Dual Action Fire Extinguisher Call Point with Breakable Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire suppression system call points lack dual action functionality, making them difficult to activate in stressful situations without requiring a large footprint or tools like hammers, and existing solutions do not provide cost-effective, user-friendly dual action activation.
Innovation Solution
A dual action call point design is achieved by adding a breakable polycarbonate cover to a single action 'Type A' call point, where breaking the cover exposes the underlying activation mechanism, allowing for a second action to initiate the fire suppression system, and the cover can be retrofitted or replaced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a break glass 1st stage design is used to provide dual action functionality, then activation reliability is improved, but device complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds a Type A call point mechanism within a breakable cover structure, creating a nested configuration where the activation mechanism is housed inside the protective cover. This nesting approach provides dual action functionality (breaking the cover + activating the call point) while maintaining a compact form factor that does not significantly increase the overall device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a breakable cover portion and an internal call point activation mechanism. This segmentation allows the cover to be broken away to expose the activation mechanism, providing clear visual and physical guidance for users while maintaining reliability through the two-stage activation process.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing Type A call points are modified to add dual action functionality, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The breakable cover is pre-formed with integrated breaking indicators and structural features that guide the user's activation action. The cover is designed in advance with predetermined break zones and visual indicators that show users exactly where and how to apply force, eliminating the need for complex assembly instructions or specialized installation procedures.
3Reliability
If a large footprint device is used to accommodate dual action mechanisms, then activation reliability is improved, but installation flexibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The Type A call point mechanism is nested within the breakable cover structure, allowing dual action functionality to be achieved within the compact footprint of a standard Type A call point. This nesting eliminates the need for additional space that would be required for separate break glass and call point components.
4Reliability
If tools like hammers are required to activate the device, then activation reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The breakable cover incorporates localized breaking indicators and structural weak points that concentrate the user's manual pressure at specific locations. This local quality enhancement allows users to effectively break the cover with simple hand pressure rather than requiring hammer tools, making the device easy to operate while maintaining reliable activation control.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2E
AI summary
A call point usable with a fire suppression system includes a housing which supports a separate cover attached thereto. The housing defines a first, glass filled region or deformable plastic element. The cover defines a second region which overlies and is displaced from the glass / plastic filled region. The overlying second region can be broken without breaking the glass / deformable plastic filled region. Subsequently, the glass filled region can be broken to activate the fire suppression system or the flexible element can be deformed to activate the fire suppression system.