Patent Publication Number: US-2023144663-A1

Title: Utility and appliance fire suppression system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/988,234 filed Aug. 7, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference as if restated in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The application relates to fire suppression systems and, more particularly, to fire suppression systems containing a non-rigid pouch, a rigid shell, and a rupturing feature. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Fire suppression systems are commonly employed in kitchens, factories, laboratories, and the like as a safety feature in the event of a fire. These fire suppression systems disperse fire suppressants (e.g., chemical clean agents, inert gasses, CO 2 , water, etc.) to suppress, if not extinguish, the fire. In effect, doing so may protect nearby appliances (and/or other electronic devices) while also minimizing damage to the surrounding area. 
     Existing fire suppression systems often leaves much to be desired because they typically require cumbersome installations (e.g., sprinkler systems), manual operation/actuation (e.g., hand-held cannister fire extinguishers), recharging, and periodic examination. Accordingly, those skilled in the art continue with research and development efforts in the field of fire suppression systems. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed are fire suppression systems that include a non-rigid pouch, a rigid shell, and a rupturing feature. 
     In one example, the disclosed fire suppression system includes a non-rigid pouch, a quantity of suppressant, a quantity of gas, and a pressurized gas source. The non-rigid pouch includes an exterior surface and an interior space, and is configured to fail when exposed to a fire. The quantity of suppressant, the quantity of gas, and the pressurized gas source is contained within said interior space. The pressurize gas source is configured to increase the internal pressure of the non-rigid pouch by injecting gas into the interior space. The non-rigid pouch is configured to rupture when the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure. 
     In another example, the disclosed fire suppression system includes a non-rigid pouch, a quantity of suppressant, a quantity of gas and a rigid shell. The non-rigid pouch includes an exterior surface and an interior space, and is configured to fail when exposed to a fire. The quantity of suppressant and the quantity of gas is contained within said interior space. The rigid shell is configured to receive said non-rigid pouch, and includes a plurality of ribs positioned proximate the exterior surface of the non-rigid pouch. Each rib of the plurality of ribs is spaced apart relative to one another such that portions of the exterior surface remain exposed when the non-rigid pouch is received within the rigid shell. 
     In yet another example, the disclosed fire suppression system includes an inflatable non-rigid pouch, a quantity of suppressant, a quantity of gas, and a rupturing feature. The non-rigid pouch includes an exterior surface and an interior space, and is configured to fail when exposed to a fire. The quantity of suppressant and the quantity of gas is contained within said interior space. The rupturing feature is positioned proximate the exterior surface of the non-rigid pouch. The rupturing feature is configured to rupture the inflatable non-rigid pouch when the inflatable non-rigid is inflated. 
     Other examples of the disclosed fire suppression system will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an example of the disclosed fire suppression system; 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded perspective view of the fire suppression system of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a bottom view of the fire suppression system of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of the fire suppression system of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the fire suppression system of  FIG.  1    that includes three rupturing features; 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the fire suppression system shown in  FIG.  5    as the non-rigid pouch begins to inflate; 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the fire suppression system shown in  FIG.  5    after the non-rigid pouch has ruptured; 
         FIG.  8    is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the fire suppression system shown in  FIG.  7    with a hose and a funnel connected to the non-rigid pouch; 
         FIG.  9    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the fire suppression system of  FIG.  1    that includes a rupturing feature that is a puncturing feature; 
         FIG.  10    is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the fire suppression system shown in  FIG.  9    as the non-rigid pouch begins to inflate; 
         FIG.  11    is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the fire suppression system shown in  FIG.  9    after the non-rigid pouch has ruptured; 
         FIG.  12    is a cross-sectional view of the rupturing feature shown in  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  13    is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of the fire suppression system of  FIG.  1    with a range hood attached; and 
         FIG.  14    is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of an alternative embodiment of the disclosed fire suppression system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific examples described by the disclosure. Other examples having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. Like reference numerals may refer to the same feature, element, or component in the different drawings. 
     Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples, which may be, but are not necessarily, claimed, of the subject matter according the present disclosure are provided below. Reference herein to “example” means that one or more feature, structure, element, component, characteristic and/or operational step described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment and/or implementation of the subject matter according to the present disclosure. Thus, the phrase “an example” and similar language throughout the present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example. Further, the subject matter characterizing any one example may, but does not necessarily, include the subject matter characterizing any other example. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the present disclosure provides an example embodiment of a fire suppression system  100 . The fire suppression system  100  includes, among other things, a rigid shell  20 , a non-rigid pouch  40  received within the rigid shell  20 , and a rupturing feature  60  for rupturing the non-rigid pouch  40  ( FIGS.  5    and  8 ). Further, contained within the non-rigid pouch  40  is a suppressant  50  (i.e., a fire suppressant) that may be released (i.e., dispersed) upon actuation of the fire suppressant system  100  ( FIG.  4   ). In doing so, the suppressant  50  may spread into an environment, thereby suppressing, if not extinguishing, the fires in that environment ( FIGS.  7  and  10   ). 
     The fire suppression system  100  may be used to extinguish fires in ostensibly any type of environment. Among the various types of environments in which the disclosed fire suppression system  100  may be employed, exemplary use-cases may include, for example, mounting the fire suppression system  100 : above a kitchen stovetop, beneath a microwave, near HVAC systems, near electrical distribution components, near appliance control switches/circuit boards, near heating appliances (e.g., space heaters and furnaces), or to the hood of a vehicle (i.e., above the vehicle engine). 
     The non-rigid pouch  40  may be formed in a generally half-cylindrical shape, having a planar surface  42  and an arcuate surface  44 , with flanges  46  extending around the perimeter of, and parallel to, the planar surface  42 . However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the size and shape of the non-rigid pouch  40  need not be limiting features and may be varied as desired without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in other embodiments, non-rigid pouches having polygonal and/or irregular shapes may be employed. 
     The non-rigid pouch  40  is used to hermetically contain a quantity of suppressant  50  and a quantity of gas  52  ( FIG.  4   ). The suppressant  50  may be any suitable type of suppressant, such as ABC dry chemical monoammonium phosphate, expanding foam, CO 2 , combinations thereof, and/or the like. Ideally, the suppressant  50  may be provided in a liquid or powderized form such that, upon being dispersed, the suppressant  50  is easily spread into a target area. The quantity of gas  52  is provided to maintain the interior space  48  of the non-rigid pouch  40  in a pressurized or partially pressurized state. Any suitable type of gas may be provided, such as CO 2 , so long as the gas is inert relative to the suppressant. 
     The non-rigid pouch  40  may be fabricated from one or more of a variety of different materials. As a design consideration, the pouch should be able to withstand elevated temperatures (e.g., such as when the pouch is mounted above a stovetop), but so not thermally resistant that it can withstand a fire (during which temperatures are much higher). The non-rigid pouch  40  should fail during the outbreak of a fire such that the suppressant  50  contained within may still be dispersed in the event the rupturing feature  60  fails to rupture the non-rigid pouch  40 . Examples of materials that may be suitable for the non-rigid pouch  40  may include plastic, paper, metal, metal alloy, thermoplastic, combinations thereof, and/or the like. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , the rigid shell  20  may include two end portions  22 , and a plurality of ribs  28  extending between these end portions  22 . The rigid shell  20  should closely receive the non-rigid pouch  40  such that very little clearance, if any, is provided therebetween. Accordingly, in the example shown, the end portions  22  may define a generally semi-circular shape, each having a planar edge  24  and an arcuate edge  26 . The plurality of ribs  28  may be disposed along the arcuate edges  26  of the end portions  22 , arranged parallel to one another, and spaced generally equidistant. When the non-rigid pouch  40  is received within the rigid shell  20 , the ribs  28  may support the weight of the non-rigid pouch  40  from along the arcuate surface ( FIG.  1   ). 
     The rigid shell  20  may be fabricated out of any suitable material such as, for example, metallic material (including metal alloys) and polymeric materials (e.g., thermoplastics). Further, in another example, a material may be selected based in comparison to the material(s) selected for the non-rigid pouch. Such a material may include a melting point higher than that of the non-rigid pouch (i.e., the material selected for the non-rigid pouch). 
     Of course, other configurations of the rigid shell  20  are also contemplated. These configurations may include variations in size, shape, and material composition, and may be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , the rigid shell  20  may also include a forward flange  30  and a rear flange  32 . These flanges  30 ,  32  may abut against the flanges  46  of the non-rigid pouch  40  when the non-rigid pouch  40  is received within the rigid shell  20 , thereby providing further support. Further, these flanges  30 ,  32  may also include a plurality of mounting openings  34  (four being shown, two on each flange). The mounting openings  34  are provided to enable the rigid shell  20  to be mounted to a desired structure. In one example, mechanical fasteners may be inserted through the mounting openings  34  and fastened to the desired structure. In another example, links (e.g., ropes, chains, rods, etc.) may be provided that are insertable through the mounting openings  34 , and may be used to connect the rigid shell  20  to the structure ( FIG.  13   ). Of course, in alternative examples, the mounting openings  34  may not be necessary as the rigid shell  20  may be mounted to the structure by way of an adhesive, magnets, or some other non-mechanical method. It is generally contemplated that other mounting methods may also be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In some examples, the forward flange  30  may be distinguishable from the rear flange  32  by being longer, and by containing a plurality of hood attachment openings  36  (three being shown). Hoods, such as residential and commercial range hoods, are a common feature of many kitchens, workshops, factories, and the like, and may be used to funnel the fumes generated from a workspace. These hood attachment openings  36  may enable the attachment of a hood  38  ( FIG.  13   ), and may do so by any suitable means (e.g., mechanical fasteners, friction fits, snap fits, adhesives, etc.). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5  and  9   , the fire suppressant system  100  includes at least one rupturing feature  60 . Rupturing features  60  facilitate the rupturing of the non-rigid pouch  40  by creating a rupture  61  (e.g., hole) in the non-rigid pouch  40  during the outbreak of a fire. The rupturing features  60  may be positioned proximate (i.e., at or near) the arcuate surface  44  ( FIGS.  2  and  4   ) of the non-rigid pouch  40 , and may include, for example, rupture disks, precut serrations, puncturing features  62  (e.g., needles, blades, etc.), combinations thereof, and/or the like. 
     In one specific example, the rupturing feature  60  may include a bimetal strip (e.g., a single strip that is made from two separate, but conjoined strips of different metals, each having different coefficients of thermal expansion). Such a bimetal strip may include an edge or a point. Thus, when a fire breaks out, the bimetal strip may curve into the non-rigid pouch  40  until the edge or point ruptures the non-rigid pouch  40 . 
     For rupture disks and precut serrations, and/or similar methods of rupturing, these rupturing features  60  may be optimally positioned along portions of the arcuate surface  44  that are not covered by the rigid shell  20  when the non-rigid pouch  40  is received therein (such that there is nothing to obstruct access to, nor the flow of suppressant  50  from, the rupture disks and precut serrations). In which case, the ruptures  61  in the non-rigid pouch  40 , through which the suppressant  50  may flow, may correspond with the locations of the rupture disks and/or precut serrations. In this sense, the locations of the ruptures  61  can be considered to be predetermined. 
     When a fire breaks out and temperatures elevate, the internal pressure of the non-rigid pouch  40  may correspondingly increase until a threshold pressure is reached. In doing so, the non-rigid pouch  40  may inflate against the rigid shell  20  ( FIGS.  6  and  10   ), further increasing internal pressure. The threshold pressure is defined as the pressure required to rupture the non-rigid pouch  40  (with or without a rupturing feature  60 ). Thus, the threshold pressure may be dependent on, and may vary in accordance with, the type and number of rupturing features  60  employed (e.g., listed pressure rating on rupture disks). Further, by selectively positioning these rupturing features  60 , ruptures  61  may be created at predesignated locations along the non-rigid pouch such that suppressant  50  may be dispersed in targeted directions  54 A- 54 C ( FIGS.  7  and  11   ). 
     In embodiments where the locations of the ruptures  61  are predetermined, the fire suppression system  100  may further be configured such that hoses  63 , funnels  65 , combinations thereof, and/or the like may be coupled to the non-rigid pouch  40  as a way of directing the flow of suppressant  50  in a more targeted manner. As shown in  FIG.  8   , these hoses  63  and/or funnels  65  may be received over rupturing features  60  (e.g., rupture disks and serrated cuts) and connected by any suitable means (e.g., hose couplings, adhesives, etc.). The hoses  63  and/or funnels  65  may be used to direct the flow of suppressant  50  to, for example, stove burners, ignition/fuel sources, and the like. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9 - 11   , puncturing features  62  may be provided for in or on the rigid shell  20 . Thus, as the non-rigid pouch  40  inflates against the rigid shell  20 , the puncturing feature  62  may be urged into the non-rigid pouch  40  until the puncturing feature  62  pierces the non-rigid pouch  40  (e.g., at the threshold pressure). Doing so creates a rupture  61  in the non-rigid pouch  40 , thereby releasing suppressant. 
     Referring to  FIG.  12   , in an exemplary embodiment, the puncturing feature  62  may include a spring-backed needle  64  stopped at the point by a stopper  66 . The stopper  66  may be fabricated out of any suitable material such as, but not limited to, polymeric material (e.g., plastic, and more specifically, thermoplastic) and paper. When a plastic stopper  66  is used, the plastic stopper  66  may melt upon the outbreak of a fire, thereby releasing the spring-backed needle  64  and allowing it to puncture the non-rigid pouch  40 . Such a stopper  66  may prevent the needle  64  from accidentally piercing the non-rigid pouch  40  when there is no fire. Further, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, the puncturing feature  62  shown in  FIG.  12    may be used even if the non-rigid pouch  40  is not configured to inflate against the rigid shell  20  (e.g., the non-rigid pouch  40  remains in a partially pressurized state). Because the needle  64  is backed by a spring, the spring may urge the needle  64  into the non-rigid pouch  40  upon the failure (e.g., melting) of the stopper  66 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  13   , in another exemplary embodiment, the fire suppressant system  100  may also be provided with a sensor  70  and a pressurized gas source  72  in electronic communication with the sensor  70 . The sensor  70  and the pressurized gas source  72  may be positioned either within, or exterior to, the non-rigid pouch  40  (shown as being within). Examples of suitable types of sensors  70  may include heat/light sensors (e.g., thermocouples), pressure sensors, smoke detectors (e.g., ionization and/or photoelectric), combinations thereof, and/or the like. Examples of suitable pressurized gas sources  72  may include small air canisters, in-house pressurized gas systems, combinations thereof, and/or the like. 
     The sensor  70  may be utilized to detect the outbreak of a fire, and then automatically actuate the pressurized gas source  72  to inject pressurized gas into the interior space  48  of the non-rigid pouch  40 . Doing so increases the internal pressure of the non-rigid pouch  40 , and thereby also increases the rate and spread of suppressant  50  flowing out of a rupture in the non-rigid pouch  40  (e.g., through a rupture  61  created by a rupture disk and/or a precut serration). In exemplary embodiments, the pressurized gas source  72  may further be configured to inject pressurized gas at a controlled rate, thereby controlling the rate of suppressant  50  dispersal. 
     An opening  41  may also be provided in the non-rigid pouch  40  ( FIG.  4   ), though which an electronic connection (e.g., wires) may be established between the sensor  70  and a power source  80  and/or other external electronic components. To maintain a hermetic seal, a plug  43  (e.g., a silicone plug) may also be provided (with the electronic connection passing through it) that is received within the opening  41  (e.g., in a friction fit). 
     Referring to external electronic components, the sensors  70  may also be configured to electronically communicate with, for example, an alert feature  76 , a utility cut-off feature  78 , combinations thereof, and/or the like. In practice, the alert feature  76  may be provided as a way to contact various designated persons of interest (e.g., property owner, security systems, local first responders, nearby residents, etc.). Examples of alert features  76  that may be suitable can include, but is not limited to, transponders (e.g., via WIFI), light strobes, voice broadcast systems, combinations thereof and/or the like. In exemplary embodiments, the person of interest may receive an alert of the fire, or when the suppressant is released, on a computer application (e.g., on a desktop and/or handheld-device). Further, the alert feature  76  may also be coupled with a microphone so as to enable a user to communicate with (e.g., respond to) the designated person of interest. Such an alert feature  76  may be particularly desirable, for example, during instances where a user may need to provide information (e.g., location, identity, etc.) to that person. 
     A utility cut-off feature  78  may be provided to turn off whatever power or fuel source that is fueling the fire. Examples of utility cut-off features  78  that may be suitable can include, for example, solenoid gas valves, circuit breakers, combinations thereof, and/or the like. 
     In one or more examples, the disclosed fire suppression system  100  may be specifically adapted for foam-based suppressants. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, activation of a foam-based suppressant (i.e., a chemical reaction causing the generation and expansion of the foam) may involve combining two or more reactive components Thus, until such time activation is needed (e.g., when a fire breaks out), the fire suppression system  100  may maintain a separation between the two or more reactive components.  FIG.  14    depicts an example of the disclosed fire suppression system  100  that was adapted specifically for foam-based suppressants. 
     Referring to  FIG.  14   , in one or more examples, the fire suppression system may include two or more reactive components  90 ,  92  (two being shown) that may be reacted to generate fire suppressing foam. These two reactive components  90 ,  92  may be positioned within the interior space  48  of the non-rigid pouch  40 , and may be provided in their own self-contained enclosures  94 . The fire suppression system  100  may further be provided with at least one rupturing feature  60  configured to rupture both self-contained enclosures  94 . These rupturing features  60  may be positioned within, partially within, or exterior to the non-rigid pouch  40 . Once these rupturing features  60  ruptures the self-contained enclosures  94 , the reactive components  90 ,  92  contained therein may be released into the interior space  48  of the non-rigid pouch  40 , wherein the reactive components  90 ,  92  may generate the foam (e.g., by reacting with one another). Furthermore, the non-rigid pouch  40  may also be provided with additional rupturing features  60  (e.g., rupture disks and precut serrations) proximate the exterior of the non-rigid pouch  40  such that upon expansion of the foam, these additional rupturing features  60  may cause the non-rigid pouch  40  to rupture, thereby releasing the expanded foam in targeted directions. 
     Still referring to  FIG.  14   , in the specific example shown, the fire suppression system  100  may include a rupturing feature  60  that includes a spring-backed blade  96  configured to rupture the self-contained enclosures  94  of two reactive components  90 ,  92  (e.g., in terms of positioning and blade width). The spring-backed blade  96  may be stopped by a stopper  66  that may be fabricated out of any suitable material such as, but not limited to, polymeric material (e.g., plastic, and more specifically, thermoplastic) and paper. Upon the outbreak of a fire, the stopper  66  may fail (e.g., by melting), thereby releasing the spring-backed blade  96 . Further, in this specific example, the non-rigid pouch  40  need not be provided in a pressurized or partially pressurized state, as it is generally contemplated that the expansion of the foam may be sufficient to generate the internal pressure required to rupture the rupturing features  60  proximate the exterior of the non-rigid pouch  40 . 
     As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the embodiment of the disclosed fire suppression system  100  shown in  FIG.  14    may be augmented with one or more of the additional features described above (e.g., sensors  70 , plug  43 , pressurized gas source  72 , additional electronic components, etc.). Further, it is also contemplated that any of the embodiments of the disclosed fire suppression system  100  shown in  FIG.  1 - 13    may be adapted for foam-based fire suppressants using, at the very least, any of the structures, features, and design choices of the fire suppression system  100  shown in  FIG.  14   . 
     Any embodiment of the present invention may include any of the features of the other embodiments of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention. Having shown and described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to the described invention. Many of those variations and modifications will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the invention only as indicated by the scope of the claims. 
     Certain operations described herein may be performed by one or more electronic devices. Each electronic device may comprise one or more processors, electronic storage devices, executable software instructions, and the like configured to perform the operations described herein. The electronic devices may be general purpose computers or specialized computing device. The electronic devices may comprise personal computers, smartphone, tablets, databases, servers, or the like. The electronic connections and transmissions described herein may be accomplished by wired or wireless means. The computerized hardware, software, components, systems, steps, methods, and/or processes described herein may serve to improve the speed of the computerized hardware, software, systems, steps, methods, and/or processes described herein. 
     Although various examples of the disclosed fire suppression system have been shown and described, modifications may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.