Pneumatic Piston Actuation for Timed Fire Extinguisher Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire extinguisher actuation mechanisms are either limited in functionality, complex, and expensive, and lack versatility to work with a wide range of fire extinguisher constructions, making them unsuitable for controlled and timed release of fire suppressants.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatically controlled activation piston assembly with a housing, piston, and spring mechanism that allows for time-controlled release of fire suppressants, integrated with a valve plug and power shut-off mechanism, enabling controlled expulsion of fire suppressants from a fire extinguisher body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple pin and trigger mechanism is used for actuation, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the functionality for controlled and timed release of fire suppressant is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation mechanism is designed to provide multiple functions including immediate release, timed delay release, and heat-actuated release within a single device. The mechanism can be configured with different delay periods and can respond to both manual activation and thermal conditions, making it universally applicable across various fire extinguisher types and situations
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing actuation mechanisms with timed release capability are implemented, then the functionality for controlled release is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a pneumatic delay mechanism where pressurized gas from the fire extinguisher itself is used to control the timing of suppressant release. The gas pressure drives a piston through a controlled path with adjustable restrictions, creating a simple yet effective timing mechanism that eliminates the need for complex electronic or mechanical delay devices
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation mechanism utilizes the pressurized gas already present in the fire extinguisher as the power source for the delay mechanism. The system is self-contained, using its own internal resources (pressurized gas) to control the timing of release without requiring external power sources, batteries, or additional complex subsystems
3Reliability
If actuation mechanisms designed for specific fire extinguisher constructions are used, then the reliability for that specific construction is improved, but the adaptability to work with a wide range of fire extinguishers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation mechanism is designed as a universal component that can be integrated with various fire extinguisher types including portable, wheeled, and fixed installations. The mechanism accepts different power sources (manual activation, thermal activation) and can be configured for different delay periods, making it adaptable across a wide range of fire extinguisher constructions while maintaining reliable operation
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 solution provides a cost-effective, universal, and reliable method for controlled release of fire suppressants, suitable for various fire extinguisher types, enabling immediate and timed suppression of fires, and can be used in conjunction with existing fire extinguisher bodies or as a replacement in fire prevention systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring interposed between the piston and the first cap, and the second end of the housing is provided with a second cap. The piston, under the control of balanced spring bias and pneumatic pressure
Implementation Method 2
The second end of the piston includes a cup seal shaped and dimensioned for engaging an inner wall of the housing in a manner defining a substantially sealed lateral compartment in the housing between the second end of the piston and the second cap
Implementation Method 3
The cup seal includes a vent hole allowing incompressible air from the sealed lateral compartment to be forced out of the sealed lateral compartment, and toward the first end of the housing, as the spring attempts to move the piston toward the second end of the housing
Implementation Method 4
a fire extinguisher body filled under pressure with a fire suppressant in a manner forcibly causing the fire suppressant to be expelled from the fire extinguisher with substantial force upon release
Data Source
AI summary
A fire extinguisher with an actuation mechanism includes a fire extinguisher body filled under pressure with a fire suppressant. The actuation mechanism includes a pneumatically controlled activation piston assembly that functions to control the release of the fire suppressant until desired by the user of the fire extinguisher. The activation piston assembly includes a housing in which a piston is positioned. The housing includes a first end and second end. The first end of the housing is covered with a first cap supporting a spring interposed between the piston and the first cap, and the second end of the housing is provided with a second cap. The piston, under the control of balanced spring bias and pneumatic pressure, allows for time controlled release of the fire suppressant from the fire extinguisher body.