Firefighting Training System Steam Smoke Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current firefighting training systems lack realistic simulation of steam and smoke generation, which is essential for providing a comprehensive and immersive training experience.

Innovation Solution

A firefighting training system that includes a display device for simulated or actual flames, a sensor to detect extinguishants, and a smoke or steam generation system controlled by a controller to mimic real-world firefighting conditions, allowing for realistic and responsive steam and smoke output based on extinguishant application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a firefighting training system uses simulated flames without steam/smoke generation, then the system is simpler and easier to operate, but the realism and immersion of the training experience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces steam and smoke as intermediary elements between the simulated fire and the trainee. These intermediaries enhance the realism of the training environment by mimicking actual firefighting conditions, thereby improving training effectiveness without requiring complete physical fire simulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a copied representation of real firefighting conditions through controlled steam and smoke generation. Rather than using actual fire, the system copies the visual and atmospheric characteristics of fire scenarios, providing realistic training experience while maintaining safety and controllability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If a firefighting training system adds steam/smoke generation capability, then the training realism is improved, but the device complexity and control requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining scenario versatilityVSAvoidgeneration system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steam and smoke generation system serves multiple functions: it creates atmospheric effects, simulates fire conditions, provides visual feedback for extinguishant application, and enhances trainee immersion. This multi-functionality increases training scenario versatility while managing system complexity through integrated design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The generation system dynamically adjusts steam and smoke output based on detected extinguishant application. The controller modifies generation parameters in real-time to match the intensity and location of extinguishant application, creating adaptive training scenarios that respond to trainee actions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the steam/smoke generation system uses a closed reservoir, then containment and control are improved, but the steam/smoke output responsiveness to extinguishant application may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteam generation reliabilityVSAvoidsteam output response speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where sensors detect extinguishant application and communicate this information to the controller, which then adjusts the steam and smoke generation rate accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures both reliable containment within the reservoir and responsive output adjustment to match training scenario demands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 provides a highly realistic training environment by accurately simulating steam and smoke responses to extinguishant application, enhancing the effectiveness of firefighting technique training.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor configured to detect an actual, simulated or virtual extinguishant that is directed at the display device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Implementation Method 2

a smoke or steam generation system configured to provide an output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSteam generation:

Implementation Method 3

a smoke or steam generation system configured to provide an output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSmoke generation:

Implementation Method 4

The controller is configured to control the display of the actual or simulated fire and the output based at least in part upon an output of the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectControlled generation:

Implementation Method 5

The housing includes an opening therethrough that is positioned and configured such that an extinguishant directed over the opening causes steam or smoke to be pulled out of the reservoir via the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10540908B2Fire fighting training system with steam/smoke generation

Publication Date: 2020.01.21 LION GROUP INC

AI summary

A firefighting training system including a display device configured to display an actual or simulated fire and a sensor configured to detect an actual, simulated or virtual extinguishant that is directed at the display device. The system further includes a smoke or steam generation system configured to provide an output and a controller operatively coupled to the display device, the sensor and the generation system. The controller is configured to control the display of the actual or simulated fire and the output based at least in part upon an output of the sensor.