Temperature-Sensing Fire Extinguishing Device with Automatic Shut-Off

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic fire sprinkler systems are not suitable for residential buildings due to high costs, complexity, and the need for professional maintenance, as they cannot be automatically turned off after a fire is extinguished, leading to potential secondary damage and delayed response times.

Innovation Solution

A temperature-sensing automatic on and off fire-extinguishing device connected to residential water pipes, which automatically turns on water spray when environmental temperature exceeds a preset point and turns off below 45°C, providing a cost-effective and self-regulating fire suppression system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If automatic sprinkler systems are installed in public buildings, then fire extinguishing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire extinguishing capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the fire extinguishing function into independent modular units (spray heads with integrated temperature sensing and valve control) that can be installed individually on water pipes without requiring complex centralized control systems. Each module operates autonomously based on local temperature conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spray head incorporates self-contained temperature sensing elements and magnetic valve control mechanisms that automatically activate and deactivate based on fire conditions. The system uses the existing water supply pressure and thermal expansion of bimetallic strips for automatic operation without requiring external power or control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If traditional sprinkler systems are used, then fire detection is achieved, but automatic shutdown capability is lost leading to secondary damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire detectionVSAvoidsecondary water damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates temperature sensing elements that continuously monitor the environment and provide feedback to the magnetic valve control mechanism. When temperature drops below the activation threshold after fire extinction, the system automatically closes the valve to stop water flow, preventing secondary water damage from continuous spraying.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses temperature as the controlling parameter for valve operation. The bimetallic strip and temperature-sensing elements change their physical properties (bending, magnetic field strength) in response to temperature changes, automatically switching the valve between open and closed states based on whether fire conditions exist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Extent of automation

If glass ball sprinkler heads are installed, then automatic fire response is achieved, but false alarms increase due to fragile components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic fire responseVSAvoidfalse alarm rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the fragile glass ball mechanical breakage mechanism with temperature-sensitive magnetic valve control. The new system uses bimetallic strips and magnetic fields to detect temperature changes and control water flow, eliminating the fragile glass component that caused false alarms while maintaining automatic response capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If professional maintenance is required for sprinkler systems, then system reliability is maintained, but operational costs and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the spray head and valve assembly as self-contained units with no moving parts requiring lubrication or adjustment. The magnetic valve and temperature sensing elements have no wear components, eliminating the need for professional maintenance while maintaining reliable operation throughout the system's service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 device effectively extinguishes fires in residential and public buildings by automatically controlling water flow, reducing secondary damage and operational costs, while ensuring timely shutdown after the fire is extinguished.

Implementation Method 1

the temperature-sensing element (7) is provided on an external of the lower magnetic ring sleeve (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

the magnetic ring (4) is provided inside the upper magnetic ring sleeve (6) and the lower magnetic ring sleeve (5) and sleeved on an external of the sealing sleeve (18); the magnetic core (19) is provided on a top portion inside the magnetic core sleeve (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

the large reset spring (9) is provided on an up portion of the bi-directional spacer (8) and on an external of the upper magnetic ring sleeve (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic potential energy: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10933269B2Temperature-sensing and automatic on and off fire extinguishing device
Publication Date: 2021.03.02 SHANDONG BRIGHTMAN ENERGYTECH CO LTD
  • US10933269B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A temperature-sensing and automatic on and off extinguishing device includes: a valve body (1), a sealing auxiliary member (2), a sealing pad (3), a magnetic ring (4), a lower magnetic ring sleeve (5), an upper magnetic ring sleeve(6), a first temperature-sensing element (7), a bi-directional spacer (8), a large reset spring (9), a valve cover (17), a second temperature-sensing element (13), an actuating sleeve (12), a small reset spring (14), a connecting element (10), a sealing sleeve (18), a screw (11), a magnetic core rod (21) and a sealing cap (22). When a fire occurs, the first temperature-sensing element (7), affected by the rise of the surrounding environmental temperature, pushes the bi-directional spacer (8) to move upward.