Vehicle Fire Protection Device with Refrigerant Redirection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fire protection systems in motor vehicles are inadequate for preventing the spread of fires and environmental damage, particularly due to the flammability and toxicity of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene used in air-conditioning systems, which can form combustible gas-air mixtures and produce hazardous byproducts during fire extinguishing.
Innovation Solution
A fire protection device with a temperature-controlled valve system that automatically releases extinguishing agents from a container and simultaneously redirects refrigerants from the air-conditioning system into a vacuum tank, using self-priming mechanisms and sensors to prevent environmental contamination, featuring glass tube or pyrotechnic burst valves for controlled discharge and refrigerant storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene is used as a refrigerant substitute, then environmental friendliness is improved, but flammability and formation of combustible gas-air mixtures worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protection device as an intermediary system between the refrigerant and the environment. This device includes sensors that detect fire conditions and automatically activate discharge mechanisms to release extinguishing agent, thereby mediating the hazardous interaction between the flammable refrigerant and potential ignition sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection device applies preliminary anti-action by pre-positioning extinguishing agents and detection systems that activate before a fire can spread. The temperature-controlled valves and pressure sensors are prepared in advance to automatically discharge extinguishing agent when specific conditions are detected, preventing the harmful effects of flammability.
2Reliability
If fire protection systems are implemented in motor vehicles, then fire spread prevention is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated protection device. The system combines fire detection (sensors), fire suppression (extinguishing agent discharge), and refrigerant management (valves controlling refrigerant flow) into one unified装置, thereby improving fire spread prevention while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection device exhibits multi-functionality by simultaneously serving as a fire detection system, fire suppression system, and refrigerant management system. This universal approach allows the device to perform multiple protective functions without requiring separate independent systems for each function.
3Speed
If temperature-controlled valves are used for automatic discharge, then response speed is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by employing temperature-controlled valves that respond to thermal parameters. The valves are designed to automatically change their state (open/close) when specific temperature thresholds are reached, providing rapid response to fire conditions without requiring complex control systems or extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical control systems with thermally-actuated mechanisms. Instead of using electronically-controlled valves requiring precise manufacturing, the patent employs temperature-controlled valves that use thermal expansion and phase change materials to automatically actuate, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining fast response.
4Reliability
If vacuum tanks are used for refrigerant storage, then refrigerant containment is improved, but loss of time for system activation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the vacuum in the tank before any fire event occurs. The vacuum system is prepared in advance, and the temperature-controlled valves are pre-positioned to automatically open and transfer refrigerant to the vacuum tank when fire conditions are detected, minimizing activation time while ensuring reliable refrigerant containment.
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
Effectively prevents fire spread and environmental damage by automatically releasing extinguishing agents and redirecting refrigerants, ensuring safe storage and neutralization, thus mitigating the risks associated with 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene's flammability and toxicity.
Implementation Method 1
in which tank a vacuum prevails in order to receive a refrigerant of the air-conditioning system
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum prevails in order to receive a refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
at least one discharge mechanism closed with a temperature-controlled first valve, and/or at least one temperature-resistant tank
Data Source
AI summary
A protection device, in particular a fire protection device on a motor vehicle. The device includes a fire fighting device having at least one container which is filled with an extinguishing agent and which can be paired with a body of a vehicle or an airplane or with a building wall or ceiling and comprising at least one outlet device which is to be closed by a temperature-controlled first valve, and/or the device includes at least one temperature-resistant tank which can be fluidically connected to an air conditioner, in which a negative pressure is present in order to receive a coolant of the air conditioner, and which is paired with at least one temperature-controlled second valve in order to open at least one flow channel for the coolant.