Stovetop Fire Suppressor with Thermal Glass Bulb Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stovetop fire suppressors often result in bulk or splashy releases of fire-suppressing agents, lack controlled distribution, and require initiator charges, which can be inefficient and unsafe.
Innovation Solution
An automatic stovetop fire suppressor using a thermal glass bulb activation mechanism that employs compressed spring energy to gradually release a fire-suppressing agent over time, eliminating the need for initiator charges and providing a controlled, directed distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional fire suppressors use bulk release mechanisms, then quick response is achieved, but controlled distribution is lost and splash occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The fire suppressor agent is divided into multiple discrete segments or chambers within the container. Instead of a single bulk release, the agent is segmented into controlled portions that can be released sequentially or in a distributed pattern, enabling both quick response and controlled distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism transitions from a static bulk release to a dynamic controlled distribution system. The mechanism allows the fire suppressor agent to be released in a controlled manner with adjustable parameters such as release rate, distribution pattern, and timing, while maintaining rapid response capability.
2Reliability
If initiator charges are used for activation, then reliable activation is achieved, but device complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The initiator charge is completely removed from the system. The patent replaces chemical initiation with a purely mechanical or thermal activation mechanism, such as a thermally responsive element or mechanical trigger that directly activates the release mechanism without requiring explosive or pyrotechnic initiators.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire suppressor system activates itself through an inherent response to fire conditions, such as thermal expansion, melting of a fusible element, or other self-actuating mechanisms. This eliminates the need for separate initiator charges and reduces system complexity while maintaining reliable activation.
3Productivity
If rapid bulk release is used, then quick fire suppression is achieved, but splash and uncontrolled distribution occur
Solution Approach 1:
The fire suppressor agent is released in periodic or sequential pulses rather than a single bulk release. This periodic action maintains high productivity by continuously suppressing fire while controlling the release rate to prevent splash and uncontrolled distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary mechanism or medium is introduced between the fire suppressor agent and the fire area. This intermediary controls the release process, regulating the flow and distribution of the agent to prevent direct splash while maintaining effective fire suppression through controlled delivery.
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 solution enables a predictable, consistent, and quick activation of the fire suppressor, reducing splash and ensuring effective fire suppression with a self-contained, user-friendly device that is compatible with various mounting configurations.
Implementation Method 1
thermal glass bulb activation
Implementation Method 2
compressed spring energy to gradually release
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic stovetop fire suppressor using a compressed spring to lower a bottom lid upon thermal glass bulb fracture is provided herein. A plastic lid seals on the bottom of a can and forms a closed container. The closed container is filled with a fire suppressing agent. A compressed spring extends when a thermal glass bulb fractures. The extending spring lowers the bottom lid to open the closed container. Fire suppressing agent flows out of the radial opening, suppressing a stovetop fire with minimal or no splashing of cooking oil. A center post is secured to a top wall of the container. A ledge, or bottom support, secured to the container catches the bottom lid to limit the radial opening height. A gradual release of a fire suppressing agent in a desired distribution pattern and method of gradual and spatial agent release can be provided with a cone-shaped bottom lid.