ASRS Fire Detection Using Mobile Robots for Precise Fire Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems lack effective fire detection and localization capabilities, failing to provide firefighting crews with reliable information on the location of heat or fume emissions within the system.
Innovation Solution
An automated storage and retrieval system equipped with a rail system and a master control system that utilizes remotely operated vehicles with fire detection devices to create a heat map and verify the presence of heat or fume emissions, providing accurate location information to firefighting crews.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional fire detection systems are installed in automated storage and retrieval systems, then fire detection capability is provided, but the systems fail to provide reliable location information for firefighting crews
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces remotely operated vehicles as intermediary carriers that transport fire detection devices through the automated storage and retrieval system. These vehicles act as mobile platforms that can reach locations where fixed detection systems cannot, while the master control system coordinates their movement and processes their detection data to generate actionable location information for firefighting crews.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the fire detection system from a static, fixed installation to a dynamic, mobile configuration. The remotely operated vehicles can be dispatched to specific locations based on fire alarms or proactively patrol different areas, allowing the detection capability to adapt to varying operational needs and provide real-time location data that updates as vehicles move through the system.
2Reliability
If remotely operated vehicles with fire detection devices are deployed, then accurate heat map and location information is provided, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remotely operated vehicles serve multiple functions: they perform normal container handling operations while simultaneously carrying fire detection devices. This multi-functionality allows the system to leverage existing infrastructure and vehicles for fire detection purposes, reducing the need for dedicated detection equipment and simplifying the overall system architecture despite the added capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The master control system implements feedback mechanisms by receiving detection data from remotely operated vehicles, processing this information to generate heat maps and location data, and using this feedback to dispatch additional vehicles or alert firefighting crews. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reliable fire detection while maintaining manageable complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.
3Measurement precision
If multiple remotely operated vehicles are used for fire detection, then verification capability is enhanced, but the quantity of vehicles and system resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements verification by dispatching additional remotely operated vehicles only when initial detection data requires confirmation, rather than continuously deploying multiple vehicles for all detection scenarios. This partial action approach provides sufficient verification capability to eliminate false alarms while avoiding the unnecessary deployment of excessive vehicle resources during routine operations.
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 effectively assists firefighting efforts by providing precise location information of heat or smoke sources, enhancing fire safety in large automated storage and retrieval systems by enabling early detection and verification of heat or fume emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a fire detection device configured to transmit data from the fire detection device to the master control system
Implementation Method 2
methods of locating and/or verifying fire or smoke in an automated storage and retrieval system
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
It is described an automated storage and retrieval system with fire detection device and methods of locating and/or verifying fire or smoke in an automated storage and retrieval system. The automated storage and retrieval system comprising: - a rail system (108, 50) comprising a first set of parallel tracks (110;51) arranged in a horizontal plane (P) and extending in a first direction (X), and a second set of parallel tracks (111;52) arranged in the horizontal plane (P) and extending in a second direction (Y) which is orthogonal to the first direction (X), which first and second sets of tracks (110,111;51,52) form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane (P) comprising a plurality of adjacent grid cells, each comprising a grid opening (12) defined by a pair of neighboring tracks (110a,110b; 51a,51b) of the first set of tracks (110;51) and a pair of neighboring tracks (111a,111b;52a,52b) of the second set of tracks (111;52); and - a master control system (800) configured to keep track of any remotely operated vehicle (200,300;30) operating on the rail system (108;50); - a plurality of remotely operated vehicles (200,300;30) operating on the rail system (108;50), each of the remotely operated vehicles (200,300;30) comprising: first and second sets of wheels (201,301;31) for transport in the X and Y directions on the rail system (8), a fire detection device (150) configured to transmit data from the fire detection device to the master control system (800).