Robotic Fire Extinguisher for Automated Grid Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic bin handling systems face challenges with fire hazards due to high density storage of combustible materials, where electrical or mechanical faults can ignite materials, and human firefighters must access the grid to extinguish fires, causing delays and productivity losses.
Innovation Solution
A robotic fire extinguishing device is integrated into the robotic picking and storage system, equipped with wheels that allow it to move along the grid rails and a dispensing mechanism for fire extinguishing material, enabling it to rapidly respond to and extinguish fires without stopping all robotic load handlers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human firefighters are deployed to extinguish fires in the grid, then fire extinguishing capability is provided, but system productivity is reduced due to stopping all robotic load handlers
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by deploying an autonomous robotic fire extinguishing device that can independently navigate to fire locations, detect fires using sensors, and extinguish them without requiring human intervention or system shutdown. This allows the system to handle fire emergencies independently while maintaining normal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic fire extinguishing device acts as an intermediary between fire detection and fire suppression. It receives fire alarm signals from detectors, navigates to the fire location using wheel assemblies and rail engagement, and delivers extinguishing material, thereby eliminating the need for human firefighters to directly access the grid.
2Reliability
If human firefighters access the grid to extinguish fires, then fire suppression is achieved, but response time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic fire extinguishing device is pre-positioned within the grid system and remains ready for immediate deployment. Upon receiving a fire alarm signal, it can rapidly navigate to the fire location and begin suppression operations without the time delays associated with human firefighters donning protective equipment and accessing the grid.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical process of human firefighters physically accessing the grid with an automated robotic system that uses wheel assemblies to engage with rails and move to fire locations. This substitution eliminates the time required for human intervention while maintaining effective fire suppression.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If all robotic load handlers are stopped to allow firefighter access, then safety is improved, but system downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic fire extinguishing device serves as an intermediary that eliminates the need for human firefighters to access the hazardous grid environment. By having the robot perform the dangerous task of fire suppression, firefighter safety is protected while the system can maintain continuous operation without shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service fire suppression through the autonomous robotic device, which can operate independently in the hazardous environment without requiring the system to be shut down for firefighter safety. This allows continuous operation while maintaining safety.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If false alarms trigger firefighter deployment, then safety protocol is followed, but productivity is damaged due to unnecessary system stops
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous robotic fire extinguishing device enables the system to handle false alarm situations independently. When a false alarm occurs, the robot can be deployed to verify the situation and extinguish any minor issues without requiring full system shutdown, thereby maintaining productivity while still following safety protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic device acts as an intermediary that can respond to false alarms without the same consequences as human firefighter deployment. It can quickly assess false alarm situations, determine if actual fire suppression is needed, and minimize unnecessary system interruptions while maintaining safety protocol compliance.
Data Source
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Figure 3a
AI summary
A fire extinguishing robotic service device 50 is described for use on a robotic picking system grid. The fire extinguishing robotic service device 50 is capable of driving to any location on the grid 14 in order to extinguish a fire. The service device 50 may also be provided with camera means 60 or sensor means to locate the fire.