Fire-Retardant Thermoplastic Storage Containers in Dense Grid Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermoplastic storage containers used in storage systems are highly flammable, posing a significant fire risk, especially when densely arranged and used to store food items, which can act as fuel, and hinder firefighting measures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a fire retardant agent, such as magnesium hydroxide or aluminium hydroxide, into the thermoplastic material of storage containers to reduce the spread of fire, combined with non-perforated sidewalls to minimize oxygen supply, thereby enhancing fire resistance and allowing time for firefighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If thermoplastic storage containers are used in densely arranged stacks, then storage capacity and space utilization are improved, but fire risk and flammability increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition of the thermoplastic material. Specifically, it incorporates fire retardant agents (such as magnesium hydroxide, aluminium hydroxide, or boron compounds) into the polymer matrix, changing the material's flammability parameters while maintaining its structural and mechanical properties for storage container applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining thermoplastic polymers with fire retardant additives to create a composite material that exhibits both the desired mechanical properties of thermoplastics and enhanced fire resistance. The composite structure allows the fire retardant particles to be distributed within the polymer matrix, providing fire protection while maintaining the container's functional integrity
2Reliability
If fire retardant agents are added to thermoplastic material, then fire resistance is improved, but material cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the concentration and type of fire retardant agents in the thermoplastic material. By optimizing the amount of additive (typically 10-50 wt% depending on the specific retardant and application requirements), the patent achieves adequate fire resistance while minimizing the impact on material cost and processing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cost-effective fire retardant agents such as magnesium hydroxide and aluminium hydroxide, which are relatively inexpensive minerals that can be easily incorporated into thermoplastic materials during standard manufacturing processes. These additives provide sufficient fire protection for the intended service life of the storage containers without requiring complex or expensive material systems
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 fire retardant agent slows down the spread of fire within the storage system, allowing effective firefighting and minimizing damage, while maintaining mechanical strength and food safety compliance.
Implementation Method 1
each storage container in each stack is made of a material comprising thermoplastic and a fire retardant agent... the fire retardant agent slows down the spread of fire within the storage system
Data Source
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AI summary
A storage system comprises a plurality of grid members arranged in a grid pattern to form a grid structure comprising a plurality of grid cells. The storage system further comprises one or more stacks of storage containers and each stack is vertically located below a respective grid cell. Each storage container in the stack is made of a material comprising thermoplastic and a fire retardant agent. The storage system further comprises one or more load handling devices comprising a grabber device operative to move on the grid structure to releasably grab one or more of the storage containers from each stack in the storage system.