Integrated Fire-Suppression Cabling for Overheated Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical wiring systems lack a concurrent and integrated pathway for fire suppression, leading to delayed detection and spread of electrical fires, as they do not automatically deliver fire suppressants to overheated circuits, and existing systems do not effectively prevent fires from igniting or spreading within conduit systems.
Innovation Solution
A cabling system that concurrently routes electrical wires and a fluid conduit for fire suppression, with suppressant chambers and dispensing components integrated into junction boxes and conduits, allowing for automatic fire retardant delivery and power cutoff upon overheating, and featuring a fluid conduit made of materials that melt or rupture at high temperatures to release suppressants directly at the fire source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical wiring systems are used, then electrical power can be delivered to equipment, but fire suppression capability is lacking and fires can spread
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical wiring and fire suppression fluid delivery into a single integrated cabling system. The fluid conduit is positioned adjacent to electrical wires within a common cable structure, allowing both functions to be delivered simultaneously through one installation pathway, eliminating the need for separate fire suppression infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cabling system performs multiple functions: electrical power transmission through wires and fire suppression through the adjacent fluid conduit. This multi-functional design allows the same cabling infrastructure to serve both electrical and safety purposes, improving reliability without requiring entirely separate systems.
2Loss of time
If fire suppressants are delivered through separate systems, then fire suppression is possible, but detection and delivery are delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The fire suppression fluid conduit is pre-positioned adjacent to electrical wires during cable installation, before any fire occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that when a fire is detected, suppressant can be delivered immediately through the already-in-place conduit without requiring additional installation time or complex routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid conduit is nested within or adjacent to the electrical cable structure, with both components contained within a common outer sheath. This nested arrangement allows the fire suppression system to be embedded within the electrical cabling itself, enabling rapid response while maintaining a compact integrated structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional conduits are used for wiring, then wiring protection is provided, but fire ignition and spread prevention is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid conduit is positioned locally adjacent to electrical wires at specific high-risk locations such as junction boxes and connection points. This localized placement of fire suppression capability targets areas most susceptible to electrical fires, providing effective protection without requiring fire suppression infrastructure throughout the entire conduit system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cabling system is segmented into discrete sections with fluid conduit segments positioned at critical locations such as junction boxes and connection points. Each segment can independently deliver suppressant to local fire hazards, allowing the system to address multiple potential ignition points without requiring a continuous complex infrastructure.
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 system effectively suppresses fires by automatically delivering fire retardants to overheated circuits, cutting power, and alerting personnel, thereby reducing the risk of fire spread and enhancing safety in electrical systems.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid conduit made of materials that melt or rupture at high temperatures to release suppressants directly at the fire source
Data Source
AI summary
A cable system is provided which is configured with both electric wires and a fluid conduit running through the axial passage of a surrounding flexible sheath of the cable. The system allows for communication of electricity over the wires for electrical circuits and concurrent communication of a fire ignition suppressant fluid or gas through the fluid conduit, to all points in an electric circuit using the cable. One or both of a dye or scent can be included in the ignition suppressant fluid.