Modular fire detection and extinguishing system

• US 6,981,555 B2
• Filed: 02/11/2002
• Issued: 01/03/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/11/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Bradley W. Smith, David W. Lindsey, Marcus T. Clark
• Original Assignee: Bradley W. Smith, David W. Lindsey, Marcus T. Clark
• Inventors: Smith, Bradley W., Clark, Marcus T., Lindsey, David W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Scherbel, David A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): GORMAN, DARREN W
• Application Number:
  US10/074,602
• Publication Number:
  US 20030150625A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,422 Days
• Field of Search: 169/62, 169/56, 169/59, 169/60, 169/61, 169/65, 169/73, 169/71, 169/72, 169/30, 169/84, 169/5, 169/6, 169/9, 169/77, 169/85, 169/26, 102/530, 102/531, 280/741, 340/425.5, 340/588, 340/589, 340/691.6, 340/692
• US Class Current: 169/62
• CPC Class Codes: A62C 13/66 with extinguishing material and pressure gas being stored in separate containers
• CPC Class Codes: A62C 13/68 characterised by means for releasing the extinguishing material
• CPC Class Codes: A62C 3/07 in vehicles, e.g. in road vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: A62C 3/08 in aircraft A62C3/0207 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A62C 37/40 with electric connection between sensor and actuator

Abstract

A modular fire detection and extinguishing system is disclosed that is inexpensive, compact, and modular to allow easy aftermarket installation in a variety of vehicles. The system may include a detector, a trigger coupled to the detector and a gas generant fire extinguisher, a modular distribution line in fluid communication with the extinguisher and a nozzle. The system allows exhaust gas from the gas generant fire extinguisher to carry dry powdered fire suppressant from the fire extinguisher and through the nozzle to disperse the fire suppressant substantially uniformly throughout a fire hazard zone. The extinguisher is installed such that exhaust gas must aerate substantially all the fire suppressant before exiting the extinguisher.

Claims

1. A modular fire detection and extinguishing system, comprising:

a detector for detecting a fire within a fire hazard zone;

a trigger electrically coupled to the detector to generate an initiation signal once the detector detects a fire in the fire hazard zone;

a gas generant fire extinguisher electrically coupled to the trigger to receive the initiation signal, the fire extinguisher comprising a housing that stores gas generant and fire suppressant, the gas generant being stored proximate to a bottom end of the housing, the fire extinguisher further comprising an initiator in communication with the gas generant and an orifice plate within the housing that separates the gas generant from fire suppressant, the orifice plate having an exhaust gas orifice formed therein;

a modular distribution line having one end in fluid communication with the fire extinguisher and the other end connected to a nozzle for dispersing fire suppressant within the fire hazard zone, wherein the modular distribution line comprises a fastener on each end, such that the fasteners allow modular distribution lines to be removably connected to a manifold, the nozzle, and each other by way of a coupler.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the gas generant fire extinguisher is configured such that gravity maintains substantially constant contact between the fire suppressant and the exhaust gas orifice of the orifice plate.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the exhaust gas orifice allows exhaust gas generated by actuation of the gas generant to pass through the orifice plate and suspend fire suppressant within the exhaust gas.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a manifold in fluid communication with the gas generant fire extinguisher to allow a flow of exhaust gas exiting the extinguisher to enter one or more distribution lines to disperse fire suppressant throughout the fire hazard zone.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the trigger comprises a first power source, a switch coupled to the power source and the detector, the switch allowing an initiation signal to flow from the power source to the gas generant fire extinguisher when the detector detects a fire.

6. The system of claim 5, further comprising a second power source positioned proximal to the switch.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the first power source is coupled to the second power source such that the second power source remains operable when the first power source fails.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first power source comprises a battery and the second power source comprises a capacitor.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the detector is a linear temperature sensitive cable.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the fire suppressant is a dry powdered suppressant.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the fire suppressant is a liquid suppressant.

12. A modular engine compartment fire detection and extinguishing system for vehicles, comprising:

a detector for detecting a fire within an engine compartment of a vehicle;

a trigger electrically coupled to the detector to generate an initiation signal once the detector detects a fire in the engine compartment;

a gas generant fire extinguisher electrically coupled to the trigger to receive the initiation signal, the fire extinguisher electrically comprising a housing that stores gas and fire suppressant, the gas generant being stored proximate to a bottom end of the housing, the gas generant fire extinguisher further comprising an initiator in communication with the gas generant and an orifice plate within the housing that separates the gas generant from fire suppressant, the orifice plate having an exhaust gas orifice formed therein;

a modular distribution line having one end in fluid communication with the fire extinguisher and the other end connected to a nozzle for dispersing fire suppressant within the engine compartment wherein the modular distribution line comprises a fastener on each end, such that the fasteners allow modular distribution lines to be removably connected to a manifold, nozzle, and each other by way of a coupler.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the gas generant fire extinguisher is configured such that gravity acts to maintain substantially constant contact between the fire suppressant and the exhaust gas orifice of the orifice plate.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the exhaust gas orifice allows exhaust gas generated by actuation of the gas generant to pass through the orifice plate and suspend fire suppressant within the exhaust gas.

15. The system of claim 12, further comprising a manifold in fluid communication with the gas generant fire extinguisher to allow a flow of exhaust gas exiting the extinguisher to enter one or more distribution lines to disperse fire suppressant throughout the engine compartment.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the trigger comprises a first power source, a switch coupled to the power source and the detector, the switch allowing an initiation signal to flow from the power source to the gas generant fire extinguisher when the detector detects a fire.

17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a second power source positioned proximal to the switch.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the first power source is coupled to the second power source such that the second power source remains operable when the first power source fails.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the first power source comprises a battery and the second power source comprises a capacitor.

20. The system of claim 12, wherein the detector is a linear temperature sensitive cable.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the fire suppressant is a dry powdered suppressant.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the fire suppressant is a liquid suppressant.

23. The system of claim 21, wherein exhaust gas coats an engine within the engine compartment with the fire suppressant.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the system operates independently of other vehicle systems.