Fire Extinguisher Manifold Combining Multiple Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic fire-extinguishing systems face challenges due to the size and cost of specialized vessels required to store sufficient fire-extinguishing agents, which also occupy substantial space.
Innovation Solution
A fire extinguisher manifold system that combines fire-extinguishing agents from multiple containers into a single output, eliminating the need for large, specialized vessels and allowing for easy replacement of agent containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a specialized vessel is used to store sufficient fire-extinguishing agent, then the fire-extinguishing capacity is improved, but the cost, complexity, and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fire-extinguishing agent storage into multiple separate handheld extinguisher containers (first container, second container, third container) that are connected to a common manifold. Each container operates independently, allowing the system to achieve sufficient total agent capacity while avoiding the complexity of a single large specialized vessel.
2Quantity of substance
If a specialized vessel is used to store sufficient fire-extinguishing agent, then the fire-extinguishing capacity is improved, but the space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the storage into multiple smaller handheld containers connected to a manifold, the system achieves sufficient total agent capacity distributed across compact units rather than requiring a single large storage volume, thereby reducing overall space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold integrates multiple container receptacles and valve mechanisms within a compact structure, allowing the containers to be nested or closely arranged around the central manifold body, optimizing space utilization.
3Quantity of substance
If a specialized vessel is used to store sufficient fire-extinguishing agent, then the fire-extinguishing capacity is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple standard handheld fire extinguisher containers that can be manufactured using existing, well-established processes rather than requiring development of a new specialized large-capacity vessel, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold is designed with universal receptacles and valve connections that can accommodate standard fire extinguisher containers, allowing the system to leverage existing commercially available components rather than requiring custom-specialized parts.
4Quantity of substance
If multiple fire extinguisher containers are combined in a manifold, then the agent capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is designed as a modular assembly with distinct, independently functional components including separate receptacles for each container, individual valves for each container, and a central discharge passage. This segmented design simplifies the overall complexity by making each component straightforward and independently manufacturable.
Data Source
AI summary
A manifold includes a main body and a plurality of fire-extinguishing container receptacles defined in the main body, each being configured to receive a fire-extinguishing agent container. The manifold includes a plurality of valves in communication with the plurality of fire-extinguishing container receptacles. The plurality of valves each are connected to an auxiliary fluid passage. The manifold includes a main fluid passage defined in the main body. The main fluid passage is connected to each auxiliary fluid passage. The manifold includes a dispensing outlet at the end of the main fluid passage. The dispensing outlet is configured to be fluidically coupled with a dispensing mechanism.