Fire Extinguisher Checking Component for Remote Agent Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional fire extinguishers lack efficient methods for checking the internal dry powder or liquid agent levels without disassembling them, leading to incomplete inspections that require manual effort and resource consumption.

Innovation Solution

A fire extinguisher design featuring a through hole with a fixing seat and groove for a transparent glass bead checking component, which can be remotely photographed and analyzed, allowing for remote condition monitoring and efficient level/weight assessment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the fire extinguisher is disassembled to check the dry powder or liquid agent, then the internal conditions can be inspected, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming requiring pressure release, valve removal, and reassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection accuracyVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fire extinguisher is divided into separate components including a checking component with through-holes that can be independently inspected. The checking component separates the inspection function from the main body, allowing visual inspection through the through-holes without disassembling the entire extinguisher.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A checking component serves as an intermediary element between the internal agent and the external inspector. This component contains through-holes that provide direct visual access to the agent condition without requiring removal of the main valve or disassembly of the extinguisher body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the fire extinguisher is disassembled for inspection, then the internal conditions can be checked, but time and manpower resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection accuracyVSAvoidinspection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The checking component is pre-installed with through-holes during manufacturing, providing built-in inspection capability. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming disassembly during routine inspections, as inspectors can immediately view the agent condition through the pre-positioned holes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fire extinguisher performs self-inspection functionality through the checking component with through-holes. The design enables the extinguisher to provide its own inspection capability without requiring external disassembly or specialized equipment, allowing quick visual verification of agent levels and conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If only a small part of the fire extinguisher is checked, then the inspection process is simpler, but the whole fire extinguisher cannot be thoroughly inspected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection simplicityVSAvoidinspection completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The checking component incorporates multiple through-holes at different locations and orientations, providing localized viewing windows that collectively represent the entire internal space. Each through-hole provides a specific local view, and together they enable comprehensive inspection of the agent distribution and condensation throughout the extinguisher.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The through-holes are positioned to provide viewing angles from multiple dimensions, allowing inspectors to observe the agent condition from different perspectives. This multi-dimensional access through the checking component enables thorough inspection of the entire internal volume without physical disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables convenient and accurate remote monitoring of fire extinguishing agent conditions, improving the usability and efficiency of fire extinguisher maintenance by simplifying the inspection process and reducing manual labor.

Implementation Method 1

the checking component (5) is made of a transparent glass bead

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a rubber ring (3) for fixing the checking component (5) is mounted inside the groove (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3335766B1Fire extinguisher with checking function
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 TAN CHOON LYE
  • EP3335766B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3335766B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3335766B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a fire extinguisher with a checking function comprises a fire extinguisher body; a through hole is formed in an upper part of a side surface of the fire extinguisher body; a fixing seat is mounted at the through hole; a checking component is arranged inside the fixing seat; a cavity is machined inside the fixing seat; a groove is formed at a front end of the cavity; a rubber ring for fixing the checking component is mounted inside the groove; a cambered surface mated with the checking component is machined inside the fixing seat; and the checking component is a transparent glass bead. The fire extinguisher has the benefits that the fixing seat is mounted on the fire extinguisher body, a fixing sleeve is mounted on the fixing seat, the glass bead is mounted at the internal cavity of the fixing seat and the fixing sleeve, the through hole is formed in the fire extinguisher body and the fixing seat is fixedly welded on the through hole; thus the fire extinguisher has many advantages that the structure is simple, fire extinguishing agents inside the fire extinguisher can be checked or liquid level and liquid weight can be inspected remotely (transmission of photos and of the latest identification code over a network), an warning about insufficient liquid amount is sent out using a travel controller, and it is convenient and efficient to use the fire extinguisher.