Modular Fire Suppression System Serial Interconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire suppression systems for large machinery and vehicles are limited by the distance between components, restricting the expansion of the system and the protection of multiple hazard zones due to parallel cabling configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular fire suppression system with serial interconnection of modules via a centralized controller, using RS-485 serial communication cables to extend cabling distances up to 4000 linear feet, allowing for centralized control and communication while enabling the addition of modules beyond previous limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If parallel cabling configuration is used to interconnect modules and central controller, then system expansion capability is limited, but cabling distance can be kept short for simple installations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the data bus into multiple segments that can be interconnected through modules. Each module can independently connect to the bus, allowing the system to be expanded by adding more modules without requiring complete re-cabling. The segmentation enables modular expansion while maintaining manageable cable lengths within each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a limited parallel cabling topology to a serial communication architecture (RS-485) that operates in a different dimensional space of data transmission. This allows the system to extend over much longer distances (up to 4000 linear feet) by utilizing the serial communication protocol's inherent ability to handle extended bus lengths, effectively adding a distance dimension to the system architecture.
2Area of stationary object
If cabling distance between modules and central controller is extended for large vehicles, then protection of multiple hazard zones is enabled, but communication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the communication parameter from parallel data bus to serial RS-485 communication, which has different electrical characteristics and is specifically designed to operate reliably over extended distances. This parameter change in the communication protocol allows the system to maintain communication reliability while extending the physical distance between modules and the central controller, thereby enabling coverage of larger protected areas.
3Area of stationary object
If number of modules is increased to protect multiple hazard zones, then system coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each module in the system is designed with universal functionality, containing both data input and data output capabilities that allow it to communicate with adjacent modules in the serial chain. This multi-functionality within each module simplifies the overall system architecture, as identical or similar modules can be used throughout the system regardless of their position, reducing the complexity of system design and installation while enabling expansion to cover multiple hazard zones.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
A tire suppression system includes a centralized controller and a plurality of modules (14). Each module includes a housing (30), a printed circuit board (32) with a mounted microprocessor (34), a first connector (36) including a first pair of data wires (38) mounted to the board; and a second connector (40) including a second pair of data wires (42) mounted to the board so that the printed circuit board electrically connects the first and second pairs of data wires. The modules are interconnected with the central controller to define data buses for centralized fire detection, user interface and system response. The connectors of each module interconnect the plurality of modules in series to the central controller.