Collapsible Pipe Frame for Vehicle Fire Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire extinguishing systems are inadequate for effectively extinguishing fires in vehicles, particularly electric vehicles with lithium-ion batteries, especially in confined spaces where multiple vehicles are parked closely together, and traditional methods like water or dry chemicals are insufficient for containing battery fires.
Innovation Solution
A fire extinguishing apparatus comprising a pipe frame system with bottom and side pipes, nozzles, and a cross pipe for distributing fluid to create a focused stream on the vehicle, allowing for easy maneuverability, remote operation, and automatic activation to extinguish fires under and around vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fire extinguishing methods (water or dry chemicals) are used, then fire can be suppressed, but battery fires cannot be effectively contained and may reignite after firefighters think the blaze is over
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing fluid through nozzles specifically positioned to target the battery area and under-vehicle spaces where lithium-ion batteries are located. The side pipes and bottom pipes create focused fluid streams at specific locations rather than general spraying, ensuring the extinguishing agent reaches the heat source and prevents reignition in critical zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension by positioning pipes both underneath the vehicle (bottom pipes) and on the sides (side pipes), creating a three-dimensional fire extinguishing zone. This multi-dimensional approach ensures comprehensive coverage of the vehicle, particularly targeting areas traditional methods miss, such as under-vehicle battery compartments.
2Reliability
If fire extinguishing apparatus is designed to effectively reach under and around vehicles, then fire coverage is improved, but device complexity and maneuverability in confined spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fire extinguishing apparatus into modular components: side pipes with nozzles, bottom pipes with nozzles, and connecting structures. Each segment can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing the system to adapt to different vehicle configurations and confined spaces while maintaining comprehensive fire coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates movable and adjustable elements that allow firefighters to dynamically reposition pipes and nozzles based on the specific fire scenario and space constraints. This dynamic capability enables effective operation in confined parking areas while maintaining the complex multi-pipe structure needed for comprehensive coverage.
3Extent of automation
If fixed stationary fire extinguishing systems are integrated into vehicles, then automatic fire response is achieved, but the system cannot extinguish flames in other vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The fire extinguishing apparatus is designed as a universal system that can suppress fires in multiple vehicles simultaneously. The extended pipe structure with side and bottom pipes creates a large fire extinguishing zone that encompasses not only the target vehicle but also adjacent vehicles in parking areas, providing multi-vehicle protection capability.
4Reliability
If comprehensive fire extinguishing coverage is provided for multiple vehicles in parking areas, then fire spread prevention is improved, but storage and transportation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where collapsible pipes and components are stored within each other when not in use. The side pipes can be collapsed and stored within the bottom pipes or support structures, significantly reducing storage volume and transportation requirements while maintaining the capability to deploy a comprehensive fire extinguishing network when needed.
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 apparatus efficiently extinguishes fires by directing fluid to the battery area, preventing fire spread and protecting adjacent vehicles, with reduced storage and transportation costs due to collapsible design.
Implementation Method 1
The nozzles are directed towards the vehicle, and in use the inlet distributor distributes fluid in such a way that a focused stream is created on the vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a fire extinguishing apparatus for extinguishing fires in vehicles. It is an object of the invention to provide a product and a method for ex- tinguishing fire in a vehicle, especially when the vehicle is located in an area with limiting working space around the vehicle. The fire extinguishing apparatus for extin- guishing fires in vehicles comprises: - at least one bottom pipe, where said bottom pipe has at least one inlet opening and at least one closed end, the bottom pipe is provided with at least one nozzle, - at least a first side pipe and at least a second side pipe, each having at least one inlet opening and at least one closed end, said first side pipe and said second side pipe are provided with at least one nozzle each, and said first side pipe and said second side pipe are arranged substantially parallel to said bottom pipe, - an inlet distributor is arranged in fluid communication with the inlet opening in said bottom pipe and the inlet opening in said first side pipe and the inlet opening in said second side pipe, where said first side pipe is arranged in a first position relative to the bottom pipe and a second side pipe is arranged in a second position relative to the bottom pipe, where in use the inlet distributor is capable of distributing fluid to said bottom pipe and said first side pipe and said second side pipe, so that the fluid flows through the nozzles of said bottom pipe and the nozzles of said first side pipe and the nozzles of said second side pipe, into a fire extinguishing zone.