Patent Application
20220203147
Fire extinguishers are sometimes used to extinguish or control small fires in emergencies. A fire extinguisher typically includes a cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent in a pressurized state. The agent can be discharged from the vessel and into the fire to extinguish the fire. Fire extinguishers are often handheld devices sized to be handled by a user.
Automatic fire-extinguishing systems are known; however, such systems typically do not use handheld fire extinguishers due to their size and inability to store a sufficient amount of fire-extinguishing agent. Thus, such systems require the use of a specialized vessel to store a sufficient amount of fire-extinguishing agent. These specialized vessels are costly, difficult to refill, and require a substantial amount square footage to accommodate.
In general terms, this disclosure is directed to a fire extinguisher manifold. In one possible configuration and by non-limiting example, this disclosure relates to a fire extinguisher system that utilizes a manifold to combine the fire-extinguishing agent contained in a plurality of fire extinguishers for dispersion at a dispersion zone. Various aspects are described in this disclosure, which include, but are not limited to, the following aspects.
In one example of the present disclosure, a manifold for a fire-extinguishing apparatus is disclosed. The manifold includes a main body and a plurality of fire-extinguishing container receptacles defined in the main body, each being configured to receive a fire-extinguishing agent container. The manifold includes a plurality of valves in communication with the plurality of fire-extinguishing container receptacles. The plurality of valves each are connected to an auxiliary fluid passage. The manifold includes a main fluid passage defined in the main body. The main fluid passage is connected to each auxiliary fluid passage. The manifold includes a dispensing outlet at the end of the main fluid passage. The dispensing outlet is configured to be fluidically coupled with a dispensing mechanism.
In another example of the present disclosure, a manifold for a fire-extinguishing apparatus is disclosed. The manifold includes a first portion of a main body. The first portion includes a plurality of fire-extinguishing container receptacles each being configured to receive a fire extinguishing agent container. The manifold includes a second portion of the main body, that includes a plurality of valves each being configured to mate with a respective fire-extinguishing agent container positioned in each of the plurality of fire-extinguishing container receptacles. The second portion includes a main fluid passage that is connected to each valve via an auxiliary fluid passage defined at least partially in the second portion. The second portion includes a first outlet at a first end of the main fluid passage that is configured to be fluidically coupled with a dispensing mechanism. The second portion includes a second outlet at a second end of the main fluid passage. The second outlet is configured for connection with a pressure valve.
In another example of the present disclosure, a fire-extinguishing system is disclosed. The fire-extinguishing system includes a plurality of fire-extinguishing agent containers positioned within at least one fire-extinguishing container receptacle defined in a main body. The fire-extinguishing system includes a plurality of valves each being connected to one of the plurality of fire-extinguishing agent containers and the main body. The fire-extinguishing system includes a main fluid passage defined in the main body. The main fluid passage is fluidically coupled to each valve. The fire-extinguishing system includes a dispensing outlet at a first end of the main fluid passage, the dispensing outlet being configured to be mated with a dispensing mechanism.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.
Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.
The fire-extinguishing agent container manifold disclosed herein has a variety of advantages. The manifold combines the fire-extinguishing agent contained in a plurality of fire-extinguishing agent containers connected to manifold and outputs the fire-extinguishing agent via a single output for a fire suppression system. Because the manifold is sized and shaped to receive fire-extinguishing agent containers of a reasonable size, the user need not invest in a specialty container to hold the fire-extinguishing agent for the fire suppression system. Further, in the event that more fire-extinguishing agent is needed, the user can simply replace a fire-extinguishing agent container(s) within the manifold. The manifold can be sized to hold any number of fire-extinguishing agent containers, depending on the application. Further, the configuration of the manifold allows the user to easily position the manifold and associated containers in a convenient location without have to sacrifice precious square footage.
An example of a fire-extinguishing agent system is disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/914,724, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety.
The fire suppression system 100 can have a variety of different applications. For example, it can be used to extinguish a fire that can break out in an engine compartment of vehicles or machinery.
A variety of different extinguishing agents can be used as fire-extinguishing agent 106, such as, water, wet chemical, and clean agents. For example, different agents are used for different classes of fires, such as fires on ordinary combustibles including wood, cloth, paper, and plastics; fires on flammable liquids including gasoline, oil, grease, and tar; or fires on energized electrical equipment including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, and machinery. These and other agents can be used in various possible embodiments.
The fire-extinguishing apparatus 108 includes a manifold 110, a plurality of fire-extinguishing agent containers 112a, 112b, 112c, a pressure gauge 114, a control valve 116, a dispensing conduit 118, and a dispensing apparatus 120. In some examples, the fire-extinguishing apparatus 108 includes a controller 122 in communication with the pressure gauge 114, the control valve 116, and/or the fire suppression zone 104.
The fire-extinguishing apparatus 108 is configured to dispense the fire-extinguishing agent 106 contained within the fire-extinguishing agent containers 112a, 112b, 112c via the manifold 110. The manifold 110 is configured to output fire-extinguishing agent 106 via the dispensing conduit 118 to the dispensing apparatus 120 positioned at the fire suppression zone 104. In some examples, the fire-extinguishing agent 106 is expelled from a nozzle 119 of the dispensing apparatus 120 at the fire suppression zone 104. In some examples, multiple manifolds 110 can be used. In some examples, multiple manifolds are configured to dispense the fire-extinguishing agent to the same fire suppression zone. In some examples, multiple manifolds are configured to dispense the fire-extinguishing agent via the same dispensing conduit 118. In some examples, multiple manifolds are configured to dispense the fire-extinguishing agent via the different dispensing conduits to the same fire suppression zone.
The manifold 110 is connected to one end of the dispensing conduit 118. For example, the one end of the dispensing conduit 118 can be made with a stainless steel connector that is connected to the manifold 110 by thread joint. The other end of the dispensing conduit 118 is arranged at the fire suppression zone 104. The dispensing conduit 118 can have various lengths according to the distance between a place where the fire-extinguishing apparatus 108 is installed and the fire suppression zone 104.
The other end of the dispensing conduit 118 is sealed with the nozzle 119. In some examples, the other end of the dispensing conduit 118 is made with a stainless steel connector that is connected with a temperature responsive element by thread joint. The temperature responsive element breaks and permits the fire-extinguishing agent to flow out at or above a predetermined temperature.
In some examples, the controller 122 can use either wired or wireless communication to communicate with the control valve 116, the pressure gauge 114, and/or the fire suppression zone 104 (e.g., via sensor). In some examples, the controller 122 can be connected to a detection mechanism 124 and within the fire suppression zone 104, remote from the manifold 110 and the plurality of fire-extinguishing agent containers 112a, 112b, 112c.
The detection mechanism 124 operates to automatically detect the presence of a fire. In one example, the detection mechanism 124 is configured to respond to a predetermined temperature in the fire suppression zone 104. In some examples, the control valve 116 is connected to the detection mechanism 124 to automatically open and discharge the fire-extinguishing agent 106 upon the detection of the presence of a fire by the detection mechanism 124.
In some examples, the detection mechanism 124 is configured to detect the presence of a fire by measuring a temperature within the fire suppression zone 104. In some examples, the detection mechanism 124 is a mechanical fusible link, which includes two metal pieces soldered with a fusible alloy that is designed to melt at a predetermined temperature. A variety of fusible links can be used, such as including two opposing apertures with a fusible alloy therebetween. Suitable fusible links are available from Globe Technologies Corporation in Standish, Mich.
Further, the manifold 110 is shown to include a first portion 126 and a second portion 128. In some examples, the first portion is separable from the second portion 128. In some examples, the first and second portions 126, 128 form a unitary monolithic body. In the depicted example, the pressure gauge 114 and control valve 116 are connected to the second portion 128 of the manifold 110, and the fire-extinguishing agent containers 112a, 112b, 112c are held within the first portion 126 of the manifold 110. In some examples, a recess 111 is defined between a portion of the first and second portions 126, 128. The recess 111 is configured to give the user access to portions of the manifold 110.
In some examples, the fire-extinguishing agent containers 112a, 112b, 112c are aerosol containers. Each aerosol containers can includes a top that is crimped about its edges to form a permanent seal that prevents the fire-extinguishing agent from leaking from the fire-extinguishing agent containers. The construction of the containers 112a, 112b, 112c prevents leaking and allows the fire suppression system 100 to last for a very long time without requiring frequent servicing, unlike traditional fire extinguishers that typically require annual servicing and have limited shelf lives.
The pressure gauge 114 is connected to a gauge port 130 of the second portion 128 of the manifold 110. Accordingly, the pressure gauge 114 is configured for measuring the pressure of an agent within passageways defined in the manifold 110. In some examples, the pressure gauge 114 can be connected to the gauge port 130 via a conduit and positioned remotely from the manifold 110. In some examples, the pressure gauge 114 can notify the user (i.e., via an alarm) when the pressure is at a certain threshold (e.g., to low). This notification can indicate that the apparatus 108 is dispensing fire-extinguishing agent to suppress a fire, a malfunction in the apparatus 108, and/or when the fire-extinguishing agent levels are too low and the fire-extinguishing agent containers need to be replaced. In some examples, the pressure gauge 114 is configured to trigger an alarm if pressure within the manifold 110 drops to 45 psi or lower.
The control valve 116 controls when fire-extinguishing agent 106 is dispensed from the manifold 110 to the dispensing conduit 118. In some examples, the control valve 116 is connected to the controller 122 and the controller 122 automatically actuates the control valve 116 when it is determined, via the detection mechanism 124 for example, that a fire needs to be suppressed. In some examples, the control valve 116 includes a manual control element 132, so that the control valve 116 can be manually actuated by actuation of the manual control element 132. It some examples, the control valve 116 is connected via a wire 133 for remote control. In some examples, the control valve 116 is remotely controllable manually. In some examples, the control valve 116 can be remotely controlled wirelessly. In some examples, the control valve 116 is a normally closed solenoid valve. In some examples, the control valve 116 is a red hat solenoid valve.
In some examples, the pressure gauge 114 and/or control valve 116 are connected to the controller 122 via communication lines 134. In some examples, the controller 122 is configured to use readings from the pressure gauge 114 to control the operation of the control valve 116. In some examples, the fire-extinguishing apparatus 108 can include additional sensors such as, but not limited to, a flow sensor, additional pressure sensors, a temperature sensor, etc. In some examples, the controller 122 is configured to use data from any of a variety of sensors, either on the fire-extinguishing apparatus 108 or remote therefrom, to control the operation of the control valve 116.
The recess 111 of the manifold 110 gives access to the plurality of valves 136a, 136b, 136c. In some examples, the recess 111 allows the user to easily perform maintenance on the valves 136a, 136b, 136c without having to separate the first and second portions 126, 128 from each other.
The valves 136a, 136b, 136c are configured to be connected to the fire-extinguishing agent containers 112a, 112b, 112c so that fire-extinguishing agent contained within the fire-extinguishing agent containers 112a, 112b, 112c can be transferred to internal passageways within the manifold 110. Once fluid is in the manifold 110, it is further transferred to the dispensing conduit 118 when the control valve 116 is in an open position.
The fire-extinguishing agent containers 112a, 112b, 112c contain agent under pressure. Because of this, the valves 136a, 136b, 136c are configured to form a seal with the fire-extinguishing agent containers 112a, 112b, 112c that can withstand the pressure. In some examples, the valves 136a, 136b, 136c are quick connect valves and configured to quickly connect to each of the fire-extinguishing agent containers 112a, 112b, 112c in the event that the fire-extinguishing agent containers 112a, 112b, 112c need to be replaced. In some examples, each of the valves 136a, 136b, 136c are threaded into the manifold 110, specifically the second portion 128, and mated with each fire-extinguishing agent container 112a, 112b, 112c. In some examples, the fire-extinguishing agent containers 112a, 112b, 112c each include a male portion that is received by a female portion of each of the valves 136a, 136b, 136c. In some examples, the fire-extinguishing agent containers 112a, 112b, 112c each include a female portion that receives a male portion of each of the valves 136a, 136b, 136c.
Accordingly, fire-extinguishing agent within the fire-extinguishing agent containers 112a, 112b, 112c is removed from the fire-extinguishing agent containers 112a, 112b, 112c via the valves 136a, 136b, 136c and travels through the auxiliary fluid passages 140a, 140b, 140c to the main fluid passage 138.
In some examples, the fire-extinguishing agent containers 112a, 112b, 112c can have recessed bottom surfaces 148a, 148b, 148c with bottom rims 149a, 149b, 149c. Each fire-extinguishing agent container 112a, 112b, 112c contains a port 150a, 150b, 150c. The ports 150a, 150b, 150c are configured to mate with the valves 136a, 136b, 136c to connect the fire-extinguishing agent containers 112a, 112b, 112c to the manifold 110. In some examples, the ports 150a, 150b, 150c are cylindrically shaped. In some examples, the ports 150a, 150b, 150c are threaded on an outer surface. In some examples, the ports 150a, 150b, 150c are configured for quick connection with the valves 136a, 136b, 136c of the manifold 110.
While the valve that is shown is always open, valves that have a selectable open/closed position can also be used. In such an example, the valve can be connected to the controller 122 and be selectively opened to dispense fire-extinguishing agent from the fire-extinguishing agent container 112. In such an example, a separate control valve 116 attached to the manifold 110 can be eliminated.
Further, the manifold includes container support surfaces 155a, 155b, 155c in each fire-extinguishing container receptacle 154a, 154b, 154c to vertically support the fire-extinguishing agent containers 112a, 112b, 112c. In some examples, the fire-extinguishing container receptacles 154a, 154b, 154c can be adjustable so that they can tighten around the fire-extinguishing agent containers 112a, 112b, 112c. In such an example, a container support surface does not need to be used, but it can be.
In some examples, because the fire-extinguishing agent containers 112a, 112b, 112c utilize a recessed bottom surface and the valves 136a, 136b, 136c protrude into the recessed bottom, as shown in
The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the following claims.
