Surface insert device for a fire extinguishing system
A lightweight, self-securing surface insert device with an expanding member enables efficient fire suppression in confined spaces by allowing easy handling and multiple attack points, reducing risk and time consumption.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JOENI HLDG APS
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing firefighting devices are heavy and difficult to handle, limiting their mobility and effectiveness in fighting fires in confined spaces, and current systems require multiple fixed positions for fire suppression, increasing risk and time consumption.
A lightweight surface insert device with an expanding member that secures itself in an aperture of a surface, allowing fluid communication and maintaining position during use, enabling multiple attack points for efficient fire suppression.
The device allows for easy handling and secure placement in confined spaces, facilitating rapid deployment and efficient fire extinguishing across multiple areas with reduced risk to firefighters.
Smart Images
Figure EP2026051593_30072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Surface insert device for a fire extinguishing system
[0002] Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a surface insert device for a fire extinguishing system and a method therefore, wherein the surface insert device is attachable to a surface of a construction.
[0004] Background of the Invention
[0005] Fire may often be difficult to detect early, and access with fire equipment may be very difficult. Fire spreads very differently, depending on the ambient conditions and the material or object that is burning. For example, fighting fire on ships or in container yards, containers may be arranged very near to each other, and the space may be very narrow. Also fire in silo constructions may be a challenge. There is a high risk of spontaneous combustion and explosion if the fire is not under control. The time is of great importance, when fire occurs. Firefighters face a significant risk, including being exposed to toxic gases and potential structural collapse, while fighting fire.
[0006] W018091055 Al disclose a firefighting device comprising a firefighting aggregate for penetrating a wall. The firefighting device need not be held by an operator during operation. The firefighting device is brought into position, e.g., by means of a hoist of any kind, with e.g., a fire hose connected to the fluid inlet and the firefighting device be attached to the wall. The firefighting device injects firefighting fluid into a space behind the wall. The firefighting aggregate comprises a fluid driven rotating motor, such as a turbine, with a rotor carrying a rotating cutting element, and a fluid inlet for receiving firefighting fluid to drive the rotor. The problem related to this firefighting device is that the firefighting device is very heavy and cannot be handled easily by a firefighter alone. Ones the firefighting device is fastened to a wall, e.g., a container, the firefighting device cannot easily be moved.
[0007] WO24032862 Al disclose a battery penetration device for reducing the temperature in at least one battery in a battery pack. The battery penetration device comprises a tube having a fluid inlet for fluid, and a nail is arranged in a first end of said tube. The nail is configured to rotate relative to a longitudinal axis of said tube, such that the nail is capable of entering said battery pack. The nail has at least one fluidoutlet. The fluid inlet is in fluid communication with said fluid outlet, such that fluid is capable of entering said battery pack, and thereby reducing the temperature inside the battery pack when cooling the battery pack with said fluid.
[0008] The problem related to the use of moveable firefighting devices is that the firefighting device has a drilling unit and a firefighting unit comprised in one device. The drilling device is bound to be located at the same place while fighting the fire. The fire may then only be attacked from one position at a time, which is rarely enough. Fighting the fire will take a long time and there is a high risk of dangerous fire hazard, or other fire related damage may occur.
[0009] Object of the Invention
[0010] It is an object of the invention to provide a surface insert device, which is lightweighted and easily handled by a firefighter during operation of extinguishing fire.
[0011] It is furthermore an object of the invention to provide a fire extinguishing system for extinguishing fire in substantially contained areas, such as constructions as buildings, containers, silos etc, which is lightweighted and easily handled by a firefighter during operation of extinguishing fire.
[0012] Description of the Invention
[0013] The present invention addresses this by providing a surface insert device for fire extinguishing system, wherein said surface insert device is configured to be inserted in an aperture in a surface, wherein the surface insert device comprises:
[0014] a tube having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the tube is configured to be in fluid communication with a fire extinguishing system or part of a fire extinguishing system,
[0015] an expanding member having at least one expanding part arranged along or partially along a cross sectional outer surface of the tube between the inlet end and the outlet, wherein the expanding member is configured to expand the circumference of the cross sectional outer surface of the surface insert device, such that when the surface insert device is inserted in an aperture in a surface, the expanding member is expanded, and the surface insert device is kept in substantiallysame position relative to the surface during use. The surface insert device comprises a tube having an inlet end and an outlet end. The tube’s inlet end and outlet end is in fluid communication. The tube may have a center line along the tube’s longitudinal center axis. The term ‘tube’ should be understood as a tube, pipe or any other similar device having an opening through the device. The tube may be an unbendable tube provided of a rigid material. Alternatively, the tube may be a bendable type of tube provided in a resilient material. The tube’s inlet is configured to be in fluid communication with a fire extinguishing system or part of a fire extinguishing system. The fire extinguishing system comprises at least one fire extinguishing equipment part. The fire extinguishing system comprises at least one fluid source.
[0016] The surface insert device for fire extinguishing system is configured to be inserted into an aperture, which is provided in a surface. The surface may for example be a surface related to a construction surface, such as a building, a container or a silo enclosing or partially enclosing a volume. The surface may be a wall having a first and a second side, wherein a fire hazard situation may occur on one side of the surface. To be able to reduce the fire hazard situation, the surface insert device may be arranged through the surface. An aperture may be provided, such that the surface insert device can be easily pushed into and partially through the aperture, and thereby provide a fluid communication between the two sides.
[0017] The surface insert device comprises at least one expanding member. The expanding member comprises at least one expanding part. The expanding part is arranged along or partially along a cross sectional outer surface of the tube in a predefined position between the inlet end and the outlet end. The expanding member is configured to expand the circumference of the cross sectional outer surface of the surface insert device in at least one direction away from the tube. The expanding member is configured to expand the circumference of the cross sectional outer surface of the surface insert device using at least one moveable part.
[0018] The surface insert device is easily inserted in an aperture in a surface, such that the expanding member is arranged in a predetermined position relative to the aperture. The expanding member is configured to be expanded during and / or after being arranged fully or partially through the surface. The surface insert device will be kept in substantially same position relative to the surface during use, while fluid is flowingthrough the surface insert device. When the fluid is flowing through the surface insert device a force is provided, which will act such by moving the surface insert device out of the aperture, if the surface insert device is not fastened to the surface. The expanding member creates a force against the surface, and thereby keeping the surface insert device in position during use. This allows for a strong and secure closure with relatively little effort. At the same time there may be provided a substantially airtight connection between the surface insert device and the edge defining the aperture. The surface insert device may be releasably fastened to the surface.
[0019] The surface insert device may be an attachable surface insert device, which may be attached to a firefighting device. The firefighting device may have a drilling unit, wherein the surface insert device is configured to be connectable to. The surface insert device is substantially lightweighted and easily to handle during operation of extinguishing fire behind a construction surface.
[0020] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the expanding member comprises a first expanding part and a second expanding part, wherein the second expanding part is configured to be displaced relative to the first expanding part, such that the cross sectional outer surface of the surface insert device is expanded in at least one direction away from the tube.
[0021] The expanding member may comprise a first expanding part and a second expanding part. The expanding member may comprise further parts. The second expanding part is configured to be displaced relative to the first expanding part. The second expanding part may be displaced relative to the first expanding part by rotating, pushing or dragging the second expanding part relative to the first expanding part. Alternatively, the second expanding part may be displaced relative to the first expanding part by rotating, pushing or dragging the second expanding part along the tube and / or along the cross sectional circumference of the tube. The second expanding part may be displaced, such that the radius from the center line to the cross sectional outer surface of the second expanding part in at least one direction is increased. The cross sectional outer surface may be moved along the cross sectional outer surface of the first expanding part. The cross sectional outer surface may be moved from a first position to a second position along the first expanding part, such that the cross sectional outer surface of the surface insert device is expanded.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second expanding part is configured to be displaced along adjacent an outer surface of the first expanding part, such that the cross sectional outer surface of the surface insert device is eccentrically or concentrically expanded.
[0022] The term eccentric or concentric expansion shall be understood as a type of mechanical mechanism, which extends in a symmetrical or asymmetrical direction from a center point. The extension may extend in at least one direction from the tube. The second expanding part may be configured to be displaced, such that the radius from the center line to the cross sectional outer surface of the second expanding part is increased. The cross sectional outer surface may be moved along the cross sectional outer surface of the first expanding part. One or both of the first and the second expanding part may be an eccentric or concentric shaped part.
[0023] One or both of the first and the second expanding part may provide an eccentric or concentric shaped part when being expanded. One or both of the first and the second expanding part or part of the one or both of the first and the second expanding part may have a substantially wedge shaped part when being expanded. One or both of the first and the second expanding part or part of the one or both of the first and the second expanding part may have a substantially logarithmic spiral or an equiangular spiral curved shape. At least the wedge shaped part may be linear or curved. The expanding member may create a locking or clamping force against the surface during use. This allows for a strong and secure closure with relatively little effort.
[0024] In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the surface insert device comprises one or more of the following:
[0025] a connection part attached to the tube’s inlet end, wherein the connection part is configured to be connected to a fire extinguishing system,
[0026] at least one nozzle attached to the tube’s outlet end,
[0027] a handle attached to the expanding member.
[0028] The surface insert device may comprise a connection part attached to the tube’s inlet end, wherein the connection part is configured to be connected to a fire extinguishing system.
[0029] The surface insert device may comprise at least one nozzle attached to the tube’s outlet end. The nozzle may be replaceable. The nozzle may be provided withdifferent fluid distribution features. The nozzles may be selected based on the fire hazard situation.
[0030] The surface insert device may comprise a handle attached to the expanding member. The handle base is fastened to one or both of the expansion members and the tube. The handle member may easily be rotated relative to the tube. The handle may be easy for a firefighter to use, when expanding the expanding member.
[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the surface insert device comprises at least one extension member arranged between the expanding member and the outlet end.
[0032] The surface insert device may comprise at least one extension member. The extension member may be arranged between the expanding member and the outlet end. Alternatively, the extension member may be arranged extending from the outlet end, such that the extension member provides an extended outlet end. The extended outlet end may be prepared for receiving a nozzle. The extension member may be a nozzle distribution system comprising a plurality of apertures or nozzles. The extension member may extend the outlet of the surface inlet device further away from the surface. The extension member may target the fire hazard proving a more optimal position for the outlet end of the surface insert device. The extension member may extend the outlet towards the fire hazard, e.g., a fire or an overheating object or objects, such that the fire hazard may be reduced or eliminated within a reduced period of time.
[0033] In a further aspect of the invention, the fluid distribution system comprises an inlet and at least two outlets, wherein the inlet is configured to be in fluid communication with the fire extinguishing equipment, and each of the outlets are in fluid communication with at least one surface insert device.
[0034] The fluid distribution system may be provided. The fluid distribution system comprise an inlet and at least two outlets. The fluid distribution system inlet is configured to be in fluid communication with the fire extinguishing system. Each outlet may be fluid connected to at least one surface insert device. Each outlet may be in fluid communication with a respective surface insert device’s inlet end. Each outlet may be in fluid communication with a respective surface insert device through the use of a hose extending from each of the fluid distribution system’s outlet to the respectivesurface insert device’s inlet end. The hoses may have a predetermined length and dimension.
[0035] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, each of the outlets are connected to the surface insert device with the use of a hose.
[0036] The fluid distribution system inlet may be in fluid connection with the fire extinguishing system through a hose. The hoses may have a predetermined length and dimension.
[0037] In a further aspect of the invention, a fire extinguishing system for extinguishing fire, wherein the fire extinguishing system comprises at least one fire extinguishing equipment, a fluid source and at least one surface insert device.
[0038] At least one aperture may be provided in a surface, such that the fire may be attacked from at least one fire extinguishing points. The fire extinguishing point is provided by the surface insert device. If more fire extinguishing points is provided the firefighting process will be more efficient. The surface insert device or devices are placed in the respective aperture or apertures. The surface insert devices may be re-leasably fastened in the respective apertures. The expanding member is expanded during or after the surface insert device is placed in a predetermined position relative to the aperture, such that the surface insert device is kept in substantially same position relative to the surface during use.
[0039] The fire extinguishing equipment may comprise a fire truck having a fluid source. The fluid source may alternatively be an external installation, wherein a fires hose or similar may be connected to. The hose or similar may be connected directly to the surface insert device during use.
[0040] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fire extinguishing system comprises at least one fluid distributing system.
[0041] The fluid distribution system may comprise an inlet and two or more outlets. The fluid distribution system inlet may be in fluid communication with the fire extinguishing system through a hose or tubes. Each outlet may be fluid connected to the respective surface insert devices with the use of respective hoses. The hoses may have a predetermined length and dimension. The dimensions may be predetermined based on the inlet hose dimension and if preferred the fluid pressure. The fluid flows through the surface insert devices and through the outlet ends and covers a large fireextinguishing area. This provides a more efficient firefighting process. When the fluid flows through the surface insert devices and out the outlet end, a force will be provided, which will act on the surface insert device. The surface insert device may firmly hold the position relative to the surface by the expanding member during use.
[0042] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method of attaching the insert device to a surface, the method comprises the following steps:
[0043] providing an aperture in said surface,
[0044] placing the surface insert device in the aperture provided in a surface, such that an inlet end is arranged on a first side of the surface and an outlet end is arranged on a second side of the surface,
[0045] fastening the surface insert device in the aperture by expanding the expanding member at least towards a surface edge of the aperture, such that the surface insert device is kept in substantially same position relative to the surface during use.
[0046] An aperture may be provided in the surface using a drilling apparatus. The drilling apparatus may be a hand carried drilling apparatus, drilling machine. A firefighter may easily drill a plurality of apertures in the surface within a very short time.
[0047] The surface insert device may then be arranged in the predetermined position in the aperture provided in a surface. The firefighter may easily place the surface insert device in the aperture without forcing the surface insert device into the aperture. The surface insert device may be fastened in the aperture. The surface insert device is fastened by expanding the expanding member at least towards a surface edge of the aperture. The surface insert device is kept in substantially same position relative to the surface during use. The firefighter may easily fasten the surface insert device in the aperture. The surface insert device may be releasably fastened. The firefighter may easily secure at least one surface insert device in the aperture within a very short period of time. The firefighter may drill an aperture and place the surface insert device in the aperture, connect the surface insert device to a fluid source and then move on to drilling a further aperture. The firefighter may easily and in a very short period of time install a fire extinguishing system, without using any further installation apertures, such as cranes to carry heavy drilling equipment and such. The fire extinguishing system comprising the surface insert device for extinguishing fire behind aconstruction surface is easy for a firefighter to handle during operation of extinguishing fire, especially because the fire extinguishing equipment parts, such as the surface insert device and the fluid distributing system, are substantially lightweighted and can be carried by a firefighter during operation of extinguishing fire.
[0048] The invention has now been explained with reference to a few embodiments, which have only been discussed in order to illustrate the many possibilities and varying design possibilities achievable with the present invention.
[0049] Description of the Drawing
[0050] The embodiments of the invention are described in the following with reference to: Fig. I: Illustrating an embodiment of a surface insert device.
[0051] Fig. 2a, b: Illustrating a further embodiment of a surface insert device.
[0052] Fig. 3a, b: Illustrating a further embodiment of a surface insert device with extension. Fig. 4a,b,c: Illustrating a cross sectional view of a surface insert device.
[0053] Fig. 5a, b: Illustrating an embodiment of a fire extinguishing system.
[0054] Detailed Description of the Invention
[0055] An embodiment of the invention is explained in the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its scope to the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.
[0056] Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a surface insert device. The surface insert device 1 comprises a tube 2 having an inlet end 3 and an outlet end 4. The surface insert device 1 for fire extinguishing system is configured to be inserted into an aperture, not illustrated on the fig. 1. in a surface 6. The tube’s 2 inlet end 3 and outlet end 3 is in fluid communication through the tube 2. The surface insert device 1 comprises an expanding member 5. The expanding member 5 is arranged along a cross sectional outer surface of the tube 2 in a predefined position between the inlet end 3 and the outlet end 4.
[0057] The surface 6 has a surface entrance side 61and a surface exit side 62. A fire hazard situation may occur on the surface exit side 62. To be able to reduce the fire hazard situation, the surface insert device 1 is arranged through the surface, such thatthe surface insert device 1 is proving a fluid communication between the two surface sides. The surface insert device 1 is inserted in the aperture, such that the surface insert device 1 extends through the surface 6. The surface insert device 1 is resting in the aperture. The inlet end 3 is arranged on the surface entrance side 61and the outlet end is arranged on the surface exit side 62.
[0058] The expanding member 5 is configured to expand after being arranged in the aperture through the surface 6. The expanding member 5 may rest against the surface exit side 62. The expanding member 5 may create a force against the surface 6 when expanding inside the aperture, keeping the surface insert device 1 in a predetermined position during use. The surface insert device 1 may be released from the surface 6 after use.
[0059] Fig. 2a, b illustrates a further embodiment of a surface insert device. In this embodiment the surface insert device 1 comprises a connection part 10 attached to the tube’s inlet end 3. The connection part 10 comprises an attachment connector 11 in the end opposite of the tube’s inlet end 3. The attachment connector 11 may be a hose connector or other connector types for fluid connection. The connection part 10 is configured to be connected to a fire extinguishing system.
[0060] The surface insert device 1 comprises one or more nozzles 9 attached to the tube’s outlet end 4. The nozzle 9 may be a replaceable nozzle. The nozzles may be selected based on the fire hazard situation.
[0061] The surface insert device may comprise a handle member 7 attached to the expanding member 5 and a handle base 8. The handle base 8 is fastened to one or both of the expanding member 5 and the tube 2. The tube 2 may have a center line C along the tube’s longitudinal center axis. The handle member 7 may rotated around the tube 2, in a direction perpendicular to the center line C. The handle member 7 is kept in a releasable locked position during use, ensuring that the expanding member 5 holds the surface insert device 1 in position during use. The handle member 7 may easily be rotated around the tube, and thereby expanding the expanding member 5.
[0062] Fig. 3a, b illustrates a further embodiment of a surface insert device with extension. The surface insert device 1 may comprise at least one extension member 12. The extension member 12 may be arranged between the expanding member 5 and theoutlet end 3 having a nozzle 9. The extension member 12 may extend the outlet end 4 with the nozzle 9 further away from expanding member 5.
[0063] Fig. 4a,b,c illustrates a cross sectional view of a surface insert device. The expanding member 5 is configured to expand the circumference ce of the cross sectional outer surface of the surface insert device 1 in at least one direction away from the circumference ct tube 2. In this embodiment the expanding member 5 comprises a first expanding part 51and a second expanding part 52. The expanding member 5 expands the circumference ce of the cross sectional outer surface of the surface insert device 1 using at least one moveable expanding part 52. The first expanding part 51has a substantially logarithmic spiral or equiangular spiral curved shape in a cross sectional view. The second expanding part 52is capable of being displaced relative to the first expanding part 51, extending further away from the tube 2. The second expanding part 52is displaced by rotating the second expanding part 51relative to the first expanding part 52. The second expanding part 52is displaced clockwise, illustrated with the arrow, such that a first radius r1compared to a second radius r2from the cross sectional center the tube 2 to the cross sectional outer surface of the second expanding part 52is increased in one direction. The second expanding part 52is moved along the cross sectional outer surface of the first expanding part 51. The second expanding part 52is rotated from a first position P1to a second position P2along the first expanding part 51, such that the cross sectional outer surface of the surface insert device 1 is eccentric expanded.
[0064] Fig. 5a, b illustrates an embodiment of a fire extinguishing system. Four apertures 15 are provided in the surface 6. The surface insert devices I1,2’3’4is placed in the respective apertures 15, such that an inlet end is arranged on a first side of the surface 6 and an outlet end 4 is arranged on a second side of the surface 6, which is illustrated in fig. 1. The surface insert device 1 is releasable fastened in the respective aperture by expanding the expanding member 5, such that the surface insert device 1 is kept in substantially same position relative to the surface 6 during use. The fluid distribution system 12 comprises an inlet 14 and four outlets 13. The fluid distribution system 12 inlet 14 is in fluid communication with the fire extinguishing system through the hose 14'. The fire extinguishing system comprises at least one fluid source, which is not illustrated in fig. 5a, b. Each outlet 13 is fluid connected to arespective surface insert device I1,2,3’4with the use of respective hoses 13'. The hoses 13' may have a predetermined length and dimension. The dimensions may be predetermined based on the inlet hose 14 dimension and alternative the fluid pressure. Fluid 15 flowing through the surface insert devices I1,2’3’4and through the outlet ends and covers a large fire extinguishing area When the fluid is flowing through the surface insert device I1,2’3’4and through the outlet end a force is provided, which will act on the surface insert device 11’2,3,4and the surface insert device 11’2,3,4will hold in the position relative to the surface by the expanding member 5.
Claims
CLAIMS1. A surface insert device for fire extinguishing system, wherein said surface insert device (1) is configured to be inserted in an aperture in a surface (6), wherein the surface insert device (1) comprises:- a tube (2) having an inlet end (3) and an outlet end (4), wherein the tube (2) is configured to be in fluid communication with a fire extinguishing system or part of a fire extinguishing system,- an expanding member (5) having at least one expanding part (5 52) arranged along or partially along a cross sectional outer surface of the tube (2) between the inlet end (3) and the outlet end (4), wherein the expanding member (5) comprises a first expanding part (51) and a second expanding part (52), wherein the second expanding part (52) is configured to be displaced relative to the first expanding part (51), wherein the expanding member (5) is configured to expand the circumference of the cross sectional outer surface of the surface insert device (1),such that when the surface insert device (1) is inserted in an aperture (15) in a surface (6), the expanding member (5) is expanded, and the surface insert device (1) is kept in substantially same position relative to the surface (6) during use.
2. The surface insert device according to claim 1, wherein the second expanding part (52) is configured to be displaced along an outer surface of the first expanding part (51), such that the cross sectional outer surface of the surface insert device (1) is eccentrically or concentrically expanded.
3. The surface insert device according to to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface insert device (1) comprises one or more of the following:- a connection part (10) attached to the tube’s inlet end (3), wherein the connection part (10) is configured to be connected to a fire extinguishing system,- comprises at least one nozzle (9) attached to the tube’s outlet end (4),- a handle member (7) attached to the expanding member (5).
4. The surface insert device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface insert device (1) comprises at least one extension member (12) arranged between the expanding member (5) and the outlet end (4).
5. A fluid distributing system for fire extinguishing equipment, wherein the fluid distribution system comprises an inlet (14) and at least two outlets (13), wherein the inlet is configured to be in fluid communication with the fire extinguishing equipment, and each of the outlets (13) are in fluid communication with at least one surface insert device (I1-2’3’4) according to claim 1-4.
6. The fluid distributing system according to claim 5, wherein each of the outlets (13) are connected to the surface insert device (I1,2,3,4) with the use of a hose (13').
7. A fire extinguishing system for extinguishing in containers, wherein the fire extinguishing system comprises at least one fire extinguishing equipment, a fluid source and at least one surface insert device according to claim 1-4.
8. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 7, wherein the fire extinguishing system comprises at least one fluid distributing system according to claims 5-6.
9. Method of attaching a surface insert device to a surface according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the method comprise following steps:- providing an aperture (15) in said surface (6),- placing the surface insert device (1) in the aperture (16) provided in a surface (6), such that an inlet end (3) is arranged on a first side of the surface (6) and an outlet end (4) is arranged on a second side of the surface (6),- fastening the surface insert device (1) in the aperture by expanding the expanding member (2) at least towards a surface edge of the aperture, such that the surface insert device (1) is kept in substantially same position relative to the surface (6) during use.