Sprinkler Activation Control for Airflow-Shifted Fire Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire extinguishing systems are ineffective in areas with airflow due to delayed activation of sprinklers further away from the fire, leading to prolonged reaction times and reduced suppression efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fire extinguishing system with a control unit that processes airflow data from flow meters to trigger additional sprinklers strategically located upstream of the initial activation point, ensuring timely activation based on airflow direction and velocity measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If sprinklers are activated based solely on temperature threshold exceeding, then the system is simple to operate, but the reaction time is delayed when airflow is present causing downstream sprinklers to activate first
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary calculation to determine which upstream sprinkler should be activated based on the activated downstream sprinkler's position and the measured airflow characteristics. This preliminary action allows the system to proactively activate the correct sprinkler before the fire reaches it, reducing reaction time without requiring complex real-time decision-making during fire events
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the activated sprinkler's position and airflow measurements to dynamically determine which upstream sprinkler should be activated. The control unit continuously monitors which sprinkler activates and uses this feedback combined with airflow data to calculate the optimal upstream sprinkler activation, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to varying fire scenarios
2Reliability
If the system activates only the first triggered sprinkler, then the device complexity is low, but the fire suppression effectiveness is reduced due to airflow delaying heat generation at the fire source
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit calculates in advance which upstream sprinkler should be activated based on the downstream sprinkler's activation and airflow conditions. This preliminary determination ensures that the correct sprinkler is activated proactively, improving fire suppression effectiveness by targeting the fire source area before heat generation delays natural activation
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the activated downstream sprinkler and the upstream sprinklers. It processes the activation signal, combines it with airflow measurements, and determines which upstream sprinkler should be activated, mediating the activation process to achieve better fire suppression without directly modifying the sprinkler hardware
3Reliability
If multiple sprinklers are activated based on airflow data, then the fire suppression effectiveness is improved, but the loss of time for processing and decision-making increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary calculations using pre-stored airflow characteristics and sprinkler position data to quickly determine which upstream sprinkler should be activated. By preparing the calculation framework in advance and using stored data, the system minimizes processing time while still achieving improved fire suppression effectiveness through targeted multi-sprinkler activation
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
Enhances fire suppression effectiveness by reducing reaction time and ensuring comprehensive coverage, even in environments with airflow, by activating sprinklers closer to the fire source.
Implementation Method 1
a flow meter (34) for recording a measurement of a direction and/or a velocity of an airflow present in an area of the fire extinguishing system
Implementation Method 2
The airflow causes a delay in heat generation, meaning that a sprinkler closer to the fire might not activate first, but rather one further away
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A fire extinguishing system with a plurality of sprinklers (18, 23, 24) and with a trigger sensor (217, 28) that sends a signal when a first sprinkler (23) is triggered. A control unit (29) processes the signal from the trigger sensor (27, 28) and a characteristic value of an airflow present in the area of the fire extinguishing system to generate a control command that triggers a second sprinkler (24). The invention also relates to a method for extinguishing a fire.