Adjustable Air-Exchange Safety Frame for Single-Person Fire Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air exchange management systems during fires are impractical, time-consuming, and difficult to deploy, posing risks due to uncontrolled airflow that can fuel flames and spread toxic gases, especially when limited resources and emergency conditions hinder effective installation and operation.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable frame with a pressure-operated actuator and ergonomic design, allowing single-person deployment and secure installation on door jambs, equipped with a partition curtain to manage airflow and include features like thermal insulation and a carrying case for quick access and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional air exchange management systems (barriers or tarpaulins) are used, then air exchange control is achieved, but deployment time exceeds one minute and two people are required for installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair exchange control effectivenessVSAvoiddeployment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into a fixed part and a moving part that can be independently positioned and secured. The moving part can be rapidly adjusted and fixed to the jamb without requiring complete assembly by multiple persons, enabling single-person deployment while maintaining effective air exchange control through the segmented structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The moving part of the frame is designed to be dynamically adjustable along the jamb, allowing rapid positioning and securing. This dynamic capability enables the device to be quickly deployed and adapted to different opening sizes by a single person, reducing deployment time while maintaining effective air exchange control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If complex or delicate devices are used for air exchange control, then air exchange management is achieved, but firefighters wearing heavy protective equipment find it difficult to handle and operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair exchange control effectivenessVSAvoidease of operation with protective equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates large gripping surfaces specifically designed for easy handling with protective gloves. These localized ergonomic features on the handling surfaces enable firefighters wearing bulky protective equipment to easily grasp and operate the device without requiring fine manipulation, while the overall structure maintains effective air exchange control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing through its movable part mechanism, reducing the need for complex adjustments by operators. Firefighters can simply position the device and secure it without performing delicate operations, making it easy to handle with protective equipment while maintaining effective air exchange control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the door is opened for hose passage during firefighting, then firefighting operations can proceed, but uncontrolled air influx fuels the fire and spreads smoke and toxic gases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirefighting operation accessibilityVSAvoidair influx fueling fire and spreading smoke

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device acts as an intermediary element between the open door and the fire compartment. It allows hoses to pass through while maintaining a barrier that controls air exchange, preventing uncontrolled air influx that would fuel the fire and block the spread of smoke and toxic gases, thus enabling firefighting operations without compromising safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses a flexible partition curtain that can be configured to allow hose passage while maintaining air exchange control. This flexible barrier enables firefighting operations to proceed with hose access while preventing uncontrolled air influx and smoke spread, resolving the contradiction between operational accessibility and fire safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Facilitates rapid, safe, and effective control of air exchange, reducing fire risks and enhancing rescue operations by ensuring quick installation and ease of use even in hazardous conditions, while maintaining optimal safety conditions for emergency responders.

Implementation Method 1

The adjustable frame is equipped with an actuator (e.g., a pressure-operated cylinder) to facilitate quick and secure installation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure operation: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

include features like thermal insulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP4643957A1Security device for controlling air exchange in the context of fire

Publication Date: 2025.11.05 RESQWORKS SÀRL

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Figure 2c~3b
Figure 4~5

AI summary

This document discloses a safety device for installation in wall openings, such as door frames or recesses, to effectively control airflow in hazardous environments such as during fires. The device comprises an adjustable frame equipped with an actuator, allowing for quick and secure installation to accommodate various opening widths. This document also discloses a carrying bag for such a safety device.