Cargo Container Fire Suppression With Targeted Wall Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in detecting and suppressing fires within cargo containers efficiently, particularly in vehicles like aircraft, where limited fire suppressant supply, remote operation, and potential harm to cargo necessitate precise fire detection and targeted suppressant delivery without interfering with cargo handling.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising temperature sensors, a control module, and a fire suppression system with penetrator assemblies that detect fires within cargo containers, pierce the container walls, and deliver fire suppressant directly into the container, minimizing weight and interference with cargo operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fire suppressant is released to flood the entire cargo area, then fire suppression coverage is improved, but weight carried by the aircraft increases and cargo not in need of suppression is harmed
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements localized fire suppression by directing suppressant only to the specific container where fire is detected, rather than flooding the entire cargo area. The penetrator assembly pierces the container wall and delivers suppressant locally, achieving effective fire suppression while minimizing suppressant usage and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo area is divided into individual containers, each with its own fire detection and suppression capability. The system segments the fire suppression function to operate independently in the affected container rather than treating the entire cargo area as a single zone, enabling targeted response.
2Reliability
If manual fire extinguishing bottles are used, then fire suppressant can be supplied, but accessibility to containers during flight is limited and response time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic fire suppression without requiring manual intervention. When fire is detected by the temperature sensor, the control system automatically activates the penetrator assembly and releases suppressant into the affected container, eliminating the need for crew accessibility and rapid manual response.
Solution Approach 2:
The penetrator assembly and suppressant delivery system are pre-positioned and ready for immediate deployment. The system is pre-configured to automatically respond to fire detection, ensuring rapid suppression action without waiting for manual intervention or crew accessibility.
3Reliability
If fire suppressant is released into the interior of a container, then fire inside the container is suppressed, but cargo handling operations are interfered with and labor is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The penetrator assembly is designed to be removable after fire suppression. Once the fire is suppressed, the penetrator can be taken out from the container wall, restoring the container to its original state and eliminating interference with subsequent cargo handling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The penetrator assembly functions as a disposable component that is used once for fire suppression and then removed or discarded. This temporary intrusion minimizes long-term impact on cargo handling, as the penetrator does not remain as a permanent obstacle in the container.
4Device complexity
If temperature sensors are placed outside containers, then fire detection is simplified, but detection precision and location accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is nested within the container structure, positioned to detect temperature changes inside the container wall or at the container boundary. This nested placement allows the sensor to detect fires while maintaining relatively simple system integration, achieving a balance between detection accuracy and system complexity.
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
Enables timely and targeted fire suppression within cargo containers, reducing the need for excessive fire suppressant use and minimizing interference with cargo handling, while ensuring safety and efficiency in fire containment.
Implementation Method 1
temperature sensors configured to detect a temperature within a container
Implementation Method 2
a penetrator assembly configured to pierce the container wall and deliver the fire suppressant into the interior of the container
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for suppressing fire inside a container includes a support structure configured to be mounted inside a vehicle at a position associated with at least one location configured to receive a container. The device further includes a deployment structure coupled to the support structure and a penetrator assembly coupled to the deployment structure. The penetrator assembly includes a nozzle having a tip configured to pierce a container and an actuator associated with the nozzle. The actuator is configured to extend the tip of the nozzle such that it pierces a container. The support structure and the deployment structure are configured such that the penetrator assembly is movable in at least one plane with respect to the support structure, and the penetrator assembly is configured to receive fire suppressant and direct the fire suppressant into the container.