Trigger Unit Clamping Element for Fire Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extinguishing systems require complex mechanics and multiple clamping processes for operation, leading to high production costs, increased risk of component failure, and significant effort for commissioning, which can result in errors and inefficiencies in fire suppression.
Innovation Solution
A triggering unit with a clamping element connected to a coupling unit that stores energy, allowing for a change in clamping state to move the coupling unit between operating and extinguishing positions, simplifying the process by eliminating the need for separate clamping mechanisms and reducing the effort required for system activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate clamping mechanisms are used to ensure reliable interruption of energy supply and initiation of extinguishing agent flow, then the reliability of fire suppression is improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate clamping mechanisms into a single integrated clamping element that simultaneously clamps both the energy supply line and the extinguishing agent flow line. This merging reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the reliability function of interrupting both energy supply and agent flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the first clamping mechanism for energy supply interruption and the second clamping mechanism for extinguishing agent flow initiation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized components for each function.
2Reliability
If multiple separate clamping mechanisms are used to ensure proper functioning of the fire suppression system, then the reliability is improved, but the production costs increase due to high number of parts
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple clamping mechanisms into a single integrated clamping element, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-checked. This consolidation directly reduces production costs while maintaining the reliable interruption of both energy supply and extinguishing agent flow.
3Reliability
If multiple separate clamping mechanisms with high spring stiffness are used to ensure system reliability, then the reliability is improved, but the force required for commissioning increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated clamping element allows the compression forces from both clamping actions to be applied simultaneously in a single commissioning operation. This eliminates the need for separate high-force tensioning operations that would be required for multiple independent mechanisms, thereby reducing the peak force requirement during commissioning.
4Reliability
If multiple separate clamping mechanisms are used to ensure proper operation, then the reliability is improved, but the number of commissioning steps increases leading to potential errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple commissioning steps into a single unified commissioning action. By integrating the clamping mechanisms, the system requires only one commissioning operation instead of multiple separate tensioning operations, thereby reducing the opportunity for human error and simplifying the commissioning process.
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 reduces the steps needed for commissioning the extinguishing device, minimizing potential errors and operational effort, while enhancing the reliability and safety of the system by integrating energy storage and release mechanisms for efficient fire suppression.
Implementation Method 1
At least parts of the clamping element are preferably designed to be elastically deformable, so that a change in the clamping state is associated with a change in the shape of these parts.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a triggering unit (1) for extinguishing devices for triggering a flow of extinguishing agent towards a fire area connected to an energy supply, comprising a first actuating device (3) which can be switched between a release position in which the energy supply is released and an interruption position in which the energy supply is interrupted, a second actuating device (5) which can be switched between a release position in which the flow of extinguishing agent is released and a rest position, and a coupling unit (7) which can be moved between an operating position and an extinguishing position and permanently couples the switching of the first actuating device (3) and the second actuating device (5) together.A clamping element is connected to the coupling unit (7) in such a way that a change in the clamping state of the clamping element always results in a movement of the coupling unit (7).