A fire prevention system for an archiving and storing group of a compactable type
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire prevention systems for compactable archiving and storing groups are ineffective in protecting internal stored articles due to large volume, slow intervention times, and potential damage from water-based sprinkler systems, which are not suitable for electrical equipment and can't operate effectively within the internal spatial region.
Innovation Solution
A fire prevention system with heat-sensitive tubing within shelving units that mechanically yields to release a pressurized hydrofluorocarbon extinguishing agent, ensuring rapid and targeted fire suppression, combined with fire-resistant shelving unit materials and remote pressure monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sprinkler systems are used for fire prevention, then fire protection coverage is provided, but the system volume is large, intervention time is slow, and water damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The fire prevention system is segmented into multiple independent shelving units, each equipped with its own heat-sensitive tubing and extinguishing agent canister. This segmentation allows each unit to independently detect and respond to fire, eliminating the slow system-wide response of conventional sprinklers and enabling immediate localized intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning extinguishing agent canisters within each shelving unit and installing heat-sensitive tubing that is primed to rupture at specific temperature thresholds. When fire occurs, the pre-positioned components activate immediately without requiring water supply infrastructure or system activation delays.
2Reliability
If wet sprinkler systems are used, then fire suppression is provided, but water damage to archived articles and electrical equipment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses disposable extinguishing agent canisters that are replaced after use rather than relying on reusable water-based sprinkler systems. The extinguishing agent (carbon dioxide or inert gas) dissipates harmlessly after use, leaving no residual damage to archived articles or electrical equipment, unlike water which causes permanent damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical water-based sprinkler system with a chemical/gas-based extinguishing mechanism. Heat-sensitive tubing rupture triggers direct release of extinguishing gas from canisters, substituting the mechanical water delivery system with a chemical reaction-based suppression system that eliminates water damage risks.
3Reliability
If conventional sprinkler systems are installed, then fire protection is provided, but the system is voluminous and not suitable for compactable archiving groups
Solution Approach 1:
The extinguishing agent canisters are nested within the shelving unit structure itself, utilizing the existing space efficiently. The heat-sensitive tubing is integrated into the shelving framework, and the entire fire prevention system fits within the compactable archiving group without requiring additional external space, enabling the system to maintain small volume while providing effective fire protection.
4Reliability
If internal fire detection and suppression is implemented, then protection of internal articles is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each shelving unit is self-sufficient with its own extinguishing agent canister and heat-sensitive tubing, requiring no external control system, power supply, or complex coordination. The system automatically detects fire through heat-sensitive tubing rupture and releases extinguishing agent without human intervention or complex electronic controls, reducing system complexity while achieving internal region protection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides rapid and effective fire protection within the internal spatial region, minimizing damage and intervention time, while being compact, non-conductive, and environmentally friendly, with quick reset capabilities and reduced risk of fire propagation.
Implementation Method 1
a plant (10) comprising a tubing (11) made of a heat-sensitive material arranged internally of each shelving unit (3) and able to yield mechanically in the portion (11a) thereof arranged in proximity of a combustion due to heat generated by the combustion
Data Source
AI summary
The present fire prevention system (1) for an archiving and storing group (2) of a compactable type comprising a plurality of shelving units (3) mutually flanked and internally provided with shelves (4) which define compartments (5) for positioning articles to be archived and stored; it is characterised in that it comprises: storing means (9) for storing a pressurised extinguishing agent; a plant (10) for containing the pressurised extinguishing agent and supplied by the storing means (9); the plant (10) comprising a heat-sensitive tubing (11) arranged internally of each shelving unit (3) and able to yield mechanically in the portion thereof arranged in proximity of a combustion due to heat generated by the combustion, so as to enable outflow of the pressurised extinguishing agent contained in the plant (10).