Self-contained Fire Extinguisher with Automated Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire suppression systems require user activation and lack reliable automatic detection and activation mechanisms, limiting their effectiveness in rapidly extinguishing fires.
Innovation Solution
A fire detection device with a temperature-based automatic activation system that uses a temperature sensor and a control circuit to monitor local temperature and release an extinguishing agent when a predetermined threshold is exceeded, ensuring durable operation despite vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional fire suppression systems use fixed temperature detectors or rate of rise detectors, then fire detection capability is provided, but the system requires user activation and lacks reliable automatic activation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The fire suppression system automatically detects fire conditions through temperature sensing and activates the extinguishing agent release without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by integrating the detection and activation functions into a single automated sequence, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining reliable fire suppression capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical detectors with fixed trip points are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different fire scenarios is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The detector transitions from a static mechanical design with fixed trip points to a dynamic electronic system where the trip point can be adjusted through software configuration. The microcontroller enables flexible programming of temperature thresholds and detection algorithms, allowing the system to adapt to different fire scenarios without changing the physical structure of the detector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical detectors with fixed trip points with an electronic temperature sensing system using a linear sensor and microcontroller. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple mechanical components with different fixed thresholds and enables programmable adaptability through software, reducing mechanical complexity while increasing versatility.
3Reliability
If the activation mechanism is made durable and vibration-resistant, then reliability in harsh environments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical activation mechanisms with an electronic sensing and control system. The temperature sensor continuously monitors conditions and the microcontroller processes the data to trigger activation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and improving vibration resistance while reducing overall system complexity.
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 rapid and reliable automatic fire detection and suppression by electrically or mechanically inducing the release of an extinguishing agent, enhancing fire extinguishing capabilities and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor can be any suitable temperature sensor including, but not limited to, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector (RTD), or a thermistor.
Implementation Method 2
comparing the sensor electrical characteristic is greater than a predetermined value... reading a sensor voltage from the temperature sensor; determining a sensor resistance based on the sensor voltage and the applied voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A fire detection device and method therefor are able to provide automatic activation so as to extinguish a fire. The fire detection can be rapid and temperature-based. In one embodiment, a heat collector can be provided to enhance thermal responsiveness. Activation of the fire detection device can be electrically or mechanically induced to release an extinguishing agent at the fire. The activation can be protected such that it is durable and unaffected by vibrations.