Storage System Fire Containment via Partitioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage systems face challenges in efficiently managing large volumes of diverse products while ensuring fire safety and minimizing disruption during emergencies, as they often require shutting down the entire system due to sprinkler deployments and lack effective fire containment mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A storage system with a framework structure comprising uprights and grid cells, integrated with fire detection and suppression systems, partitioning mechanisms, and deployable fire barriers to contain fires within specific areas, allowing selective isolation and controlled response to emergencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional storage systems use sprinkler deployment for fire suppression, then fire safety is improved, but the entire system must be shut down causing operational disruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire safetyVSAvoidoperational continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is divided into multiple independently controllable zones or sections. When a fire is detected in one zone, only that specific zone is isolated and shut down, while other zones continue to operate normally. This segmentation allows fire safety measures to be applied locally rather than system-wide, maintaining operational continuity in unaffected areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If storage systems pack containers densely to maximize space utilization, then storage efficiency is improved, but fire spread risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage densityVSAvoidfire spread risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Fire-resistant materials and protective structures are selectively applied to specific containers or storage zones based on their fire risk profile. High-risk areas receive enhanced fire protection measures such as fire-resistant coatings, barriers, or automated suppression systems, while low-risk areas maintain standard packaging. This localized approach to fire protection allows dense packing overall while mitigating fire spread risk in critical areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If automated load handling devices are used to access containers in stacked rows, then labor efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabor efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated load handling device is designed with multiple functions: it can transport containers, detect fires through integrated sensors, activate fire suppression systems, and coordinate with partitioning mechanisms. By combining these functions into a single multi-functional device, the system achieves high labor efficiency without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as one device performs several critical roles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250108973A1Storage systems and methods

Publication Date: 2025.04.03 OCADO INNOVATION LTD

AI summary

A storage system is disclosed which includes a series of fire detection, suppression and extinguishing capability. The system can include containers formed as structural composites. The containers can have multiple portions of a structural or storage nature. The system can use the containers and the system itself to reduce a likelihood of fire spreading through large grid based systems.