Integrated Fire-Fighting Unit Combining Hydrant and Sprinkler Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire protection systems, such as indoor hydrants and automatic sprinkler systems, require human intervention or are costly and lack the ability to selectively extinguish specific zones automatically or manually.
Innovation Solution
A fire-fighting unit combining an indoor hydrant with sprinkler, fog, or nozzle systems, utilizing a controller, sensor, and electrovalves to enable automatic and manual extinguishing of designated zones from a single hydrant pump system, integrating with existing systems without redesign.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automatic sprinkler systems are installed to enable automatic extinguishing, then fire extinguishing automation is improved, but system cost and complexity increase due to separate water supply, pumping systems, and detection systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the indoor hydrant system and automatic sprinkler system into a single integrated fire-fighting unit. The controller integrates both manual hydrant operation and automatic sprinkler activation, while the single water pump supplies both systems. This merging eliminates the need for separate water supply and pumping systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automatic extinguishing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire-fighting unit is designed as a multi-functional device that can operate in both manual mode (indoor hydrant) and automatic mode (sprinkler system). The single water pump system serves dual purposes, and the controller handles both manual activation and automatic detection-based activation. This universality allows the system to perform multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
2Area of stationary object
If automatic sprinkler systems are installed to cover large areas, then fire protection coverage is improved, but cost increases due to separate pumping stations, piping, and detection systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water supply infrastructure of the indoor hydrant system with the automatic sprinkler system. By using a single water pump and integrated piping system that serves both manual hydrant outlets and automatic sprinkler heads, the patent eliminates the need for separate pumping stations and parallel piping networks, thereby reducing the overall cost of protecting large areas while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire-fighting unit is designed as a multi-functional device that can operate in both manual mode (indoor hydrant) and automatic mode (sprinkler system). The single water pump system serves dual purposes, and the controller handles both manual activation and automatic detection-based activation. This universality allows the system to perform multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
3Device complexity
If traditional indoor hydrants are used for manual fire extinguishing, then system simplicity is maintained, but human presence and intervention are required which reduces response effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The fire-fighting unit is designed with dynamic operational modes that can switch between manual and automatic operation. The system maintains the simplicity of the traditional indoor hydrant for manual operation while incorporating automatic detection and activation capabilities. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt its level of automation based on the situation, preserving simplicity when manual operation is sufficient while enabling automatic response when enhanced effectiveness is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire-fighting unit is designed as a multi-functional device that can operate in both manual mode (indoor hydrant) and automatic mode (sprinkler system). The single water pump system serves dual purposes, and the controller handles both manual activation and automatic detection-based activation. This universality allows the system to perform multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
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
Enables automatic and manual extinguishing of specific zones with reduced costs and system expansion, maintaining performance and flexibility in fire protection, particularly suitable for high-risk areas like electric vehicle charging stations.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for detecting the opening of the valve, electrically connected to one of the inputs of the controller
Implementation Method 2
the distributor comprises electrovalves, which are output connections for discharging the extinguishing substance from the fire-fighting unit
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The fire-fighting unit (1) according to the invention comprises: an inlet connection (7) for supplying an extinguishing substance to the fire-fighting unit (1); a controller (6) having inputs (22) for input data and outputs for control signals; a hydrant (5) flow-connected to the inlet connection (7) by means of a valve (9); a sensor (11) for detecting the opening of the valve (9), electrically connected to one of the inputs (22) of the controller (6); and a distributor (15) flow-connected to the inlet connection (7). The distributor (15) comprises electrovalves (16), which are output connections (24) for discharging the extinguishing substance from the fire-fighting unit (1), and these electrovalves (16) are electrically connected to the outputs of the controller (6).