Non-rigid pouch fire suppression system with pressure rupture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire suppression systems are cumbersome, require manual operation, and need periodic maintenance, which limits their effectiveness and convenience in quickly responding to fires.
Innovation Solution
A fire suppression system comprising a non-rigid pouch with a pressurized gas source and a rupturing feature, which fails and disperses suppressants when exposed to fire, integrated within a rigid shell for efficient and automatic fire suppression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual operation is used for fire suppression, then the system can be simple and inexpensive, but the response time is slow and requires human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The fire suppression system is pre-configured with a pouch containing suppressant and a rupturing feature that automatically activates when exposed to fire. The system prepares everything in advance including the positioning of the pouch within the housing, the pre-charge of gas, and the pre-positioning of the rupturing feature, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining relative simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs its own function automatically without human intervention. The pouch self-activates when fire is detected through thermal exposure, the gas automatically inflates the pouch, and the rupturing feature automatically releases the suppressant. This self-service mechanism achieves automation while keeping the overall system relatively simple
2Reliability
If a rigid container is used to hold suppressant, then the suppressant is protected from damage, but the system requires more space and is more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible pouch instead of a rigid container to hold the suppressant. The pouch is made of flexible material that can be easily formed and sealed, providing adequate protection for the suppressant while being simpler to manufacture and install. The flexibility of the pouch allows it to be compressed for storage and then inflated when activated, eliminating the need for complex rigid container structures
Solution Approach 2:
The pouch is nested within the housing structure, with the pouch containing the suppressant and the housing providing external protection. This nested arrangement protects the suppressant from damage while maintaining a compact overall structure that is simpler than a fully rigid container system
3Reliability
If periodic maintenance is required, then the system can be reliable, but the ease of operation is reduced and time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The fire suppression system is designed as a disposable unit. The pouch containing the suppressant is sealed and pre-configured, and after use, the entire system can be discarded and replaced with a new unit. This eliminates the need for periodic maintenance while maintaining reliability, as each new pouch is factory-sealed and ready for immediate use
4Productivity
If suppressant is dispersed in all directions, then the fire suppression coverage is maximized, but the suppressant is wasted and cannot be targeted
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a directional nozzle or outlet on the pouch to disperse the suppressant in a specific direction rather than all directions. This localized dispersion approach targets the fire source more effectively, improving suppression efficiency while reducing suppressant waste by directing the agent precisely where needed
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 efficient and automatic fire suppression by dispersing suppressants in targeted directions, minimizing damage and eliminating the need for manual operation and frequent maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The pressurize gas source is configured to increase the internal pressure of the non-rigid pouch by injecting gas into the interior space
Implementation Method 2
The non-rigid pouch is configured to rupture when the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure
Implementation Method 3
The non-rigid pouch includes an exterior surface and an interior space, and is configured to fail when exposed to a fire
Data Source
AI summary
A fire suppression system that includes a non-rigid pouch, a quantity of suppressant, a quantity of gas, and a pressurized gas source. The non-rigid pouch that includes an exterior surface and an interior space. The quantity of suppressant, the quantity of gas, and the pressurized gas source is contained within said interior space. The pressurize gas source is configured to increase the internal pressure of the non-rigid pouch by injecting gas into the interior space. The non-rigid pouch is configured to rupture when the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure.