Stovetop Fire Suppressor Gradual Agent Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stovetop fire suppressors often deploy fire suppressing agents in a single burst, which can lead to splash and uneven distribution, and may not provide a controlled release over time, posing risks and inefficiencies in extinguishing stovetop fires.
Innovation Solution
A stovetop fire suppressor design featuring a cone-shaped bottom lid with a reduced cross-sectional area and ultrasonic weld, allowing for a gradual release of fire suppressing agent over time, with the ability to vary the distribution pattern and release time through adjustments in cone angle and drop height, and using a combination of off-the-shelf and custom parts for efficient and controlled fire suppression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single burst release of fire suppressing agent is used, then the activation mechanism is simple, but the distribution is uneven and splash occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The fire suppressing agent container is divided into multiple compartments or sections, each releasing agent in a controlled sequence. The bottom lid is segmented with multiple opening points that activate at different times, transforming a single burst release into a distributed, controlled release pattern that improves uniformity without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static single-burst release mechanism to a dynamic controlled release system. The bottom lid incorporates movable components that adjust the release timing and pattern, allowing the distribution characteristics to change over time during the suppression process, thereby achieving better uniformity while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a gradual release of fire suppressing agent over time is implemented, then splash is decreased, but the release control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fire suppressing agent is released in periodic intervals rather than continuously or in a single burst. The bottom lid mechanism is designed to open at specific time intervals, creating a rhythmic release pattern that reduces splash by distributing the agent over time while using a relatively simple periodic actuation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions to prepare for controlled release. The bottom lid mechanism is pre-configured with timing elements and positioning features that automatically sequence the release without requiring complex real-time control, reducing splash through pre-planned gradual discharge while keeping the control mechanism simpler.
3Reliability
If a controlled release pattern is used to improve distribution, then fire suppression effectiveness increases, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom lid mechanism is designed to automatically control the release pattern without external intervention. Timing elements, mechanical linkages, or material properties within the lid itself govern the sequence and rate of agent release, achieving reliable controlled distribution while avoiding the need for complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves controlled release by changing physical parameters such as temperature, pressure, or mechanical stress in a predetermined sequence. The bottom lid incorporates elements that respond to these parameter changes to trigger release at appropriate moments, improving fire suppression effectiveness through parameter-based control rather than mechanically complex actuation.
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 design achieves a controlled and efficient release of fire suppressing agent, minimizing splash and ensuring effective fire extinguishment with reduced agent volume and lower activation load, while being user-friendly and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic weld
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic stovetop fire suppressor providing a gradual release of a fire suppressing agent in a desired distribution pattern and method of gradual and spatial agent release are provided herein. A plastic cone shaped lid seals on the bottom of a can and forms a closed container. The closed container is filled with a fire suppressing agent. An initiator charge breaks a designed breaking point of a reduced horizontal cross sectional area when fuse activated. The bottom lid drops down exposing a radial opening. Fire suppressing agent flows out of the radial opening, suppressing a stovetop fire with minimal or no splashing of cooking oil. An initiator housing is affixed to a top wall of the can and serves as the welding point for securing the plastic lid. A travel limiting member attached to the bottom lid catches on a shoulder of the initiator housing to limit the radial opening height.