Storage Grid Fire Suppressant Channels for Deep-Seated Fires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional warehouse fire suppression systems struggle to effectively control fires within the complex, densely-packed storage grids of automated storage and retrieval systems, particularly for deep-seated or smouldering fires that are concealed or covered deep within the grid, as they may lack efficient access and direct fire suppressant distribution.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of channels in the storage grid that accumulate flowable fire suppressant, forming zones to isolate, cool down, and suppress fires by creating a barrier or wall of suppressant, using channels that can be sealed or contain retaining means to prevent drainage, and are designed to receive and distribute fire suppressant efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ceiling sprinklers are used for fire suppression in automated storage grids, then the system structure remains simple, but the fire suppressant cannot reach deep-seated or concealed fires effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The storage grid is divided into multiple fire zones separated by fire barriers (channels), allowing targeted fire suppression in specific zones. This segmentation enables the fire suppressant to be directed precisely where needed, improving effectiveness while maintaining structural simplicity through modular zone division.
Solution Approach 2:
Fire barriers (channels) are integrated into the three-dimensional storage grid structure, creating vertical and horizontal compartments. This adds a dimensional aspect to fire suppression by enabling suppressant to accumulate and flow through channels to reach fires at various depths and locations within the grid.
2Productivity
If fire fighters manually access the storage grid to direct fire suppressant, then device complexity remains low, but access to critical sections is limited and suppressant distribution is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
Fire channels act as intermediaries between the fire suppressant source and the fire location. These channels guide and concentrate the suppressant flow to reach deep-seated fires that would be inaccessible to manual application, significantly improving distribution efficiency without requiring complex robotic or automated delivery systems.
3Reliability
If the storage grid maintains a densely-packed structure, then space utilization is maximized, but fire suppressant access to concealed fires is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The fire channels serve multiple functions: they act as fire barriers to compartmentalize the grid, provide pathways for fire suppressant delivery, and can be integrated into the existing storage grid structure without significantly reducing storage capacity. This multi-functionality maintains space utilization while enabling effective fire suppression.
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
This solution allows for more precise and efficient distribution of fire suppressant to critical regions, effectively isolating and extinguishing fires within the storage grid, reducing damage and preventing fire spread.
Implementation Method 1
The channels are configured to accumulate a flowable fire suppressant which has been supplied to the storage grid and received by the channels, thereby building up a wall or region of fire suppressant within the grid to help control a fire outbreak.
Implementation Method 2
The flowable fire suppressant may be water, foam, or any other suitable fire suppressant known in the art.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a storage grid (500) for an automated storage and retrieval system. The grid (500) comprises a plurality of storage columns and one or more channels (510, 520, 530), wherein the one or more channels are configured to: accumulate a flowable fire suppressant upon the storage grid receiving the flowable fire suppressant; and designate a zone (512, 522, 532) of the storage grid, the zone comprising at least one storage column of the plurality of storage columns.