Flame Simulator Weighted Base Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for stabilizing display panels during firefighting training exercises, such as using fasteners or weights, often cause damage and are impractical due to the immense force exerted by fire hoses, necessitating a portable and non-damaging solution.
Innovation Solution
A portable mounting and stabilization system featuring a folding assembly with refillable, stackable containers filled with ballast, such as water, and water-pressure relief channels to maintain stability without damaging the support surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fasteners are used to anchor the display panel, then stability against water force is improved, but damage to floors or walls occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful anchoring function is extracted from the ground/floor/wall and transferred to a portable base with ballast weight. The base portion with ballast container provides the anchoring function independently, eliminating the need to penetrate or damage building structures.
Solution Approach 2:
A portable base portion with ballast container serves as an intermediary between the display panel and the ground. This intermediary provides the necessary stability and weight without requiring direct attachment to building structures, thus preventing damage while maintaining stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If weights are attached to the targeted object, then stability against water force is improved, but transportation becomes burdensome and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a lightweight display panel assembly and a separate base portion with ballast container. The ballast container can be filled with water or other materials at the training location, eliminating the need to transport heavy weights. The segmented design allows the display panel to be transported easily while the stabilizing weight is added locally.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight parameter of the base is made variable through the ballast container that can be filled or emptied. This allows the system to be lightweight during transportation (empty container) and heavy during operation (filled container), dynamically adjusting the weight parameter to resolve the contradiction between ease of transport and stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If bracing is used to connect the targeted object to supports, then stability is improved, but damage to supports or targeted object occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The bracing function is extracted from the building supports and transferred to the portable base portion. The base with ballast container provides the necessary bracing and stabilization independently, eliminating the need to connect to or potentially damage building supports or the display panel structure.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a portable base with ballast container is used, then damage to surfaces is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting portion, base portion, and ballast container are merged into an integrated portable mounting system. This unified design provides multiple functions (mounting, stabilizing, protecting) in a single compact unit, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate components while preventing surface damage.
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 stabilizes display panels against high-pressure water streams, allowing for secure and damage-free training exercises while being easily transportable and compact when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
a portable mounting and stabilization system featuring a folding assembly with refillable, stackable containers filled with ballast, such as water
Implementation Method 2
a two inch diameter fire hose at 100 psi can produce hundreds of pounds of force when impinging on a targeted object
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A mounting and stabilization system including a base portion and a mounting portion pivotally coupled to the base portion. The base portion and the mounting portion have a closed configuration where the base portion and the mounting portion are generally parallel with each other and an open configuration where the base portion and the mounting portion are generally perpendicular with each other. The system further includes a collapsible container positioned between the base portion and the mounting portion, where the collapsible container is adapted to expand and receive ballast therein when the base portion and the mounting portion are in the open configuration. The collapsible container is adapted to collapse between the base portion and the mounting portion when the base portion and the mounting portion are in the closed configuration.