Shape Memory Alloy Fire Suppression Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire suppression systems rely on electro-explosive devices for actuation, which may not be reliable or safe in certain environments, and do not efficiently utilize shape memory alloys for controlled release of fire suppression agents.
Innovation Solution
A fire suppression system utilizing shape memory alloys to actuate the release of fire suppression agents by changing shape in response to heat or electrical stimulation, allowing for controlled rupture of a retaining disk and discharge of the agent into an aircraft structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If electro-explosive devices are used to actuate fire suppression systems, then the system can achieve rapid discharge of fire suppression agent, but the reliability and safety of the system deteriorates in certain environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electro-explosive devices with a shape memory alloy-based mechanical actuation system. The shape memory alloy actuator undergoes a phase transformation from austenite to martensite in response to thermal or electrical stimulation, producing mechanical displacement to rupture the retaining disk and discharge the fire suppression agent. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues associated with electro-explosive devices while maintaining rapid discharge capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the temperature-dependent phase transformation properties of shape memory alloys. By changing the temperature parameter (through heating elements or environmental temperature rise), the shape memory alloy transitions between austenite and martensite phases, causing reversible shape changes that drive the actuation mechanism. This parameter-based control provides reliable and controlled discharge without the hazards of explosive devices.
2Device complexity
If conventional electro-explosive actuation is used, then the system structure can be simplified, but the safety and controllability of the system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex and hazardous electro-explosive actuation system with a shape memory alloy-based mechanical system. The shape memory alloy actuator integrates the functions of sensing, actuation, and discharge control into a single reliable mechanism that responds to thermal or electrical stimulation through controlled phase transformation, improving safety while maintaining acceptable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory alloy actuator is capable of self-actuation through its inherent phase transformation properties. When exposed to appropriate thermal or electrical stimulation, the material automatically undergoes the austenite-martensite transition and produces the necessary mechanical displacement to rupture the retaining disk, eliminating the need for complex external actuation mechanisms and improving overall system safety.
3Reliability
If shape memory alloys are used for actuation, then the reliability and controllability of fire suppression agent release is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the temperature-dependent phase transformation characteristics of shape memory alloys to achieve reliable and controlled actuation. By utilizing the natural austenite-martensite transition of the material in response to temperature changes (either from heating elements or environmental conditions), the system achieves high reliability without requiring complex control mechanisms. The material's inherent properties provide the necessary actuation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly utilizes the phase transition phenomenon of shape memory alloys between austenite and martensite states. This phase transition causes reversible shape changes in the alloy when subjected to appropriate thermal or electrical stimulation, providing a reliable and controlled mechanism for rupturing the retaining disk and discharging the fire suppression agent with minimal additional system complexity.
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 system provides a reliable and controlled release of fire suppression agents, ensuring efficient dispersal and minimizing leakage, while being suitable for extreme temperature environments and various deployment scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
A fire suppression system utilizing shape memory alloys to actuate the release of fire suppression agents by changing shape in response to heat or electrical stimulation
Implementation Method 2
changing shape in response to heat or electrical stimulation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A fire suppression system (110; 310; 410; 510) may comprise a shape memory actuation system. The shape memory actuation system may be configured as a retainer (150; 250; 350; 570) that retains a plug (140; 240; 340; 455; 555) and/or a disk (130; 230; 330; 430; 530). The shape memory actuation system may be a shape memory plug (455) that is configured to discharge from a vessel exhaust port (160; 260; 360; 460; 560). The shape memory actuation system may be deployable in response to an electrical stimulus (e.g., resistive heating causing the shape memory alloy to have a temperature exceeding a transition temperature).