Fire Protection Device with Dynamic Fire Course Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fire alarm systems in large complexes struggle to dynamically and optimally manage fire scenarios due to static control rules, failing to account for various fire origins and propagation possibilities, leading to suboptimal countermeasures during real fires.

Innovation Solution

A fire safety device with an input module for receiving fire data, an evaluation module that includes a prediction unit to forecast the fire's future course using complex building data and real-time input, and an output module to activate safety actions, enabling dynamic and intelligent fire management by simulating fire spread and optimizing escape routes and rescue operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If static control rules are used in conventional fire alarm systems, then the system structure remains simple, but the system cannot dynamically adapt to various fire origins and propagation possibilities, leading to suboptimal countermeasures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to fire scenariosVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fire alarm system transitions from static control rules to dynamic simulation-based control. The system continuously simulates fire propagation in real-time, adapting safety actions based on predicted fire development. This dynamic approach allows the system to respond appropriately to various fire scenarios while maintaining manageable complexity through modular simulation architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary simulation of fire propagation before actual fire development occurs. By predicting fire spread patterns in advance based on building geometry and material properties, the system can pre-determine optimal safety actions. This preliminary action enables better preparedness and response without requiring complex real-time decision-making during emergencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If simple escape route signs are used, then the system remains easy to operate, but it cannot provide optimized escape routes based on real-time fire development

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidescape route reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensor data about actual fire conditions is fed back into the simulation model. This feedback mechanism allows the system to update escape route recommendations in real-time based on actual fire propagation, maintaining reliability while keeping the interface simple for users. The complexity is managed by automating the optimization process rather than requiring user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If fire alarm systems visualize triggered alarms in 2D building floor plans, then the position of fire source can be recognized, but the system cannot predict future fire development or optimize safety actions dynamically

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation about fire developmentVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system adds a temporal dimension to the traditional 2D spatial visualization by incorporating time-based fire propagation simulation. Instead of only showing current fire position, the system predicts and visualizes future fire development trajectories. This dimensional extension provides comprehensive fire development information while using established visualization techniques that do not significantly increase system complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2329473B1Fire protection device, method for protecting against fire, and computer program
Publication Date: 2012.09.19 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2329473B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a fire protection device (1) having an input module (3) designed to receive fire data in a protection area, an evaluation module (2) designed to process fire data and to generate a processing result, and an output module (4) designed to activate and/or control protection actions (12, 13, 14, 15) based on the processing result of the evaluation module (2), wherein the evaluation module (2) comprises a prediction unit (5) designed regarding the program technology and/or control technology to predict a fire course based on the fire data as a processing result.