Bracket Interlock Mechanism for Fire Extinguisher Discharge Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire extinguishers with pressurized gas vessels lack effective safety mechanisms to prevent untimely discharge, which can lead to erratic motion and potential hazards when not properly secured.
Innovation Solution
A safety mechanism featuring a sliding safety pin, actuation lever, and yoke system that blocks or allows flow path opening based on the mounting status of the extinguisher bracket, ensuring safe discharge only when securely mounted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional safety mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing unwanted discharge is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The safety mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a safety pin that blocks the poppet, an actuation lever that controls the safety pin, a yoke that responds to mounting status, and positioning pins that detect bracket installation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety pin is positioned in advance to block the poppet's flow path before any discharge can occur. The biasing member pre-loads the safety pin into the blocking position, and the positioning pins are designed to be inserted during bracket installation, establishing the safety condition before the system becomes operational.
2Reliability
If the safety pin blocks the poppet in all conditions, then safety is improved, but the ease of operation for legitimate discharge is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The safety pin's position is made dynamic rather than fixed. It automatically transitions between blocked and unblocked positions based on the mounting status detected by the yoke and positioning pins. When the bracket is properly installed, the positioning pins engage the yoke, which releases the actuation lever, allowing the safety pin to move and permit discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects whether the bracket is properly installed through the engagement of positioning pins with the bracket structure. This self-detection mechanism eliminates the need for manual checking or complex control systems. The biasing member automatically returns the safety pin to the blocked position if mounting is not detected, providing fail-safe operation.
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
Prevents unwanted discharge of pressurized gas from fire extinguishers even when the mounting bracket is removed from a support structure, enhancing safety and stability.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member can bias the safety pin against the poppet housing towards the extended position
Implementation Method 2
The collar can include fingers biased inward to squeeze the neck of a pressure vessel in the collar
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of operating safety mechanism includes extending a safety pin (110) to block a poppet (106) from opening a flow path (108) from a pressure vessel (102) in the event of the pressure vessel (102) being unmounted from a bracket (120) or in the event of the bracket (120) being unmounted from a support structure (122). The method includes retracting the safety pin (110) to allow free movement of the poppet (106) for opening the flow path (108) only in the event of the pressure vessel (102) being mounted to the bracket (120) and the bracket (120) being mounted to a support structure (122).