Fire-extinguishing device for false wall with retractable sprinkler

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fire extinguishing devices integrated into stretched fabric false walls or ceilings disrupt the uniform appearance and create sealing issues due to protrusions and the need for holes in the sheet, increasing installation costs and requiring modifications to existing pipe networks.

Innovation Solution

A dispersion-type fire extinguishing device with a perforation mechanism that uses a heating element to create an orifice in the flexible sheet, allowing extinguishing agents to be dispersed without visible protrusions or modifications to the pipe network, and is designed to be automatic and retractable, maintaining the sheet's uniformity until activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional fire extinguishing devices are integrated into a stretched fabric false wall, then fire suppression capability is provided, but the uniformity of the visible face is broken and sealing problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire suppression capabilityVSAvoiduniformity of visible face
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the fire suppression function from a traditional protruding device and integrates it into the false wall structure itself. The dispersion head is incorporated within the rigid support framework, allowing the flexible sheet to remain continuous and uniform without requiring holes or protrusions for traditional sprinkler devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the fire suppression function with the existing false wall structure. The rigid support framework serves dual purposes: providing structural support for the flexible sheet and housing the fire suppression components. This integration eliminates the need for separate protruding devices while maintaining aesthetic uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If holes are created in the taut layer to receive fire extinguishing devices, then device integration is achieved, but sealing problems and areas of weakness are created

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice integrationVSAvoidsealing and sheet integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the need for holes in the flexible sheet by extracting the device mounting function from the sheet itself and relocating it to the rigid support framework. The flexible sheet remains intact and continuous, eliminating sealing issues and structural weaknesses that would result from creating openings in the tensioned membrane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the pipe network is modified to bring devices in line with orifices in the sheet, then proper device positioning is achieved, but additional costs are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice positioningVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of modifying the pipe network to accommodate device positions, the invention inverts the approach by positioning the fire suppression devices according to the existing pipe network layout. The rigid support framework is configured to house dispersion heads at locations that align with the predetermined pipe network, eliminating the need for costly pipe modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Strength

If reinforcement is applied to the sheet in line with orifices, then sheet strength is improved, but installation cost significantly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesheet strengthVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the load-bearing function from the flexible sheet and transfers it to the rigid support framework. This eliminates the need for reinforcement of the flexible sheet at device locations, as the rigid framework provides the necessary structural support while the sheet maintains its continuous, unreinforced appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

The solution ensures the uniformity of the visible face is preserved, is economical, and effective, with no significant mechanical forces required, and does not interfere with existing pipe networks, providing fast and efficient fire suppression only when needed.

Implementation Method 1

the perforating element is at least one heating element arranged to melt and/or burn the flexible sheet in order to create at least said orifice

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 2

the perforating element is at least one heating element arranged to melt and/or burn the flexible sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 3

the perforating element is at least one heating element arranged to melt and/or burn the flexible sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2366436B1Fire-extinguishing device for a false wall
Publication Date: 2013.07.17 NORMALU
  • EP2366436B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The device (7) has a baseplate (8) that is integrated to a fixed support, and a perforation unit (9) for forming an opening in a flexible cloth (2) for dispersion of extinguishant through the flexible cloth when fire occurs. A perforating element (92) e.g. heating element such as heating cord, is provided for burning and/or casting the flexible cloth for creating an opening. A dispersion unit (10) includes a retractable sprinkler type dispersion head that is housed in the perforation unit. An independent claim is also included for a false ceiling comprising a fire -extinguishing device.