Fire Training System Using Thermal Imaging for Zone Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fire training devices fail to realistically replicate the behavior of actual live firefighting scenarios due to premature extinguishment of flames and inadequate control over fire intensity and spread, limiting the effectiveness of training sessions.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a burn area with multiple segmented fire zones, each equipped with thermal imaging devices that monitor temperature and report to a control system, allowing for real-time control of fire intensity and spread to mimic actual firefighting scenarios, using a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) to manage propane gas supply and ignition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple thermocouple units are used to monitor temperature in each burn zone, then temperature measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement capabilityVSAvoidnumber of thermocouple units

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The burn area is divided into multiple independently controllable burn zones, each monitored by a single thermal imaging device. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive temperature monitoring coverage without requiring multiple thermocouple units per zone, as each thermal camera captures the entire temperature distribution across its assigned burn zone simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based thermocouple system with a non-contact thermal imaging system. Thermal imaging devices capture temperature distributions across burn zones remotely, eliminating the need for physical thermocouple installations and their associated wiring and processing complexity while providing more comprehensive spatial temperature data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If preprogrammed computer controlled sequences are used to control burn zones, then automation is improved, but fire behavior realism deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol automationVSAvoidfire behavior realism

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors actual fire temperatures using thermal imaging devices and uses this real-time feedback to dynamically adjust gas flow rates and burner operation. This closed-loop control allows the system to adapt to actual fire behavior conditions, maintaining realistic fire dynamics while remaining fully automated, rather than following rigid preprogrammed sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically adjusts burn zone parameters based on real-time thermal imaging data and detected fire behavior conditions. This dynamic control enables the system to respond adaptively to changing fire conditions, maintaining realistic fire scenarios while achieving full automation through continuous adjustment rather than fixed preprogrammed sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If pilot lights with thermocouples are used in harsh fire training environments, then ignition reliability is improved, but system vulnerability to water and chemical spray increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveignition reliabilityVSAvoidvulnerability to water and chemical spray

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces vulnerable mechanical pilot light and thermocouple ignition systems with electronic ignition devices. These electronic igniters are positioned to operate remotely from the harsh fire environment and can initiate combustion without requiring exposed pilot flames, thereby maintaining reliable ignition while eliminating vulnerability to water spray and chemical exposure that plagues traditional thermocouple-based systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system provides a more realistic and effective training environment by allowing firefighters to practice extinguishing fires in a controlled and dynamic manner, closely replicating real-life firefighting conditions, enhancing training accuracy and realism.

Implementation Method 1

a multitude of thermal imaging devices positioned to monitor the multitude of individual burn zones and to report temperatures within each individual burn zone to the control system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS11623112B2Fire control utilizing thermal imaging

Publication Date: 2023.04.11 KIRILA THOMAS JERRY

AI summary

A firefighting training system for use in training firefighters in the extinguishment of a simulated fire. The system includes a burn area disposed in a pit structure. The burn area includes a multitude of individual burn zones such that each of the individual burn zones can support a fire there within. The system further includes a control system to control the fire in each individual burn zone and a multitude of thermal imaging devices positioned to monitor the multitude of individual burn zones and to report the temperature of each individual burn zone to the control system.