Smoke-and-Light Fire Simulator for Wide-Angle Flame Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire training systems have limited viewability, lack the ability to simulate multiple dynamic conditions, are expensive, lack portability, and cannot integrate with other systems for comprehensive fire training scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A fire simulation apparatus with a housing containing a smoke generator, light emitter, and logic controller that generates smoke and light to simulate a flame or electric arc viewable from more than 180 degrees, capable of simulating multiple dynamic conditions, and can be integrated with other training systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a vertically positioned video screen is used to display fire image, then the system structure is simple, but the viewing angle is limited to maximum 180 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a 2D vertical video screen to a 360-degree immersive display system using multiple projectors and screens arranged in a circular configuration. This dimensional change allows the fire simulation to be viewed from all directions around the training area, eliminating the 180-degree viewing limitation while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multiple projectors and display screens that can project fire images simultaneously from different directions, creating a comprehensive 360-degree viewing experience. This multi-functional arrangement allows trainees to observe fire behavior from any position around the training area, enhancing the versatility of the training system.
2Device complexity
If a light box and single sound production mechanism are used, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to simulate multiple dynamic conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates multiple controllable light sources with adjustable intensity, color temperature, and positioning, along with multiple sound production mechanisms that can independently control different audio channels. This dynamic control capability allows the system to simulate various fire conditions (different intensities, stages of combustion, environmental factors) and associated sounds, providing realistic multi-condition training scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire simulation system is divided into multiple independent light sources and sound production mechanisms, each capable of operating autonomously. This segmentation allows different parts of the fire scenario (main fire, sparks, smoke effects, ambient sounds) to be controlled separately, enabling complex multi-condition simulations that a single integrated mechanism cannot achieve.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used to achieve multiple dynamic conditions, then the simulation capability is improved, but the system cost increases and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple light sources, sound production mechanisms, and control systems into a unified fire simulation apparatus. By merging these components into a single integrated unit with centralized control, the system maintains advanced multi-condition simulation capabilities while improving portability and reducing the complexity of system deployment and management compared to separate distributed components.
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
Provides a dynamic and comprehensive fire simulation viewable from a wide angle, simulating various fire conditions, and integrates with other systems for enhanced training scenarios, reducing costs and improving safety.
Implementation Method 1
A smoke generator is disposed within the interior volume of the housing and is configured to selectively generate smoke. A port is extended between the smoke generator and the surface of the housing and is configured to permit at least a portion of the smoke to be discharged through the port from the smoke generator to an exterior of the housing. A light emitter is coupled to the housing and configured to emit a light.
Implementation Method 2
A logic controller is disposed within the interior volume of the housing and is configured to modulate the light and the smoke based on receipt of an extinguishing agent by a predetermined portion of the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments and methods described herein relate to fire training systems and to fire simulators or fire training apparatus. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing with a surface and an interior volume. A smoke generator is disposed within the interior volume of the housing and is configured to selectively generate smoke. A port is extended between the smoke generator and the surface of the housing and is configured to permit at least a portion of the smoke to be discharged through the port from the smoke generator to an exterior of the housing. A light emitter is coupled to the housing and configured to emit a light. The light and the portion of smoke are collectively configured to simulate a flame or electric arc above the surface of the housing such that the simulated flame or electric arc is viewable from more than 180 degrees about the surface of the housing. A logic controller is disposed within the interior volume of the housing and is configured to modulate the light and the smoke based on receipt of an extinguishing agent by a predetermined portion of the housing.