Fire suppression systems, devices, and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire suppression systems in cooking environments fail to differentiate between flare-ups from regular cooking and actual fires, leading to unnecessary activation or failure to suppress fires due to reliance on fixed temperature measurements without considering exhaust temperature changes.
Innovation Solution
A network-based or rule-based system that combines multiple sensor inputs, including temperature and airflow measurements, to determine the cooking appliance status and control exhaust flow rates, activating fire suppression mechanisms only when a fire is confirmed, using sensors to differentiate between cooking states and fire conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed absolute temperature measurement is used to detect fire conditions, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot differentiate between flare-ups from regular cooking and actual fires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor inputs (temperature sensors, airflow sensors, and potentially other detectors) into a unified fire detection system. The control module processes signals from multiple sources simultaneously, merging temperature data with airflow measurements and other parameters to make a comprehensive fire condition assessment, thereby improving detection accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from relying on a single fixed temperature threshold to monitoring multiple dynamic parameters including temperature changes over time, airflow rate variations, and potentially other environmental factors. By evaluating changes in these parameters rather than absolute values alone, the system can distinguish between normal cooking flare-ups and actual fire conditions with higher precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor inputs and processing are used to differentiate cooking states, then fire detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module serves multiple functions: it processes temperature data, analyzes airflow measurements, differentiates between cooking states (normal cooking, flare-ups, and fires), and controls both exhaust flow and fire suppression systems. By making the control module multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby improving detection accuracy without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module acts as an intermediary that receives raw signals from multiple sensors, processes and integrates this information, and then generates appropriate control outputs. This intermediary processing layer simplifies the interface between the complex sensor array and the actuation systems, managing the complexity by centralizing intelligence in the control module rather than distributing it across multiple specialized components.
3Loss of energy
If exhaust flow rate is controlled based on cooking state, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system requires more complex control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors cooking conditions through sensors and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust exhaust flow rate. The control module receives real-time data about cooking state (normal cooking, flare-up, or fire conditions) and automatically modulates the exhaust fan speed accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that reduces energy waste by matching exhaust flow to actual cooking demands without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust flow rate is made dynamic rather than fixed, allowing the system to adapt to changing cooking conditions. The control module continuously adjusts the exhaust fan operation based on real-time sensor inputs, transitioning between different flow rates as cooking states change. This dynamic control enables energy efficiency by reducing exhaust during low-demand periods while maintaining safety during high-demand or fire conditions.
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
Effectively differentiates between cooking states and fire conditions, ensuring minimal excess air exhaust, efficient fire suppression, and accurate activation of fire suppression systems, thereby enhancing safety and reducing false alarms.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a temperature of the exhaust air in the vicinity of the exhaust hood
Implementation Method 2
measuring a radiant temperature of the exhaust air in the vicinity of the cooking appliance
Implementation Method 3
an exhaust fan for removing exhaust air generated by the cooking appliance
Data Source
AI summary
A method of responding to a condition in an exhaust ventilation system that has an exhaust hood includes receiving, at a control module, an exhaust air temperature signal representing a temperature of the exhaust air in a vicinity of the exhaust hood, the exhaust air temperature signal being generated by a temperature sensor. The method also includes receiving a radiant temperature signal representing a temperature of a surface of a cooking appliance that generates the exhaust air, the radiant temperature signal being generated by a radiant temperature sensor. Further, the method includes receiving a pressure signal representing the pressure in the hood and determining a state of the cooking appliance based on the received exhaust air temperature signal, the received radiant temperature signal, and the received pressure signal. Finally, the method responds to the determined appliance state by outputting a control signal from the control module.