Retractable Fire Mat and Water Spray for Building Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire-protection methods for buildings, such as fire-proof blankets and lighter fire-retardant sheets, are difficult to deploy and can be blown off by high winds during forest or brush fires, and lack a secure system to cover upper structures and simultaneously protect lower exposed areas.
Innovation Solution
A retractable fire-protection mat system with a motorized deployment mechanism over a rigid framework, combined with a water fire spray system for lower areas, ensuring secure coverage of all sides and upper surfaces, and automatic stowage when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fire-proof blankets are placed over a structure to prevent fire intrusion, then fire protection is improved, but deployment becomes difficult and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The fire protection system transitions from static blankets to a dynamic retractable mat that can be automatically deployed and retracted. The mat is stored on a reel and pulled across the structure by a motor-driven cable system, enabling automated operation without manual handling of heavy blankets.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of deploying and securing fire blankets is replaced with an automated motor-driven cable-pulley system. The motor winds and unwinds the cable to pull the mat into position, eliminating the need for manual labor.
2Ease of operation
If lighter fire-retardant sheets are used to reduce deployment difficulty, then ease of operation is improved, but the sheets are blown off by high winds during forest or brush fires
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic cable-pulley mechanism that can actively tension and secure the mat against wind forces. The motor can maintain constant tension on the draw cable, dynamically adjusting to wind conditions rather than relying on static attachment methods.
Solution Approach 2:
A rigid framework serves as an intermediary structure between the mat and the building, providing stable anchor points for the cable system. This framework distributes wind loads and prevents the mat from being blown off, while still allowing automated deployment.
3Reliability
If a rigid framework with motorized mat deployment is implemented to secure fire-resistant material, then reliability against fire and wind is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a rigid framework with discrete anchor points, a separate mat material, an independent motor unit, and a cable-pulley system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid framework serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the mat, acts as an anchor system for wind resistance, and serves as the mounting structure for the motor and cable system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
4Reliability
If the mat is permanently installed to ensure fire protection, then reliability is improved, but the ability to store and conceal the mat when not in use is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The mat transitions from a permanent installation to a dynamic, movable cover that can be deployed when needed and retracted for storage. The motor-driven reel system enables automatic retraction, pulling the mat back into a compact stored position after use.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of permanently installing the mat, the system recovers and stores the mat on the reel after each use. The motor automatically winds the cable to pull the mat back onto the reel, making it ready for future deployments without manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A fire-protection system comprising two elements is disclosed: 1) A retractable fire-protection covering or mat that may be automatically deployed over a building and stowed after the threat has passed; and, 2) A water fire spray system for wetting the lower aspects of a building to protect the lower and uncovered aspects of a building from fire. Using these systems simultaneously allows the user to mitigate forest and brush fire threats that may periodically threaten a building.