Storage Grid Partitions for Localized Fire Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems with stacked containers face challenges in efficiently managing space and safety, particularly in enclosed environments, as they require complex hoisting mechanisms and are prone to disruption during emergencies like fires, leading to costly shutdowns and damage.
Innovation Solution
A storage system with a grid framework and deployable partition means that allows for separate sealing of sections, incorporating uprights with service routing for power, water, and sensing, enabling controlled access and containment of fires, and facilitating drainage and temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deployable partition means are added to divide the storage system into separately sealable portions, then reliability is improved by containing emergencies, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple separately sealable portions using deployable partition means positioned beneath the grid level. These partitions can be deployed to segment the storage area into isolated sections, allowing emergencies such as fires to be contained within specific zones rather than affecting the entire system. This segmentation approach directly improves reliability by preventing catastrophic system-wide failures.
2Loss of substance
If the storage system is designed with separate sealable portions for fire containment, then loss of substance is reduced by limiting damage spread, but device complexity increases due to additional partitioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple separately sealable portions using deployable partition means positioned beneath the grid level. These partitions can be deployed to segment the storage area into isolated sections, allowing emergencies such as fires to be contained within specific zones rather than affecting the entire system. This segmentation approach directly improves reliability by preventing catastrophic system-wide failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The partitioning system converts the potential harm of system-wide fire damage into localized contained incidents. By having pre-positioned deployable partitions, the system can rapidly respond to emergencies and convert a potentially catastrophic event affecting the entire storage system into a localized incident confined to a single section, thereby protecting the majority of stored goods and system infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If uprights with service routing are integrated into the framework, then adaptability is improved by providing power and sensing capabilities, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The uprights serving as vertical support elements of the framework are enhanced to perform multiple functions: structural support, power distribution, data communication, and environmental sensing. By routing power cables, data cables, and sensor elements through the uprights, the framework itself becomes a multi-functional infrastructure that eliminates the need for separate service distribution systems, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework structure is merged with service distribution infrastructure by integrating power routing, data communication, and sensing capabilities directly into the uprights. This consolidation combines what would traditionally be separate systems (structural framework and utility distribution) into a unified multi-functional structure, improving adaptability by providing comprehensive service capabilities while reducing the number of separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system is described where goods are stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked out. The framework may be provided with one or more of the following services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing, and data logging. A method of partitioning the storage system prevents the spread of fire or prevent damage caused by sprinkler activation.