Rapid Access Containment Device for Fire Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firefighters face challenges in accessing fires within enclosed areas without introducing oxygen, which can lead to backdrafts or exacerbate wind-driven fires, making it difficult to apply water effectively while maintaining structural integrity and ensuring safety.
Innovation Solution
The development of a Rapid Access Containment (RAC) device, which includes a quick connect stream applicator integrated into fire doors, stairway access boxes, roof installations, and subway platform devices, allowing for water application without opening doors or creating new access points, using high heat-resistant seals and directional nozzles to minimize oxygen introduction and prevent fire spread.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If firefighters open doors or create access points to reach fires in enclosed areas, then they can apply water directly to the fire, but oxygen is introduced which can cause backdrafts or wind-driven fire spread
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the access function by providing a dedicated penetration device that creates a small, controlled opening through the door, separate from the main door opening. This allows water application while minimizing oxygen introduction to the fire compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The penetration device acts as an intermediary between the firefighter and the enclosed fire space. It provides a controlled interface that allows water to enter the compartment while maintaining door integrity and limiting oxygen flow, thus preventing backdraft conditions.
2Ease of operation
If firefighters open doors to access fires, then they can reach the fire source, but structural integrity and safety of uninvolved areas are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The penetration device segments the access function by creating a small, localized opening through the door rather than requiring the door to be opened. This maintains the overall structural integrity of the door while providing sufficient access for water application.
Solution Approach 2:
The penetration device is pre-installed in the door, allowing firefighters to quickly create an access opening without compromising the door's structural integrity. The device is ready for immediate use, eliminating the need to open the door while maintaining safety.
3Productivity
If firefighters create manual openings in doors, then they can apply water to fires, but time is lost in creating the opening and safety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The penetration device is pre-installed in the door during building construction or renovation, eliminating the need for firefighters to create openings manually during emergency response. This preliminary preparation allows immediate water application upon device activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the complex task of door penetration into a simple, pre-engineered solution that requires minimal firefighter intervention. The segmented design allows quick deployment while maintaining door integrity and providing immediate water access.
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle access device is configured to be installed in a structural element and to accept connection by a fire hose nozzle to introduce firefighting fluid into an enclosed space. The device has a housing configured to be inserted in a hole formed in the structural element. The housing has a cylindrical body and a first face with an opening surrounded by an inwardly extending cylindrical socket. The housing has a second face, with an opening, which is attached to the cylindrical body. A movable nozzle connector in the housing has a connection portion configured to receive an inserted fire hose nozzle in a locking connection and a cylindrical nozzle stop portion extending from the connection portion. The nozzle stop portion is movably coupled within an interior of the socket of the first face.