Cargo Fire Detection via Sensor Array Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cargo transportation and storage, there is a challenge in detecting and suppressing fires efficiently, especially in remote or inaccessible areas, where cargo may contain hazardous materials, and existing systems face limitations in accuracy and timeliness due to averaging errors in temperature sensing and limited availability of fire suppressants.
Innovation Solution
A fire detection system utilizing a temperature sensor array with multiple thermopiles arranged to monitor specific areas, providing precise detection of hotspots and activating a targeted fire suppression system to direct fire suppressants to the source of the fire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single temperature sensor is used to monitor cargo areas, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is insufficient due to averaging errors that mask localized hotspots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cargo area into multiple monitoring zones by deploying an array of temperature sensors across the cargo space. Each sensor independently monitors its specific zone, preventing the averaging effect that occurs with single sensors. This segmentation allows localized hotspots to be detected without being masked by temperature readings from other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point temperature measurement to multi-dimensional spatial temperature mapping by arranging sensors in arrays across the cargo area. This dimensional expansion enables the system to create a temperature distribution map, identifying not just whether a hotspot exists but precisely where it is located in three-dimensional space.
2Reliability
If fire suppressant is distributed throughout the entire cargo area, then the reliability of fire suppression is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to unnecessary suppressant application to non-affected cargo
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements localized fire suppression by directing suppressant only to the specific zone where a hotspot is detected. The system uses the spatial information from the sensor array to identify the precise location of thermal anomalies and activates only the suppressant delivery mechanism associated with that zone, rather than flooding the entire cargo area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fire suppression action from a system-wide operation to a localized response. By separating the cargo area into multiple independently controllable zones with individual suppressant delivery mechanisms, the system can isolate and treat only the affected area, leaving the rest of the cargo untouched.
3Duration of action of moving object
If fire suppressant is carried in large quantities aboard cargo transport vehicles, then the duration of action for fire suppression is extended, but the weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fire suppressant supply into multiple smaller reservoirs distributed throughout the cargo area, each associated with specific sensor zones. This segmentation allows the system to use minimal suppressant quantities in each zone while maintaining overall suppression capability across the entire cargo space, avoiding the need to carry large central reservoirs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by deploying suppressant only in the specific zone where fire is detected, using just enough suppressant for that localized area rather than distributing suppressant throughout the entire cargo area. This approach maintains sufficient suppression duration while minimizing the total suppressant load.
4Speed
If operators are positioned close to cargo areas for immediate fire response, then the speed of fire suppression response is improved, but the safety of operators deteriorates due to exposure to hazardous materials and fires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated fire detection and suppression system that operates independently without requiring operator presence in the cargo area. The sensor array continuously monitors for hotspots, and upon detection, the system automatically activates the appropriate suppressant delivery mechanisms, enabling the system to detect and respond to fires on its own without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated control system as an intermediary between fire detection and suppressant delivery. This intermediary system processes sensor data, determines the location and severity of thermal anomalies, and triggers suppressant release without requiring operators to physically assess or respond to fire conditions, thereby protecting operators from direct exposure to hazards.
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 detects fires early and directs fire suppressants to the exact location, reducing the risk of fire spread and damage, while minimizing the use of suppressants on non-affected cargo, thus ensuring timely and efficient fire suppression.
Implementation Method 1
A fire sensor, fire detection system, fire suppression system, and combinations thereof. In particular, some aspects of the invention relate to an automated system for at least one of fire detection and fire suppression for storage and/or cargo areas.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fire detection system (10) including a fire detection system configured to detect an undesirably high temperature associated with an area. The fire detection system may include a temperature sensor (14) including a temperature sensor array and a fire alerting system (16) associated with the temperature sensor. The fire alerting system may be configured to receive information from the temperature sensor and generate a warning signal based on an undesirably high temperature associated with the area. The fire detection system may include a fire control panel (18) configured to receive the warning signal.