Fire protection systems and methods for ventilation hoods
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fire suppression systems in kitchens face issues such as contamination, physical obstruction, tampering risks, interference with kitchen operations, and aesthetic concerns due to the placement of nozzles and associated piping, which can limit space and visibility.
Innovation Solution
The integration of fire protection nozzles within the ventilation hood, positioned between the upper and lower planes with filters, allows for concealed installation and effective fire suppression independent of airflow, minimizing risks and interference while maintaining kitchen functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nozzles are suspended from pipes extending into kitchen space, then fire protection coverage is achieved, but contamination risk and physical obstruction to kitchen personnel increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fire protection nozzle system is merged with the ventilation hood structure. The nozzle is integrated into the hood assembly, combining two separate functions (fire suppression and ventilation) into a single integrated unit, thereby eliminating the need for separate suspended piping in the kitchen space.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire protection nozzle is nested within the ventilation hood structure. The nozzle is positioned inside the hood's internal space, utilizing the existing structural envelope to house the fire suppression component without extending into the kitchen workspace.
2Ease of repair
If nozzles are positioned below the hood for visibility and access, then ease of maintenance is improved, but interference with kitchen operations and aesthetic appearance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is positioned in a different spatial dimension - within the vertical depth of the hood structure rather than below it. This vertical integration allows the nozzle to be concealed from the kitchen workspace while remaining accessible through the hood's internal service areas.
3Reliability
If nozzles are placed far below ventilation filters, then ventilation airflow interference is minimized, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fire protection nozzle and ventilation filter systems are merged into a single integrated assembly. Both components share the same structural housing and spatial envelope, eliminating the need for separate positioning and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation hood structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides ventilation filtration, houses the fire protection nozzle, and conceals both systems from the kitchen workspace. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional structural elements.
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 solution provides enhanced fire protection by ensuring nozzles are out of sight, reducing contamination and injury risks, and allowing uninterrupted kitchen operations while effectively addressing fires within the hazard zone without interference from ventilation air currents.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the nozzles define a spray pattern to effectively address a fire within the hazard zone independent of airflow through the filter
Data Source
AI summary
Preferred systems and methods for ceiling ventilation hood fire protection are provided in which fire protection nozzles are installed within a ventilation hood (12) to address a fire in a hazard zone (HAZ) below the ventilation hood. The fire protection nozzles (20) are disposed proximate the ventilation filters (18) or ports within the ceiling ventilation hood to provide overlapping protection of the hazard zone independent of airflow through the hood.