Modular Fire Suppression System for Vehicles and Homes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Residential house fires and vehicle engine fires pose significant risks due to the lack of effective and affordable automatic fire suppression systems, leading to injuries and property damage, as existing solutions like smoke detectors and sprinkler systems are either insufficient or impractical for residential use.
Innovation Solution
An automatic fire suppression system comprising a housing with an extinguishing agent reservoir, a detection component for heat and smoke, and a distribution component to dispense the agent, which can be mounted in homes or under vehicle hoods, using a combination of agents effective against various fire classes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic sprinkler systems are installed in residential structures, then fire suppression effectiveness is improved, but cost increases making it prohibitive for residential use
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fire suppression function into separate modular units (detection component, reservoir component, distribution component) that can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall system cost while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses disposable or replaceable reservoir cartridges containing extinguishing agent, allowing the expensive detection and distribution components to be reused while replacing only the consumable agent container, reducing long-term costs
2Reliability
If traditional sprinkler systems are installed, then fire containment capability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates detection, agent storage, and distribution functions into distinct components that can be independently installed and maintained, simplifying the overall installation process while achieving effective fire containment
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic detection and activation mechanisms that require minimal manual intervention or complex control systems, allowing the system to self-regulate based on detected fire conditions
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If smoke detectors are used, then early fire detection is improved, but active fire suppression capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the detection function with the suppression function in a single integrated unit, where the detection component directly triggers the distribution of extinguishing agent, ensuring both early detection and immediate suppression capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-positions extinguishing agent in the reservoir component ready for immediate discharge upon detection, eliminating the delay between detection and suppression action that occurs with traditional separate systems
4Reliability
If vehicle fire suppression systems are added, then occupant safety is improved, but cost and weight of the vehicle increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses compact, modular components that can be efficiently packaged in the vehicle, minimizing the weight and space required while providing comprehensive fire suppression coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses high-concentration extinguishing agents that require smaller volumes to achieve effective suppression, reducing the overall weight of the agent reservoir and associated hardware compared to traditional water-based systems
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 provides immediate fire suppression, reducing the risk of injury and property damage by detecting and extinguishing fires before they spread, making it easier and more economical to retrofit existing structures with effective fire protection.
Implementation Method 1
The detection component is configured to trigger the release of the at least one extinguishing agent from the extinguishing agent reservoir in response to detecting heat, smoke, or fire
Implementation Method 2
The at least one extinguishing agent is released from the extinguishing agent reservoir onto the fire to suppress the fire
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic fire suppression system for use in extinguishing residential fires or engine compartment fires in a vehicle. The automatic fire suppression system in mountable on a ceiling or under a hood of the vehicle or above the vehicle's engine if located elsewhere. The automatic fire suppression system retains an extinguishing agent in an extinguishing agent reservoir. A detection component for detecting heat or smoke triggers the release of the extinguishing agent according to a preset heat level or smoke condition. Once released, the extinguishing agent is dispensed onto the fire by through a plurality of orifices in a distribution component to effectively suppress the fire.