In-Computer Fire Suppression via Optical Flame Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer systems, high impedance short circuits can lead to small fires that may not be detected by power supply over-current detection, allowing the fire to spread before being addressed, potentially endangering other servers and computers due to insufficient smoke production.
Innovation Solution
In-computer fire suppression systems that include a flame detector and a fire extinguisher, which detect flames and release an extinguishing agent while disabling the power supply to the affected area, thereby controlling the fire and preventing further damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power supply over-current detection is used to detect fires, then the detection system is simple, but it fails to detect high impedance short circuits that cause small fires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical-based detection (over-current detection) with optical-based detection (flame detection). The flame detector uses optical sensors to detect the presence of flames by analyzing light characteristics, thereby overcoming the limitation of electrical detection methods that fail to detect high impedance short circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electrical current to optical properties of flames. By detecting parameters such as ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation, or visible light characteristics unique to flames, the system can reliably detect fires caused by high impedance short circuits that electrical methods miss.
2Reliability
If smoke detectors are used to detect fires, then the detection method is simple, but small fires do not produce enough smoke to trigger detection until the fire has spread
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces smoke-based detection with direct flame detection using optical sensors. This substitution allows the system to detect fires at their inception when flames are present but smoke production is insufficient, enabling early detection before the fire spreads.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame detection system performs preliminary detection of fire conditions before smoke accumulates to detectable levels. By detecting the optical signature of flames early in the fire development process, the system enables timely response before the fire spreads to endanger other equipment.
3Productivity
If high impedance short circuits occur, then the power supply continues to supply current, but this allows the fire to spread before being detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the flame detector continuously monitors for fire conditions and provides feedback to the power supply control. When flames are detected, the system immediately responds by shutting off power supply, creating a closed-loop control that prevents fire spread while maintaining continuous operation during normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary anti-action by preparing to shut off power supply upon detection of fire conditions. The flame detector is positioned and calibrated to detect flames at early stages, enabling the power supply to be cut before the fire can spread, thereby preventing the harmful effect rather than responding after damage occurs.
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 suppresses fires within computer systems by quickly detecting flames and releasing an extinguishing agent, preventing the fire from spreading and minimizing damage to surrounding equipment.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, by an in-computer flame detector, a flame
Data Source
AI summary
In-computer fire suppression, the computer comprising an in-computer flame detector and an in-computer fire extinguisher including detecting, by an in-computer flame detector, a flame, releasing, by the in-computer fire extinguisher, an extinguishing agent in response to the flame detector detecting the flame; and disabling the power supply to the computer having within it the in-computer flame detector and the in-computer fire extinguisher.