Deployable Fire Barrier for Elevator Smoke Containment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire and smoke barrier systems, such as those in elevator shafts, often fail to effectively prevent the migration of smoke and noxious gases during a fire, as they do not provide sufficient resistance to the rapid movement of vapors and flames through openings like elevator lobbies.
Innovation Solution
A barrier system comprising a flexible barrier with a spool mechanism and drive assembly that allows the barrier to move between deployed and retracted positions, coupled with a control system and sensors to automatically deploy the barrier in response to fire or smoke detection, creating a tortuous path to resist vapor and fire migration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing fire and smoke barrier systems are used in elevator shafts, then the structure provides some resistance to vapor migration, but the systems fail to effectively prevent the rapid movement of smoke and noxious gases through openings
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic deployed state. The flexible barrier is stored in a retracted position within the housing assembly and rapidly deploys to seal the opening when smoke or fire is detected. This dynamic transformation allows the system to provide effective vapor migration prevention only when needed, while maintaining unobstructed passage during normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a flexible barrier made of fire-resistant material that can conform to the opening geometry and seal effectively against smoke and fire migration. The flexible nature of the barrier allows it to be stored compactly in the retracted position while providing complete coverage when deployed, creating an effective seal against harmful vapor movement.
2Reliability
If a flexible barrier with spool mechanism is deployed to seal openings, then the system can effectively prevent vapor migration, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible barrier is nested within the housing assembly in a compact retracted position, with the spool mechanism integrated into the housing structure. This nesting approach minimizes the space required for the mechanism while maintaining the capability for rapid deployment. The barrier coils around the spool when retracted, creating a space-efficient configuration that reduces overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool mechanism is designed to work in conjunction with the drive assembly to automatically deploy and retract the barrier without manual intervention. The system uses sensors to detect smoke or fire conditions and automatically activates the drive assembly to deploy the barrier, then automatically retracts it when the hazard is eliminated, reducing the need for complex control systems and manual operation mechanisms.
3Speed
If sensors and control system are added to automate barrier deployment, then the response time to fire detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains the barrier in a pre-positioned retracted state within the housing assembly, ready for rapid deployment. Sensors are continuously monitoring for smoke or fire conditions, and the control system is pre-programmed with the deployment sequence. When a hazard is detected, the system immediately activates the drive assembly to deploy the barrier, eliminating any delay in response time while using a relatively simple control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor environmental conditions for smoke or fire presence. When the sensors detect a hazard, they provide feedback to the control system, which automatically activates the drive assembly to deploy the barrier. The system can also detect when the barrier is properly deployed and automatically retract it when the hazard is eliminated, creating a closed-loop control system that responds quickly while maintaining simplicity through automated feedback-based 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
The system effectively seals off elevator lobbies from the rest of the building, preventing the spread of smoke and fire by deploying a flexible barrier that can resist high temperatures and gases, enhancing safety by reducing the risk of smoke inhalation and fire propagation.
Implementation Method 1
using materials like PTFE-coated fiberglass to resist fire and smoke
Implementation Method 2
PTFE-coated fiberglass to resist fire and smoke
Implementation Method 3
create a tortuous path to hinder vapor and fire migration
Data Source
AI summary
Barrier systems and associated methods, including vapor and/or fire barrier systems, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a barrier system that includes a barrier coupled to a spool. The barrier is positioned to be wound onto and off of the spool as the barrier moves between a deployed position and a retracted position by a drive assembly. The system further includes a control system coupled to the drive assembly and configured to command operation of the drive assembly. The system still further includes a sensor operably coupled to the control system and positioned to sense barrier position as the barrier moves between the deployed and the retracted positions.