Explosion Suppression Cannon with Sealed Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing explosion suppression systems face challenges such as weakened riveted connections, the need for special handling of explosive charges, backpressures that slow suppressant release, and the risk of false positives from multiple sensors.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a Cannon™ with a hermetically sealed suppressant container made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel, eliminates embedded explosive charges by using a self-contained pyrotechnic actuator, employs a triggering mechanism to release propellant and suppressant, and utilizes dual sensors to verify explosion conditions before triggering the suppression system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a riveted aluminum and stainless steel construction is used for the suppressant container, then the system can be manufactured with dissimilar materials, but the riveted interface allows materials and contaminants to ingress and the connection weakens over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by using a stainless steel suppressant container that combines multiple material properties - the stainless steel provides both structural strength and hermetic sealing capability, eliminating the need for dissimilar material joints while maintaining manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses homogeneous material construction with a single stainless steel material for the suppressant container, eliminating the riveted interface between dissimilar materials. This homogeneous construction prevents contaminant ingress and maintains sealing integrity throughout the container's service life
2Productivity
If an explosive charge is embedded within the suppressant container, then the suppressant can be propelled into the protected volume, but the system requires special handling and is regulated as a hazardous good
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the explosive charge from the suppressant container, separating the propellant function (handled externally) from the suppressant containment function. This allows the suppressant container to be handled without special explosive regulations while maintaining the ability to rapidly discharge suppressant when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (external explosive charge or actuator system) that mediates between the need for rapid suppressant discharge and the desire to avoid handling regulated explosives. The intermediary triggers the discharge without being permanently embedded in the container
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to detect explosion conditions, then the reliability of explosion detection improves, but the risk of false positives increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from multiple sensors to verify explosion conditions before triggering suppression. The system requires corroborating signals from multiple sensor types (e.g., pressure, temperature, optical) to confirm an actual explosion, reducing false positives while maintaining high detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary verification by requiring multiple sensor confirmations before activating the suppression system. This preliminary action of cross-checking multiple sensor readings prevents false activation while ensuring rapid response to genuine explosion threats
4Adaptability or versatility
If backpressure from the protected volume is present, then the system can operate under various pressure conditions, but the backpressure slows the release of suppressant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight by using a propellant system that generates sufficient forward pressure to overcome the backpressure from the protected volume. The explosive-driven propellant mechanism creates a pressure differential that forces suppressant discharge even against significant backpressure, maintaining rapid release speed across various operating pressure conditions
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 configuration provides a more reliable and safer explosion suppression system by preventing contaminant ingress, reducing the risk of false positives, and ensuring timely and effective suppressant release, while also simplifying handling and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A pyrotechnic actuator or other suitable triggering mechanism may be provided between the suppressant container and propellant tank
Implementation Method 2
The suppressant container may be configured to release or dispense the suppressant in response to a pressure pulse or other suitable triggering mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an explosion suppression system and associated methods, which may include a cannon comprising a barrel and a propellant tank, a suppressant cartridge configured to be inserted into the barrel, and a triggering mechanism positioned between the barrel and propellant tank. The suppressant cartridge may be configured to operatively engage with a propellant source. One or more explosion sensors, which may be of different types, may be included in a system, and an explosion suppression device may be configured to activate when one or more of the sensors indicate an explosion. The disclosure further relates to a lock-out mechanism for an explosion suppression system, with the lock-out mechanism including a mechanical and/or electrical component. In one embodiment, an actuator may be positioned between a suppressant agent volume and a propellant agent volume of an explosion suppression system.