Barrage Unit for Containing Overheated Batteries

Solution Overview

Problem

Hazardous devices, such as overheated mobile phone and laptop batteries, pose a fire and explosion risk in vehicles like aircraft, where effective containment solutions are not readily available due to weight and space constraints.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using a barrage unit comprising absorbent fibrous and crystalline materials, which absorbs liquid to cool and contain hazardous devices, with the barrage unit being lightweight and compact in its dry state, capable of expanding several hundred times its weight to cover and absorb liquids like water or soft drinks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If blast or fire containing blankets are used to contain hazardous devices, then the containment effectiveness is improved, but the weight and bulk increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainment effectivenessVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the barrage unit from a dry, compact state to a wet, expanded state through liquid absorption. This allows the same material to provide effective containment when hydrated while maintaining lightweight and compact properties during storage and transport on aircraft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The barrage unit exhibits dynamic properties by changing its physical state and volume based on liquid absorption. It transitions from a compact dry form to an expanded wet form that effectively contains hazardous devices, providing adaptability between storage and operational states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If blast or fire containing blankets are used to contain hazardous devices, then the containment effectiveness is improved, but the space occupied increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainment effectivenessVSAvoidspace occupied

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the barrage unit from a dry, compact state to a wet, expanded state through liquid absorption. This allows the same material to provide effective containment when hydrated while maintaining lightweight and compact properties during storage and transport on aircraft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The barrage unit exhibits dynamic properties by changing its physical state and volume based on liquid absorption. It transitions from a compact dry form to an expanded wet form that effectively contains hazardous devices, providing adaptability between storage and operational states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the barrage unit absorbs liquid to cool and contain hazardous devices, then the cooling and containment effectiveness is improved, but the time required for activation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling and containment effectivenessVSAvoidactivation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The barrage unit is pre-positioned in the container in a dry state, ready for immediate use. When liquid is added to the container, the barrage unit automatically absorbs it and activates, eliminating the need for separate activation steps and reducing response time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The barrage unit automatically absorbs liquid from the container environment without requiring external activation mechanisms. This self-service property allows rapid deployment by simply adding liquid to the container, which simultaneously activates the cooling and containment functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution effectively cools hazardous devices and contains blasts or fires, utilizing readily available aircraft liquids, providing a compact and lightweight solution for vehicles with space and weight limitations.

Implementation Method 1

the pad comprising an absorbent fibrous material and an absorbent crystalline material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the barrage unit rapidly hydrated by the addition of a liquid. The barrage unit will typically absorb several hundred times its weight in liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

The barrage unit will cool the hazardous device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporative cooling: Evaporative Cooler

Data Source

PatentUS12044517B2Method and apparatus for controlling a hazardous device

Publication Date: 2024.07.23 ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE SYST

AI summary

A method of controlling a hazardous device comprising the steps of providing a combination of a barrage unit and a container for holding a liquid, the container being adapted to receive the barrage unit, the barrage unit comprising at least one pad, the pad comprising an absorbent fibrous material and an absorbent crystalline material; arranging the hazardous device and barrage unit in the container with the barrage unit at feast partially covering the hazardous device; and, adding a liquid to the container so that the barrage unit absorbs the liquid.