy wire opposite to the first end is mechanically connected to the insulator. In some embodiments, when the shape memory alloy wire is heated to a deformation temperature, the length of the shape memory alloy wire decreases so that the insulator is pulled away from the power circuit. In some embodiments, the sound emitter includes an electromagnetic horn. In some embodiments, the sound emitter includes a speaker configured to play at least one of an alarm sound and a verbal message. In some embodiments, the speaker is configured to play at least one verbal message selected to activate one or more voice-activated network-connected devices. In some embodiments, the module further includes at least one light source, the at least one light source configured to be powered by the power circuit when the insulator is at least partially removed from the power circuit. In some embodiments, at least one light source includes at least one strobe.

[0009] In a third embodiment, the fire suppression and / or alarm system includes a cladding structure comprising an enclosed compartment, and a module disposed on the outer surface of the cladding structure, comprising a cylinder containing a substance under pressure, the internal portion of which is disposed within the compartment, the module comprising a shape memory alloy wire, the shape memory alloy wire being configured to deform when heated, causing the cylinder to release the substance from the cylinder.

[0010] In some embodiments, the substance is fire suppression foam. In some embodiments, the module further includes a horn portion, which generates an audible alarm as the gas exits the cylinder and passes through the horn portion.

[0011] In a fourth embodiment, a method for installing a fire suppression and / or alarm system in a building includes the steps of creating an opening in the exterior wall of the building and installing a module in the opening such that the shape memory alloy (SMA) wire of the module's trigger is adjacent to the exterior wall. The SMA wire is configured to deform when heated, causing the module to release a substance contained in a pressurized canister.

[0012] In some embodiments, the substance is fire suppression foam. In some embodiments, the method further includes the step of placing a portion of the module within an enclosed compartment partially formed by an outer wall.

[0013] Any feature, component, or detail of any configuration or embodiment disclosed herein may, without limitation, include any of the methods, systems, and devices disclosed below, and may be interchangeably combined with any other feature, component, or detail of any configuration or embodiment disclosed herein to form new configurations and embodiments.

[0014] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference letters refer to similar elements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a front view of a building equipped with a fire protection system, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a side view of a system module installed within a building wall, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] A side view of a system module installed in a building wall and in a ready configuration, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] A side view of the system module of FIG. 3 after the system module has transitioned from a ready configuration to an operating configuration. [Figure 5] A side view of a system module, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] A diagram illustrating an exemplary system module, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] A diagram illustrating an exemplary system module, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] A diagram illustrating an exemplary seal break element, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] A diagram illustrating an exemplary seal break element, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] A diagram illustrating an exemplary gas or fluid conduit, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] A diagram illustrating an exemplary gas or fluid conduit, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 8C] A diagram illustrating an exemplary gas or fluid conduit, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 8D] A diagram illustrating an exemplary gas or fluid conduit, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A] A diagram illustrating an exemplary system module, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] A diagram illustrating an exemplary system module, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 9C] A diagram illustrating an exemplary system module, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 9D] A diagram illustrating an exemplary system module, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Although this specification describes specific details of various aspects of the present disclosure, it will be recognized that the description is merely exemplary and should in no way be construed as limiting. Moreover, various applications of such aspects and modifications thereto may occur to those skilled in the art, and these are also encompassed by the general concepts described herein.

[0017] Generally described, the present disclosure provides systems and modules for temperature - dependent alarms and / or fire extinguishing. For the sake of simplicity, the systems of the present disclosure are described from the perspective of fire alarm and fire protection systems for building structures. However, the systems and devices of the present disclosure can be used in other types of structures (e.g., vehicles, public structures) and for purposes other than fire prevention (e.g., issuing a "heat warning", monitoring forest fires, etc.). For example, the systems and devices of the present disclosure can be installed in a playground structure in a park or school. The system can monitor the room - temperature conditions near the playground structure. When the system detects that the environmental conditions are potentially dangerous for people or pets, the system can sound an alarm and can inform people that the outside conditions are potentially dangerous due to overheating. In other variations, operating the system can trigger the system to activate a cooling spray that atomizes and sprays water near the playground structure. In some aspects, the system can include multiple modules, the multiple modules are dispersed in a forest, and, as described herein, are configured to alert a fire monitoring service of the coordinates of the modules activated by a heat event indicating a fire.

[0018] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to technologies designed from the ground up to fill or neutralize limited spaces. For example, a building may have voids between the exterior cladding panels attached to the building and the insulation beneath them. Under some conditions, these voids may facilitate the spread of fire. In some cases, voids may exacerbate a fire by providing a channel for oxygen to be delivered to the fire. The systems of the present disclosure may be positioned to neutralize these voids. In some embodiments, the systems of the present disclosure are customizable. For example, the system may allow the number of void-filling units attached to the cladding to be adjusted to ensure that the void volume is adequately filled. In some embodiments, the system may be readily retrofitted on existing cladding and insulation, as discussed herein.

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a fire prevention system 100 according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. The system 100 may include one or more modules 200. The modules 200 may be installed in a building structure 10. In the illustrated embodiments, the modules 200 are shown installed on an exterior panel 12 of the building structure 10. In some embodiments, the panel 12 may be a cladding structure, as described herein. In some modifications, the modules 200 may be installed on an interior wall or surface of the building structure 10. In some configurations, the modules 200 are hidden from view. For example, the illustrated modules 200 may be hidden from view by covering the exterior panel 12 with an overlay layer that provides a decorative panel or exterior to the building structure 10. In some modifications, the modules 200 remain exposed and visible after installation in the panel 12. In some modifications, the modules 200 may be sized or otherwise positioned to visually harmonize with the surrounding panel 12 so that the appearance of the modules 200 is reduced or minimized.

[0020] Continuing to refer to Figure 1, the system 100 can include different types of modules 200. For example, the system 100 can include one or more alarm modules 202 (shown as open circles) and one or more fire suppression modules 204. The alarm modules 202 can respond to detected hazardous conditions (e.g., fire) by generating an alarm. In some configurations, the alarm modules 202 can emit a loud noise (e.g., a whistle) to warn nearby people that hazardous conditions (e.g., fire) have been detected. In some variations, the alarm modules 202 may be connected to a communication network and configured to alert monitoring services or fire departments that hazardous conditions have been detected within the building 10. As shown in Figure 1, the system 100 can include panels 12 having different combinations of alarm modules 202 and fire suppression modules 204. For example, some panels 12 can contain one or more alarm modules 202 and not contain fire suppression modules 204. Some panels 12 can contain one or more fire suppression modules 204 and not contain alarm modules 202. Some panels 12 may contain a mixture of alarm modules 202 and fire suppression modules 204.

[0021] Figure 2 illustrates that in some embodiments, module 200 can be a dual-purpose module 206 configured to perform both alarm and fire suppression functions. In the illustrated embodiment, the dual-purpose module 206 is shown installed within a panel 12 of building 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the dual-purpose module 206 has an exterior portion 210 that is disposed on the exterior wall portion 20 of building 10. In some modifications, the exterior portion 210 can be directly exposed to or in contact with the external environment of building 10. In some configurations, the exterior portion 210 can be visually concealed beneath the exterior or covering layer of building 10, as described herein.

[0022] The dual-purpose module 206 may have an interior portion 212 that extends from the exterior wall 20 into the building. The panel 12 may include or define a cladding system in which voids or compartments 14 are formed between the exterior wall 20, an opposing wall 22, and a plurality of spanning wall portions 24 that extend between the exterior wall 20 and the opposing wall 22, as shown in Figure 2. The interior portion 212 of the dual-purpose module 206 may extend into the compartments 14. The interior portion 212 may be configured to release a fire suppression material 30 into the compartments 14. In some embodiments, the fire suppression material 30 may be foam, gel, liquid, or gas. The fire suppression material 30 may fill the compartments and reduce or eliminate voids within the compartments 14. As described herein, in some embodiments, the fire suppressant 30 can fill or neutralize the voids enclosed by the compartments 14. In some embodiments, filling the compartments 14 with the fire suppressant 30 can slow or eliminate the spread of fire through the building 10. In some embodiments, the fire suppressant 30 can slow or eliminate the spread of fire on or through the panels 12 or cladding structures of the building 10. In some embodiments, the exterior portion 210 may be configured to emit an audible alarm 33. In some embodiments, the dual-purpose module 206 may be arranged differently. For example, the exterior portion 210 may be configured to release the fire suppressant 30, which is configured to coat or flow over the exterior surface of the panel 12. In some embodiments, the interior portion 212 may be configured to emit an audible alarm within the compartments 14. In some embodiments, the fire suppression substance 30 can be a gas (for example, carbon dioxide), and an audible alarm can be powered by the fire suppression gas when it is released to fill the void in the compartment 14.

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates that module 200 may include a canister 220, a seal-breaking element 222, and a trigger 224. The trigger 224 may be configured to transition module 200 from a ready configuration to an activated configuration. In the ready configuration, canister 220 is sealed and filled with a compressed fluid (e.g., gas, fire suppression foam). In the activated configuration, canister 220 is open and the compressed fluid is released from canister 220. The trigger 224 may include a temperature-sensitive material (e.g., a shape memory alloy). In some embodiments, the trigger 224 may include a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire 226. The SMA wire 226 may be configured to deform in a temperature-dependent manner when module 200 reaches a temperature that indicates panel 12 is burning. In other words, the SMA wire 226 may be configured to change its structure when the temperature of panel 12 rises above a temperature that would not occur under natural environmental conditions. The SMA wire 226 is deformable to directly or indirectly cause the release of the seal-breaking element 222, so that the seal-breaking element 222 breaks the seal of the canister 220 and releases the gas or fluid contained therein. In Figure 3, the module 200 is shown installed in a ready configuration within the panel 12.

[0024] Module 200 may be configured to remain in a ready configuration for a long period of time (e.g., 30 years). In some configurations, Module 200 may be configured to remain in a ready configuration for 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 60, 100 years, values ​​between the above values, and other values. In some embodiments, Module 200 may enable System 100 to provide fire protection for a long period of time without requiring a power supply to System 100. In other words, Module 200 may be kept in an active-dormant state for many years and then shifted to an active state when needed. Module 200 may be activated by heating the shape memory wire 226 to a temperature indicating that Module 200 is near a fire. In some embodiments, System 100 may be retrofitted to a building 10 with existing panels 12. In some embodiments, the system 100 can be retrofitted to a building 10 by creating holes in the building's panels 12 and installing modules 200 into the holes created in the panels 12. In some embodiments, the system 100 can provide an inexpensive method for maintaining fire protection over a long period of time. In some embodiments, the system 100 can be easily installed. In some embodiments, the installation of the system 100 can be simple, and as described herein, it may only require the use of a cordless drill to install modules 200 of the system 100 into existing panels.

[0025] Figure 4 illustrates a fire suppression module 204 installed within the exterior wall 20. The fire suppression module 204 is shown in an activated state, in which case a fire suppression material 30 is released from the canister 220 into the compartment 14, as described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the fire suppression module 204 includes an SMA wire 226 that is deformed to move a seal breaking element 222 into the canister 220. The SMA wire 226 can trigger the release of the fire suppression material 30, for example, by displacing a locking pin, freeing a spring, and pushing a perforating element into the seal. In some configurations, the SMA wire 226 may be embedded in a seal (e.g., rosin) that shatters when the SMA wire deforms.

[0026] Figure 5 illustrates an alarm module 202 installed within the outer wall 20. The alarm module 202 is shown in an activated state, in which case an audible alarm 33 is emitted from the alarm module 202 when gas is released from the canister 220. The alarm module 202 may include a horn portion 230 that generates the audible alarm 33. In the illustrated embodiment, the horn portion 230 is positioned to sound outside the compartment 14 when the gas in the cylinder 220 is released through the horn portion 230 and exits the compartment 14. In some configurations, the horn portion 230 may be positioned to sound inside the compartment 14 and may be powered by a fire suppression gas (e.g., carbon dioxide) that passes through the horn portion 230, enters the compartment 14, and fills the compartment 14 with the fire suppression gas. The horn section 230 can be a sound-producing structure (e.g., a horn, reed, whistle, flute, harmonica, or other wind instrument). The alarm module 202 may include a trigger 224, which, as described, transitions the alarm module 202 from a ready configuration to an actuated configuration. The trigger 224 may include an SMA wire 226, as described herein. In some embodiments, the auditory alarm 33 may include multiple musical tones. For example, in some modifications, the auditory alarm 33 may include a first sound produced by passing a first portion of air escaping from a cylinder through a first horn, reed, key, or whistle, or by passing a second portion of gas escaping from a cylinder through a second horn, reed, key, or whistle, thereby producing a second musical tone. The alarm module 202 may emit an auditory alarm 33 that includes one or more musical tones that are superimposed or played together.In some embodiments, the alarm module 202 may be configured to generate sounds at values ​​of 10 dB, 20 dB, 40 dB, 60 dB, 80 dB, 120 dB, 150 dB, any of the above values, and other values. In some embodiments, the alarm module 202 may be configured to emit an auditory alarm 33 over a period of 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, any of the above values, and other values. In some embodiments, the alarm module 202 is configured to emit an auditory alarm 33 at 120 dB that lasts for a period of 5 to 60 minutes.

[0027] Aspects of this disclosure have been described in the context of fire suppression systems for buildings. However, the systems may also be used in other conditions where the neutralization of voids is desired. For example, the systems disclosed herein may be applied to computer cases, transformer boxes, water heaters, and other systems for extinguishing internal fires. In some embodiments, the systems may be configured to fill the case or enclosed space with a fire suppression gas or other substance (e.g., fire suppression foam) when a dangerous or undesirable thermal event occurs. In some configurations, the systems may be adapted for use in the interior walls of a house or apartment. In some embodiments, the systems may be retrofitted into the interior walls of a building. The systems may be configured to fill voids formed between drywall and studs. Drywall and studs may form a porosity or network of voids surrounded by each pair of drywall and adjacent studs. In some embodiments, the systems may attack the wall porosity one void at a time until the fire stops spreading.

[0028] In some embodiments, system 100 can be a network of modules 200 installed or retrofitted within a building. For example, system 100 may be installed or retrofitted within an apartment building having multiple units. Each unit may have 15 or more modules 200 installed to protect the unit from fire. In some embodiments, system 100 can be two separate networks (one a network of alarms and the other a network of fire suppressors). If a fire occurs in the building, the alarms may act sequentially as they reach a preset temperature. If the fire moves throughout the building, more alarms will sound as the fire continues to spread. In some configurations, the fire suppressors may be configured to start sounding sequentially according to the path of used alarms. In some embodiments, the fire suppressors may be configured to activate at a preset temperature higher than the alarms. In some configurations, the networks of alarms and fire suppressors may be installed in the building cladding in sufficient numbers to overflow the cladding voids with a fire suppression gas (e.g., carbon dioxide). For example, thousands of modules could be installed within the exterior cladding of a building, and in the event of a fire, the voids in the cladding would be filled with fire-suppressing gas to such an extent that the fire would not only be delayed but extinguished, as the fire-suppressing gas would leak out of the voids and fall over the fire.

[0029] In some embodiments, the system 100 may be configured to monitor a large area of ​​land with respect to wildfires. For example, referring to Figure 5, the horn portion 230 of the alarm module 202 may be replaced with a micro-generator (not shown) powered by gases escaping from a cylinder 220. As described herein, the alarm module 202 may be configured such that when the wire 226 is heated to a temperature indicating that a fire is near the alarm module 202, the SMA wire 226 deforms, triggering the cylinder 220 and releasing the gases contained in the canister 220. The gases escaping from the canister 220 may flow through the turbine of a micro-generator (not shown), powering the micro-generator and generating enough electricity to enable the activated alarm module 202 to transmit a signal to a fire monitoring service. In some embodiments, the alarm module 202 may be configured to wirelessly transmit the GPS coordinates of the activated alarm module 202 for a period of 5 minutes. In some embodiments, system 100 may include a plurality of alarm modules 202 distributed over a large area of ​​land susceptible to fire (e.g., a forest). The plurality of alarm modules 202 may be suspended from trees (e.g., dropped from an aircraft) or installed in trees by driving the modules 202 into the tree trunks. The plurality of alarm modules 202 may provide an economical fire monitoring network or system 100 for monitoring the area of ​​land where the plurality of modules 202 are distributed. In some embodiments, one or more gas-powered micro-generator alarm modules 202 may be included in the fire suppression system 100 described herein in relation to buildings. The alarm module 202 may be configured to transmit the GPS coordinates of the alarm module 202, activated by a thermal event indicating a fire in its vicinity, to a fire monitoring service or a nearby fire station.

[0030] Figures 6A and 6B illustrate exemplary implementations of the dual-purpose module 206 according to the present technology. The dual-purpose module 206 includes a cylinder 220 and a trigger 224, as described elsewhere in this specification, the trigger 224 which transitions the dual-purpose module 206 from a ready configuration to an actuated configuration. The dual-purpose module 206 further includes a horn section 230 (including a bell 231) that generates an auditory alarm.

[0031] The cylinder 220 may be screwed into the trigger 224 and further held against the trigger 224 by one or more SMA wires 226. In the exemplary implementations of Figures 6A and 6B, the one or more SMA wires 226 are in the form of a single loop of SMA wire 226, which is wound in a loop around the retaining knob 228 of the trigger 224 and passes through the retaining structure 227 at the opposite end of the cylinder 220. The loop of SMA wire 226 is configured to deform by contracting (for example, by only 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, or more, up to the length of the SMA wire 226). As disclosed elsewhere herein, when the SMA wire 226 contracts at high temperatures, the length of the loop of SMA wire 226 decreases so that the cylinder 220 is pulled closer to the trigger 224. As cylinder 220 is drawn towards trigger 224, the sealed tip of the cylinder contacts a seal-breaking element 232 (Figures 7A-7B) at least partially disposed within trigger 224, puncturing the seal and allowing pressurized gas or fluid to exit cylinder 220. The pressurized gas or fluid exiting cylinder activates horn portion 230, generating an audible alarm and at least partially filling the void around dual-purpose module 206, as described elsewhere in this specification.

[0032] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate exemplary seal-breaking elements 232 according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the seal-breaking element 232 may be implemented within the trigger 224 and / or horn portion 230 of any of the modules disclosed herein (e.g., the dual-purpose module 206 in Figures 6A–6B). The seal-breaking element 232 includes a needle 234 and a gas or fluid conduit 238.

[0033] The needle 234 is a hollow, tubular structure having an angled tip 236 adapted for puncturing the seal of a cylinder, such as a cylinder 220 (Figures 6A-6B). The needle 234 can contain any material (e.g., metal or polymer material) that is sufficiently rigid to maintain dimensional stability and to puncture the seal of the cylinder 220 when the cylinder 220 contacts the tip 236. Once the seal is punctured, the gas or fluid leaving the cylinder 220 travels through at least a portion of the needle 234 and through the gas or fluid conduit 238.

[0034] Figures 8A–8D illustrate the exemplary gas or fluid conduit 238 shown in Figures 7A–7B. Figure 8A is a side view of the conduit 238, and Figure 8C is an additional side view of the conduit 238 taken at an angle perpendicular to the figure in Figure 8A, as indicated by arrow 8C in Figure 8A. Figure 8B is a partial enlarged view of the distal section 240, indicated by arrow 8B in Figure 8A. Figure 8D is a partial enlarged view of the distal section 240, indicated by arrow 8D in Figure 8C.

[0035] The conduit 238 is a hollow, tubular structure that includes a distal section 240 configured to receive gas and / or fluid from the cylinder 220 (Figures 6A-6B). The distal section 240 includes at least one opening, allowing gas and / or fluid to enter the conduit 238 through at least one opening. In the exemplary conduit 238 shown in Figures 8A-8D, the distal section 240 includes a side slot 242 located on the opposite side of the conduit 238. An end slot 244 is located at the end of the distal section 240. Thus, when the tip 236 of the needle 234 (Figures 7A-7B) punctures the seal of the cylinder, pressurized gas and / or fluid exiting the cylinder can enter the conduit 238 through the side slot 242 and the end slot 244.

[0036] The size, shape, and configuration of the side slots 242 and / or end slots 244 can, advantageously, control the pressure of the gas and / or fluid entering the horn portion 230 of the module (Figures 6A-6B). For example, in some embodiments, the module may use a cylinder containing gas or fluid at a pressure substantially higher than the pressure desired for the operation of the horn portion of the module. In some embodiments, the configurations illustrated in Figures 8A-8D may be suitable for reducing the pressure of the gas or fluid entering the horn portion. For example, the configuration of the side slots 242 and end slots 244 of the conduit 238 may be suitable for reducing high-pressure gas or fluid (e.g., up to 100 psi, 200 psi, 300 psi, 400 psi, 500 psi, 600 psi, 700 psi, 800 psi, 900 psi, 1000 psi, or more in a cylinder) to lower pressures (e.g., as low as 100 psi, 90 psi, 80 psi, 70 psi, 60 psi, 50 psi, 40 psi, 30 psi, 20 psi, or even lower) as it exits the conduit 238 at the proximal end opposite the distal section 240.

[0037] Figures 9A to 9D illustrate exemplary alarm modules 202 according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, an alarm module 202, such as the one illustrated in Figure 1, may be powered by compressed gas or fluid and / or by electricity. The exemplary alarm modules 202 in Figures 9A to 9D are configured to use electricity to emit an audible alarm and / or a visual alarm. Figure 9A is a front perspective view of the alarm module 202. Figures 9B and 9C are rear perspective views of the alarm module 202. Figure 9D is a partially enlarged side perspective view of the alarm module 202 illustrating the trigger mechanism of the alarm module 202.

[0038] The alarm module 202 includes a housing 250 containing a power source (e.g., one or more batteries 252). The housing 250 may further include one or more light sources 256 (e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs), strobes (e.g., LED strobes), or other light sources configured to emit light) disposed on or at least partially inside the housing 250. A sound emitter 258 (e.g., a speaker or electromagnetic horn) may also be disposed on or at least partially inside the housing 250 (e.g., on the rear surface 251 of the housing 250).

[0039] The battery 252 may be housed in a battery holder 254, which has a circuit for connecting the terminals of the battery 252 to power one or more light sources 256 and / or sound emitters 258. In the prepared configuration, as shown in Figures 9A to 9D, an insulator 260 is placed between at least one terminal 262 of the battery 252 and the corresponding contact of the battery holder 254 to prevent electricity from flowing through the battery circuit in order to power one or more light sources 256 and / or sound emitters 258.

[0040] To trigger the alarm module 202 at high temperatures associated with a fire being near the alarm module 202, an SMA wire 264 is disposed on or inside the housing 250 (for example, along the rear surface 251 of the housing 250). The SMA wire 264 has a first end 266 anchored to the housing 250 and a second end 268 connected to an insulator 260 by a flexible connector 270 (for example, a flexible metal ribbon or polymer ribbon). When the temperature reaches a level high enough to cause deformation in the SMA wire 264, the SMA wire contracts or shortens, pulling on the flexible connector 270. The flexible connector 270 then pulls the insulator 260 outward so that the insulator 260 is removed from its position between the terminal 262 and the corresponding contact, completing the battery circuit.

[0041] When the insulator 260 is removed from the battery holder 254, electricity from the battery 252 activates one or more light sources 256 and / or sound emitters 258. In some embodiments, one or more light sources 256 are configured to act as strobe lights by emitting light in a repeating pattern of flashes that match a fire alarm strobe when electrically activated. In some embodiments, the sound emitters 258 are configured to emit an alarm sound (e.g., a horn (e.g., an electromagnetic horn), a buzzer, one or more musical tones, or any other alarm sound at any appropriate volume) when electrically activated, as described elsewhere in this specification. In some embodiments, the sound emitters 258 are configured to play a verbal warning message (e.g., "Fire!"). In some embodiments, the sound emitted by the sound emitters 258 is selected to interact with voice-activated devices (e.g., network-connected devices (e.g., digital assistants, smart speakers, etc.)). For example, the sound emitter 258 can play a message (e.g., "Okay, Google, call 911," or any other message appropriate to activate a voice-activated device and bring the device to emergency services). In some embodiments, the sound emitter 258 may be configured to sequentially play a number of different messages selected to activate different types of voice-activated devices, thereby increasing the probability that a nearby voice-activated device will be activated when the alarm module 202 is triggered.

[0042] While certain configurations of this disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented merely as examples and not as limiting. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications of form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments described above, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, while certain advantages of the invention have been described herein, it should be understood that not all such advantages can necessarily be realized in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Accordingly, it will be understood that, for example, the invention can be embodied or practiced in a manner that realizes or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein, without necessarily realizing other advantages as taught or suggested herein. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0043] 10. Building structure, building 12 External Panels 14 compartments 20 Exterior wall section 22 Opposing wall section 24. Wall section spanning 30 Fire suppressants 33. Auditory alarm 100 Fire Prevention Systems 200 modules 202 Alarm Module 204 Fire suppression module 206 Dual-purpose module 210 External part 212 Internal part 220 Canisters, Cylinders 222 Seal Breaking Element 224 Trigger 226 Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Wire 227 Holding Structure 228 Retaining knob 230 Horn section 231 Bells 232 Seal Breaking Elements 234 needles 236 Angled tip 238 Gas or fluid conduits 240 Distal section 242 side slots 244 end slots 250 Housing 251 Posterior surface 252 batteries 254 Battery Holder 256 Light source 258 Sound Emitter 260 Insulator 262 terminals 264 SMA wires 266 First end 268 Second end 270 Flexible Connector

Claims

1. A module for a thermally operated alarm system, Sound emitter and, A power circuit configured to connect the sound emitter to a power source, An insulator, wherein when the module is in a ready configuration, the insulator is at least partially disposed within the power circuit such that it interrupts the power circuit; A shape memory alloy wire, configured to connect a power circuit and provide power to a sound emitter by at least partially removing the insulator from the power circuit when the shape memory alloy wire is heated to a deformation temperature, Includes, A module in which a first end of the shape memory alloy wire is fixed to the module, and a second end of the shape memory alloy wire opposite to the first end is mechanically connected to the insulator.

2. The module according to claim 1, wherein the power circuit includes at least one battery and a conductive contact portion, the conductive contact portion being positioned to connect to a first terminal of at least one of the batteries, and the insulator being disposed between the conductive contact portion and the first terminal when the module is in the prepared configuration.

3. The module according to claim 1, wherein when the shape memory alloy wire is heated to the deformation temperature, the length of the shape memory alloy wire decreases so that the insulator is pulled away from the power circuit.

4. The module according to claim 1, wherein the sound emitter includes an electromagnetic horn.

5. The module according to claim 1, wherein the sound emitter includes a speaker configured to play at least one of an alarm sound and a verbal message.

6. The module according to claim 5, wherein the speaker is configured to play at least a verbal message selected to activate one or more voice-activated network-connected devices.

7. The module according to claim 1, further comprising at least one light source, the at least one of which is configured to be powered by the power circuit when the insulator is at least partially removed from the power circuit.

8. The module according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the light sources includes at least one strobe.

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