Fire Suppression Device for Cargo Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire suppression systems in cargo containers are inadequate due to limited access for operators, restricted availability of fire suppressants, and the impracticality of equipping each container with a fire suppression system, especially in harsh environments, leading to insufficient fire suppression duration and potential fire spread during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising multiple chambers for controlled expulsion of fire suppressing agents, a puncture mechanism to access the container, and a controller for timed release, allowing for extended duration fire suppression by selectively puncturing the container and releasing agents in response to temperature sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fire suppressant is released to flood the entire cargo area, then fire suppression coverage is improved, but weight carried by the aircraft increases and cargo not in need of suppression is spoiled
Solution Approach 1:
The system targets fire suppressant delivery to the specific location where fire is detected within the cargo area, rather than flooding the entire space. The fire suppression agent is delivered through a conduit system that directs the agent precisely to the fire source, achieving effective suppression while minimizing the amount of suppressant needed and avoiding spoilage of unaffected cargo.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo area is divided into multiple zones or sections, with the ability to target specific segments for suppression. The system can isolate and treat only the affected portion of the cargo area, allowing precise delivery of fire suppressant to the fire location without affecting other areas, thereby reducing overall suppressant consumption and weight.
2Reliability
If manual fire extinguishing bottles are used in cargo areas, then fire suppression capability is provided, but accessibility by flight crews is limited and response time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects fire conditions through sensors and initiates suppressant delivery without requiring manual intervention by flight crews. The automatic detection and response mechanism eliminates the time delay associated with crew accessibility and manual operation, providing immediate fire suppression capability while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
An automated control system acts as an intermediary between fire detection sensors and fire suppressant delivery mechanisms. This intermediary system processes detection signals and triggers the appropriate suppression response, enabling rapid response times independent of crew accessibility while maintaining reliable fire suppression capability.
3Reliability
If fire suppression systems are installed in each individual container, then fire suppression coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single centralized fire suppression system serves multiple containers or cargo areas through a network of conduits and delivery points. The system can target any affected container by directing suppressant through the appropriate conduit path, providing comprehensive coverage across multiple containers without requiring individual suppression systems in each one, thereby reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fire suppression functions for different containers are merged into a single integrated system. The centralized system combines detection, control, and delivery capabilities to serve multiple containers through a unified conduit network, reducing the total number of independent systems required while maintaining comprehensive fire suppression coverage.
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
Enables remote, timely, and sustained fire suppression within cargo containers, extending the time available for safe landing of aircraft by ensuring consistent delivery of fire suppressants over an extended period, even in remote or harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
The fire suppressing agent may be a solid, liquid, or gel that expands upon contact with a hot surface or air
Implementation Method 2
The pressure disk is configured to transfer force from the fire suppressing agent after expansion to the puncture tip, thereby inducing the puncture tip to translate relative to the conveyance tube away from the manifold to puncture the container
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for supplying fire suppressing agent to the interior of a container for an extended duration may include a plurality of chambers configured to contain and selectively expel the fire suppressing agent, a puncture mechanism configured to puncture a container, and a manifold in flow communication with the plurality of chambers and the puncture mechanism. The device may further include a controller configured to initiate expulsion of the fire suppressing agent from the chambers in a controlled manner, where the device is configured such that the fire suppressing agent may be first expelled from a first one of the plurality of chambers at a first time, and the fire suppressing agent may be expelled from a second one of the plurality of chambers at a second time that is later than the first time.