Spring Release Actuator Prevents Unintentional Fire Suppression Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire suppression systems face challenges with direct cable operation for pressurized cylinders, leading to unintentional release of fire suppression agents during setup due to difficulties in installing actuators without intermediary devices.
Innovation Solution
An actuation mechanism featuring a housing, plunger, tension member, force generating component, and stopper that opposes tension to prevent unintentional actuation, allowing direct coupling to a valve for controlled release of fire suppression agents upon loss of tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an actuator with direct cable operation is used for pressurized cylinder of fire suppression agent, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to unintentional release during setup
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded plunger applies preliminary counter-pressure to the valve stem, creating a mechanical lock that prevents unintentional actuation during installation and setup. The plunger is pre-loaded by the spring to oppose any premature movement of the valve, thereby counteracting potential harmful actions before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded plunger acts as an intermediary component between the cable tensioning mechanism and the valve stem. It provides a mechanical mediation layer that translates cable tension into controlled valve actuation only when the tension exceeds the spring's counter-pressure, preventing direct and potentially unintentional valve operation.
2Reliability
If a spring-loaded plunger with adjustable stopper is used, then the reliability is improved by preventing unintentional actuation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is pre-positioned on the adjustable mechanism before operation, establishing a predetermined travel limit for the plunger. This preliminary setting ensures that the plunger cannot move beyond a safe distance, providing built-in protection against over-compression or unintentional full actuation during installation and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable stopper mechanism provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the compression distance and actuation threshold to be modified based on specific installation requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to optimize its reliability characteristics for different applications while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the stopper position is made adjustable, then the adaptability is improved for different compression distances, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional adjustment steps
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is pre-positioned on the adjustable mechanism before operation, establishing a predetermined travel limit for the plunger. This preliminary setting ensures that the plunger cannot move beyond a safe distance, providing built-in protection against over-compression or unintentional full actuation during installation and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable stopper mechanism provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the compression distance and actuation threshold to be modified based on specific installation requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to optimize its reliability characteristics for different applications while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 mechanism eliminates the need for intermediary components, reducing complexity and risk of unintentional actuation, ensuring controlled and efficient discharge of fire suppression agents.
Implementation Method 1
The force generating component may be a coil spring
Implementation Method 2
The stopper may be coupled to the housing via at least one magnet
Data Source
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AI summary
An actuation mechanism (40) for use in a fire suppression system includes a housing (54) and a plunger (44) operably coupled to and movable relative to the housing (54). A tension member (42) is operably coupled to the plunger (44) and applies a tension to the plunger (44) in a first direction (A). A force generating component (72) is operably coupled to the plunger (44). A stopper (62) is movably coupled to the housing (54) and is operable in combination with the force generating component (72) to apply a force on the plunger (44) in a second direction (B).