Pivoting Suppressant Chute for Low-Obstruction Stovetop Fire Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stovetop fire suppression devices are bulky, obstructive, and inefficient in directing fire suppressant powder, making them difficult to install and ineffective in quickly extinguishing stovetop fires.

Innovation Solution

A stovetop fire suppression system with a base member and a chute member that can pivot to selectively release fire suppressant powder onto either burner, using magnets or clips for attachment and a hinge system for controlled powder dispensing, with optional extension members for precise powder distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing fire suppression devices are used, then fire suppression function is provided, but the devices are bulky and obstruct access to cooking surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire suppression functionVSAvoidobstruction to cooking surface

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fire suppression device is divided into separate functional components: a base member for mounting, a movable chute member for powder delivery, and a storage container for suppressant powder. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall bulk while maintaining suppression effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chute member is designed to be movable between a stored position (retracted away from burners) and a dispensing position (extended toward the fire). This dynamic configuration allows the device to minimize obstruction during normal cooking while providing effective powder delivery when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If existing fire suppression devices are used, then fire suppression function is provided, but they are large and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire suppression functionVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage container holding the suppressant powder is positioned within or adjacent to the base member, and the chute member nests within the device housing when in the stored position. This nested arrangement minimizes the device's external volume while maintaining adequate powder storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes vertical mounting space above the stovetop rather than horizontal space, extending upward from the cooking surface. This dimensional transition allows the device to occupy unused vertical volume, reducing its footprint on the stovetop area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If existing fire suppression devices are used, then fire suppression function is provided, but they are unable to precisely direct sufficient amount of fire suppressant powder

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire suppressant deliveryVSAvoidpowder direction precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The chute member is specifically designed with its outlet positioned to align precisely with the burner area when in the dispensing position. The chute's geometry and orientation are optimized to direct powder flow exactly where needed, ensuring concentrated delivery to the fire source rather than diffuse distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The chute member acts as an intermediary conduit between the powder storage container and the fire source. It controls and directs the flow of suppressant powder, ensuring that sufficient amounts are delivered precisely to the burner area while preventing powder dispersion in unwanted directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If existing fire suppression devices are used, then fire suppression function is provided, but they are difficult to install

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire suppression functionVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The base member integrates multiple functions: it provides mounting attachment to the wall or cabinet, supports the powder storage container, and houses the actuation mechanism. This consolidation of functions into a single base unit simplifies installation, as the entire assembly can be mounted as one unit rather than assembling multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250367483A1Stovetop fire suppression system and method

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 WILLIAMSRDM INC

AI summary

A stovetop fire suppression system for selectively releasing a fire suppressant powder onto a stovetop first or second burner. The stovetop fire suppression system includes a base member and a chute member secured to the base member at opposed first and second ends of the base member. The chute member is movable between a storage position and a dispensing position. The suppression system further includes a first actuating member disposed at the base section first end and a second actuating member disposed at the base section second end. In response to actuation of the first actuating member, the chute member is movable the dispensing position to release the fire suppressant powder onto the first burner, and in response to actuation of the second actuating member, the chute member moves to the dispensing position to release the fire suppressant powder onto the second burner.