Deployable Sprinkler Propellant Deployment False Alarm Suppressant Waste

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Solution Overview

Problem

Deployable sprinkler fire suppression systems face inefficiencies due to the labor-intensive manual reset process and excessive use of suppressant during false alarms, which wastes resources and requires frequent recharging.

Innovation Solution

A deployable sprinkler fire suppression system that uses propellant to prime and deploy sprinklers instead of suppressant, allowing for automatic retraction and recharge of propellant after false alarms, reducing the need for suppressant usage and manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If suppressant is used to deploy the sprinkler, then the sprinkler can be deployed to a ready state, but suppressant is consumed during false alarms requiring frequent recharging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesprinkler deployment reliabilityVSAvoidsuppressant consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the fluid supply into two separate sources: a propellant source for deployment and a suppressant source for fire suppression. This segmentation allows the sprinkler to be deployed using propellant without consuming suppressant, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable deployment and suppressant conservation during false alarms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces propellant as an intermediary substance to facilitate sprinkler deployment. The propellant acts as a mediator that enables the deployment function without depleting the suppressant resource, allowing the sprinkler to transition to a ready state while preserving suppressant for actual fire suppression events

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If deployable sprinklers are used, then the system can be compact and protected, but manual reset is labour intensive after deployment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem compactnessVSAvoidreset operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service through automatic retraction mechanisms that return the sprinkler to its protected position after deployment. The propellant source can be automatically recharged, and the sprinkler head automatically retracts into its compact state, eliminating the need for manual reset operations and reducing labor requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the system errs on the side of sensitivity for safety, then fire detection reliability is improved, but false alarms increase consuming suppressant

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire detection reliabilityVSAvoidsuppressant waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the fluid supply into separate propellant and suppressant sources, the system allows sensitive detection thresholds to be maintained for safety while preventing suppressant consumption during false alarms, as propellant is used for deployment rather than suppressant

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution reduces the burden of false alarms by minimizing suppressant consumption and simplifying the reset process, enhancing system reliability and reducing maintenance needs while maintaining safety standards.

Implementation Method 1

the system is arranged to deploy the sprinkler by pressurising the supply pipe by supplying propellant from the propellant source to the sprinkler

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressurisation: Pressurisation

Implementation Method 2

a suppressant source arranged to discharge suppressant from the sprinkler during a suppression event

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid discharge:

Data Source

PatentEP3868447B1Deployable sprinkler fire suppression system
Publication Date: 2025.03.26 MARIOFF CORP OY
  • EP3868447B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3868447B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3868447B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

A deployable sprinkler fire suppression system and a method of using a deployable sprinkler fire suppression system. The system comprises: a deployable sprinkler 110, arranged to be deployed prior to a suppression event; a suppressant source 120 arranged to discharge suppressant from the sprinkler 110 during the suppression event; and a propellant source 140 arranged to supply propellant to the sprinkler 110 to deploy the sprinkler 110 prior to the suppression event. The system 100 is arranged to deploy the sprinkler 110 by supplying propellant from the propellant source 140 to the sprinkler 110 prior to supplying suppressant from the suppressant source 120.