Gravity-Deployed Fire Textile Hood for Localized Warehouse Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire protection systems in logistics facilities, such as Autostore systems, cause significant damage to stored goods and disrupt business operations due to the activation of sprinkler systems, which render the goods unusable, and pose risks to workers with gas extinguishing systems.
Innovation Solution
A fire protection device comprising a fire-resistant textile supported by a frame arrangement that automatically deploys over protected objects using gravity, encasing them in a fire-resistant hood to prevent damage and smoke spread, without the need for external energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ceiling sprinkler systems are used for fire protection, then fire spread is prevented, but all stored goods become unusable and business operations are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The fire protection system divides the warehouse space into individual protected zones using separate hood assemblies for each storage location. Each hood can be independently activated by its own frame arrangement, so that only the specific area experiencing fire is enclosed and protected, while other areas remain accessible and operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies fire protection locally to specific storage locations rather than globally across the entire warehouse. The fire-resistant textile hoods are deployed only where needed based on fire detection, allowing selective protection that preserves the usability of goods in non-affected areas and maintains business operations.
2Reliability
If foam or powder extinguishing systems are used, then fire is extinguished, but stored goods are damaged and become unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the potential harm of fire spread into a controlled scenario by enclosing the fire within a fire-resistant textile hood. This containment approach allows the fire to be managed in a confined space without exposing surrounding goods to damaging extinguishing agents like foam or powder, thereby preserving goods integrity while still achieving fire suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire-resistant textile hood creates a protected environment that isolates the fire from external elements. By enclosing the fire zone, the system prevents the spread of heat, smoke, and potentially harmful extinguishing agents to surrounding areas, thereby protecting stored goods from damage while maintaining fire extinguishing capability.
3Reliability
If gas extinguishing systems are used, then fire is suppressed, but warehouse workers are at significant risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the warehouse into isolated protected zones using individual hood assemblies. Each hood can be independently activated and sealed off, containing the fire and any gas extinguishing agents within a specific compartment. This segmentation prevents gas from spreading throughout the warehouse, thereby protecting workers in other areas while maintaining effective fire suppression in the affected zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire-resistant textile hoods create isolated inert environments that contain both the fire and any extinguishing agents. By enclosing the fire zone, the system prevents harmful gases from mixing with the breathable air in worker areas, thereby maintaining worker safety while achieving effective fire suppression within the sealed hood.
4Reliability
If in-rack sprinklers are integrated, then fire protection is improved, but acquisition and inspection costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The frame arrangement serves multiple functions: it supports the fire-resistant textile hood, provides the activation mechanism through retaining means, and acts as the structural framework for the entire protection system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate in-rack sprinkler installations, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining comprehensive fire protection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses flexible fire-resistant textile films instead of rigid sprinkler infrastructure. These textiles can be deployed from ceiling-mounted frame arrangements and conform to various storage configurations, providing effective fire protection without the high acquisition and inspection costs associated with traditional in-rack sprinkler systems.
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 device contains fires locally, preserving the integrity of stored goods and enabling rapid resumption of operations by minimizing damage and smoke spread, while avoiding the need for costly repairs and disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
The frame arrangement (110) is designed to support movement of the fire-resistant textile (200) over a protected object (300)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Fire protection device comprising a fire protection textile and a frame arrangement, wherein the frame arrangement comprises a releasably held frame and at least one retaining means, wherein the frame is connected to the fire protection textile and is designed to support movement of the fire protection textile over a protected object, and wherein the retaining means is designed to releasably hold the frame in a rest position above the protected object.