Fire Extinguisher Ejection Channels Homogenization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Auxiliary pressure type fire extinguishers face issues with suboptimal homogenization of propellant gas and extinguishing agent, leading to residual powder buildup and prolonged pressurization times, reducing the effective capacity and efficiency of the extinguisher.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates ejection channels through a transverse wall in the central tube to direct propellant gas directly into the extinguishing powder, creating a homogeneous mixture and accelerating pressurization, with features like deflectors and a piston assembly for controlled gas release and mixing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If propellant gas is released from the cartridge into the body containing the extinguishing agent, then the extinguisher is pressurized for operation, but the homogenization of gas and extinguishing agent is not optimal causing residual powder buildup

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidual powderVSAvoidhomogenization of gas and extinguishing agent
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The central tube is divided into an upper part and a lower part connected by a transverse wall, with ejection channels passing through the transverse wall. This segmentation allows the propellant gas to be directed through specific channels into the extinguishing agent, improving mixing and reducing residual powder buildup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ejection channels act as intermediaries between the propellant gas and the extinguishing agent. These channels direct the gas flow into the extinguishing agent in a controlled manner, ensuring optimal homogenization and preventing powder accumulation in dead zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the cartridge is hermetically enclosed to avoid leaks, then storage safety is improved, but the time required to achieve complete pressurization of the device is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage safetyVSAvoidpressurization time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ejection channels are pre-positioned and oriented to direct propellant gas flow optimally into the extinguishing agent. This preliminary arrangement of gas flow paths enables rapid pressurization once the cartridge is pierced, reducing the time required while maintaining the hermetic seal during storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The ejection channels are oriented at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the horizontal plane, creating three-dimensional gas flow patterns that accelerate homogenization and pressurization while the cartridge remains hermetically sealed during storage.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If ejection channels are added to direct propellant gas into the extinguishing agent, then homogenization is improved and residual powder is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehomogenization of gas and extinguishing agentVSAvoidstructure with ejection channels
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transverse wall serving as a connector between the upper and lower parts of the central tube also functions as a mounting structure for the ejection channels. This multi-functional design achieves improved homogenization without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the transverse wall serves both structural and flow-directing purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach significantly reduces residual powder, ensures quick and efficient pressurization, and meets the EN3 standard for portable fire extinguishers by ensuring less than 10% powder remains after use, enhancing operational efficiency and capacity.

Implementation Method 1

one or more ejection channels passing through the transverse wall of said tube and allowing the propellant gas contained in said cartridge to be expelled directly into the extinguishing agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow:

Implementation Method 2

the homogenization of the gas and the extinguishing agent, once the gas is released from the cartridge and fills the body containing the extinguishing agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Implementation Method 3

a piston assembly which is mounted, preferably by clipping, on the cartridge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP1961458B1Fire extinguisher and its use
Publication Date: 2011.04.13 DELTA EXTINCTORS
  • EP1961458B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1961458B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1961458B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The apparatus (1) has a metallic cylindrical body i.e. bottle (2) containing an extinguishing agent (6) i.e. dry powder. A central tube (4) is provided inside the body and has a pressurized cylindrical cartridge (5) that contains expellant gas (7) i.e. carbondioxide. The body has a centralizer (8) with ejecting ducts i.e. ejectors (12) which traverse a transversal wall of the tube and expel the gas directly into the agent, where the centralizer is provided inside the tube. Deflectors (40) serve to direct the gas in the bottle along an angle of 30 degree during perforation of the cartridge. An independent claim is also included for a method for extinguishing fire.