Aircraft Galley Fire Detection With Automatic Power Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft galleys lack effective automated fire detection and extinguishing systems, leading to increased workload for flight crews and costly flight diversions due to the potential for galley fires from electrical appliances.
Innovation Solution
An automated galley fire protection system that includes detectors monitoring for smoke or fire, sending signals to a controller to disconnect power from affected devices, and alerting the crew, thereby extinguishing the fire source without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If smoke detection systems are installed in galleys, then fire detection capability is improved, but device complexity and crew workload increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: smoke detection, fire detection, power source identification, and automatic power disconnection are merged into one cohesive fire protection system. The controller receives signals from detectors, identifies the affected power source, and automatically disconnects power, eliminating the need for separate monitoring and intervention systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting fire or smoke, identifying the responsible power source, and disconnecting power without requiring crew intervention. The controller autonomously executes the fire response sequence, reducing crew workload while maintaining reliable fire detection and response capabilities.
2Device complexity
If manual monitoring by flight crew is required, then system simplicity is maintained, but productivity and response time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-identifying power sources and their locations before a fire event occurs. When detection occurs, the controller has already mapped the relationship between detectors and power sources, enabling immediate automatic disconnection without requiring crew to analyze the situation or locate the fire source manually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual crew monitoring and intervention with an automated electronic control system. The controller automatically processes detector signals, identifies affected power sources, and executes disconnection commands, substituting human response with automated electronic control to improve response time while maintaining system simplicity.
3Reliability
If automated power disconnection is implemented, then fire extinguishing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the galley into multiple detection zones with individual detectors positioned near specific power sources. Each detector is associated with specific power sources through the controller, allowing selective disconnection of only the affected power source rather than requiring a complex system-wide shutdown. This segmentation simplifies the automation logic while improving fire extinguishing effectiveness.
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 enables rapid detection and extinguishing of galley fires, reducing crew workload and minimizing flight disruptions by automatically isolating and disconnecting power from the fire source, thus preventing the spread of the fire.
Implementation Method 1
at least one detector positioned in an aircraft galley... to monitor for smoke or fire
Implementation Method 2
transmit a second signal to a galley power source to remove power from one or more of the devices receiving power
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for automated fire detection, such as in aircraft galleys, or other areas where power sources may result in fire or smoke. The system includes one or more detectors to monitor for smoke or fire in an aircraft galley. Upon detection of smoke or fire, a signal is sent from the one or more detectors to a controller. In response to the incoming signal, the controller sends a signal to a galley power source. The signal provided to the galley power source ceases the application of power to one or more devices located in the galley, extinguishing the source of the fire or smoke. The controller may also send a notification signal to alert the crew to the potential fire hazard. A method of operation is also disclosed.