Valve Structure for Automatic Fire Suppression in Unmanned Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire suppression systems require user intervention to operate fire extinguishers, which is inadequate for unmanned environments and can lead to delayed fire extinguishment, causing significant damage and risk of casualties.
Innovation Solution
A fire suppression system featuring a valve structure with a spray unit that automatically discharges fire extinguishing agents upon detecting fire-related environmental conditions, utilizing a sensor unit and controller to activate the system without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a conventional fire extinguisher is used, then the user can manually suppress the fire, but the system requires user presence and manual operation which is inadequate for unmanned environments
Solution Approach 1:
The fire suppression system is designed to automatically detect fire conditions through sensors and trigger the discharge mechanism without requiring any user presence or manual operation. The system serves itself by having the control unit automatically process sensor signals and activate the fire extinguishing agent discharge when fire conditions are detected, eliminating the need for human intervention entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of conventional fire extinguishers (where users physically press handles and aim hoses) with an automated control system that uses electronic sensors and a controlled discharge mechanism. The manual mechanical system is substituted with an automated electromechanical system that can operate independently in unmanned environments.
2Speed
If a conventional fire suppression system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the response time is delayed due to requiring user recognition and action
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and preparation by continuously monitoring the environment for fire conditions through sensors. When fire conditions are detected, the system immediately triggers the discharge mechanism without requiring any user recognition or decision-making time. This preliminary automated detection and immediate response eliminates the time loss associated with human reaction and action.
3Productivity
If the spray unit remains inside the body, then the system is compact and safe, but the fire extinguishing agent cannot be discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The spray unit is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position based on operational requirements. When discharge is needed, the spray unit moves from its retracted position inside the body to an extended position where it can discharge the fire extinguishing agent. This dynamic positioning system maintains system compactness when not in use while enabling effective fire suppression when activated.
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
Enables rapid and automatic fire extinguishment, reducing damage and the risk of injury by eliminating the need for user operation, ensuring initial fire suppression and enhancing safety in unmanned environments.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurized gas supply unit (3000) configured to supply the fire extinguishing agent to the fire extinguishing cylinder (2000)
Implementation Method 2
the spray unit may be exposed to the outside through the discharge hole in response to a pressure applied to an inside of the body
Data Source
AI summary
A valve structure includes a body defining an internal passage and including a discharge hole having a predetermined diameter, and a spray unit arranged to be movable in the internal passage and exposed to an outside through the discharge hole.