Modular Fire Suppression Apparatus for Heavy Goods Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire extinguishing systems on heavy goods vehicles are complex to install, lack sufficient extinguishing liquid, are cumbersome, and struggle to effectively extinguish fires once they have flared up, posing risks to drivers and passengers due to limited access and time constraints.
Innovation Solution
A compact, modular, and customizable apparatus for forming and delivering an extinguishing liquid, equipped with hose reels and remote activation capabilities, allowing for efficient and safe use by a single operator, and capable of retrofitting existing vehicles without altering the frame, along with a monitoring system using temperature and pressure sensors for early detection and prevention of fires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If portable fire extinguishers with 2-12 kg capacity are used on heavy goods vehicles, then the vehicle meets legal requirements for dangerous goods transport, but the extinguishing capacity is insufficient to stop a flared-up fire and the driver must expose himself to dangerous conditions to use it
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service fire suppression by automatically detecting fires through temperature sensors and activating the extinguishing system without driver intervention. The driver simply needs to press a button in the cockpit, and the system automatically discharges extinguishing agent to the fire location, eliminating the need for the driver to approach dangerous fires with portable extinguishers
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of portable fire extinguishers is replaced by an automated electro-mechanical system. Temperature sensors detect fire conditions and trigger electronic control systems that activate solenoid valves and pressurization mechanisms, substituting the manual aiming and discharge operation with automated detection and response
2Loss of time
If the driver stops the vehicle and uses a portable fire extinguisher, then he can attempt to extinguish the fire, but the time elapsed from detecting smoke to reaching the fire is too long, allowing the flame to spread dangerously
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously monitoring temperature at potential fire locations and being pre-positioned with pressurized extinguishing agent. When a fire is detected, the system can immediately discharge without requiring the driver to stop, exit, or manually prepare the extinguisher, dramatically reducing response time from minutes to seconds
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors provide continuous feedback on thermal conditions at monitored locations. When temperature exceeds predetermined thresholds indicating fire conditions, the control system receives feedback and automatically activates the extinguishing system, creating a closed-loop detection-response mechanism that eliminates manual detection delays
3Object-generated harmful factors
If passive safety measures with fire-retardant materials are used in vehicle construction, then toxic fume emission is reduced, but the time available for safe stop and evacuation is still insufficient when fire occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by proactively detecting fire conditions through temperature monitoring and automatically suppressing fires before they can spread and generate toxic fumes. This preventive approach counteracts the harmful effects of fire before they manifest, extending the safe operation duration by eliminating the need for emergency evacuation
4Ease of manufacture
If a compact modular apparatus is installed on existing heavy goods vehicles, then the system can be retrofitted without altering the vehicle frame, but the space for housing tanks and pressurization systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs nesting by placing the pressurization box inside the tank structure, with the mixing chamber integrated within the pressurization box. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall volume occupied by the fire suppression system, enabling compact installation on existing vehicles without requiring extensive modifications to the vehicle frame or cargo space
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
Apparatus for extinguishing fires installable on heavy goods industrial vehicles, in particular trucks, comprising a device for the formation of extinguishing liquid, at least two hose reel for the delivering of said extinguishing liquid, each placed in a case provided with means for the activation of said device, characterized in that the device (2) for the formation of the extinguishing liquid is a compact, modular, standardizable device equipped with: - at least one substantially toroidal-shaped tank (5) containing a solution of water and foaming agent and delimiting a compartment (4), - at least one pressurization box (3) containing pressurization means (7), - at least one mixing chamber (6) in which takes place the mixing and the pressurization of the water and foaming agent solution together with the nitrogen / air, said compartment (4) being bounded by the tank (5) which hosts at least one pressurization box (3) containing said pressurization means (7) and at least one mixing chamber (6) and said components being operatively interconnected by connecting means between the chamber (3) and the mixing chamber (6), connecting means between the mixing chamber (6) and the tank (5) and connecting means between the mixing chamber (6) and at least two hose reel (8).