In-Rack Fire Detection With Localized Extinguishing Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional in-rack fire protection systems for vertically stacked racks in warehouses require substantial piping and high water usage, leading to increased costs and potential damage from widespread water discharge.

Innovation Solution

An in-rack fire detection and extinguishing system utilizing linear heat detection cables and a control panel to activate valves for targeted discharge of fire extinguishing material, reducing piping and water usage by focusing on localized fire suppression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional sprinkler systems with substantial piping are used, then fire suppression coverage is achieved, but installation cost and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire suppression coverageVSAvoidpiping system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the extensive piping infrastructure from conventional sprinkler systems, retaining only essential components (valves, discharge orifices) while extracting the harmful complexity. The detection system independently identifies fires and triggers localized suppression without requiring a dense network of pipes throughout the rack structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides the fire protection function into separate modular components: detection modules mounted on racks, control logic, and localized discharge points. This segmentation eliminates the need for continuous piping while maintaining suppression capability through distributed, independent units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If high volumes of water are discharged to extinguish fires, then fire suppression effectiveness is achieved, but damage from water discharge increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire suppression effectivenessVSAvoidwater damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies fire suppression locally only at the detected fire location rather than discharging water throughout the entire rack or warehouse. The discharge orifices are positioned and activated to target specifically the area where heat detection triggers, minimizing water usage and collateral damage while maintaining suppression effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of activating the entire sprinkler system, only the minimal necessary discharge points are activated based on detection data. This partial action provides sufficient suppression for the localized fire while avoiding excessive water discharge that would cause unnecessary damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If conventional fusible element sprinklers are used, then fire activation is achieved, but detection precision and response time are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire activationVSAvoidheat detection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical fusible element system with an electronic/thermal detection system that can precisely measure heat conditions and respond more accurately. The detection modules use thermal sensors or heat-detecting cables that provide more precise measurement and faster response compared to passive fusible elements that merely melt at a fixed temperature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 early detection and targeted fire extinguishing, minimizing water and chemical use, reducing installation costs, and minimizing damage by applying fire suppression only where needed, thus enhancing storage capacity and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a linear heat detection system, wherein the linear heat detection system is configured to detect a fire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat detection: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

the one or more discharge orifices are configured to discharge a fire extinguishing material onto the fire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFire suppression: Cooling

Data Source

PatentUS20250339719A1In-rack fire detection and extinguishing system and method

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 FACTORY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY

AI summary

A fire detection and extinguishing system and method for early detection, extinguishing, and prevention of a fire in a rack storage system. The fire detection and extinguishing system may include a valve coupled to one or more discharge orifices, a control panel, and a linear heat detection system. The linear heat detection system may include one or more heat trace wires. The fire detection and extinguishing system may be configured to detect a fire in the storage rack system and discharge a fire extinguishing material from the one or more discharge orifices to extinguish the fire.