DESC:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
ZONE-WISE AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTION AND SUPPRESSION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A VEHICLE

Applicant:
BEML Limited
A company Incorporated in India under the Companies Act, 1956
Having Address As:
BEML Soudha, 23/1, 4th Main,
Sampangirama Nagar, Bengaluru - 560 027,
Karnataka, India

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
[001] The present invention claims priority from Indian patent application numbered IN 202241059446 filed on 18th October, 2022.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[002] The present subject matter described herein generally relates to a zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle, and more specifically for a zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system (AFDSS) and method for a vehicle such as a heavy earth moving machinery (HEMM).
BACKGROUND
[003] Heavy duty vehicles used on off-road application requires Fire Protection system to save the cost for vehicle replacement, safety of operator and down time. The conventional fire detection and alarm system in heavy duty vehicles detects fires in the engine compartment based on sensors that senses either abnormally high temperature or rate of temperature rise, or both. The fire alarm system provides the driver with both an acoustic and a visual signal, and further activates the hazard warning signal.
[004] After detecting the fire, the extinguisher controls and stops the spreading of fire by spraying the dry chemical powder all over the vehicle though the fire may be in a specific zone of the vehicle. This render the vehicle inoperable for a long time and the dry chemical powder sprayed on the vehicle is hard to clean.
[005] Hence to overcome the aforesaid drawbacks a system has to be developed to detect and suppress the fire zone wise.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[006] Main object of the present disclosure is to provide a zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle to automatically detect the fire zone wise in the vehicle.
[007] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide the zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle to suppressed fire zone wise in the vehicle.
[008] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle to prevent further spread of fire.
[009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide the zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle to delay for engine shutdown is to move and park the vehicle to a safe area.
[0010] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle to safeguard the vehicle from fire accidents.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide the zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle to minimize the loss of vehicle.
[0012] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle to minimizes the wastage of fire extinguisher powder.
[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide the zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle to minimizes the effort for cleaning the fire extinguisher sprayed on the vehicle.
[0014] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle to minimize the loss of life of the operator due to fire accidents.
[0015] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide the zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle which is simple, cost effective and easy to implement.
SUMMARY
[0016] Before the present system is described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular machine, device or system, as there can be multiple possible embodiments that are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosures. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce aspects related a zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle, and the aspects are further elaborated below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the proposed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the proposed subject matter.
[0017] The present subject matter discloses a zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system for a vehicle comprising a control unit mounted in the cabin of the vehicle for detecting, operating and monitoring the automatic fire detection and suppression system (AFDSS). Plurality of sensor cables are routed independently to various zones for detecting fire. Atleast one fire extinguishers assembly is provided for extinguishing various classes of fires. An audio/visual alarm device is provide provided for generating an alarm and an indicator for indicating suppression system status based on the signals from the control unit.
[0018] A method for zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system (AFDSS) for a vehicle comprising the steps of routing plurality of sensor cables independently zone-wise through the vehicle. Plurality of sensor cables are connected to a control unit. Plurality of override switches are mounted one on a bumper and one inside the cabin. The fire and its respective zone in the vehicle are detected where temperature is raised above a predetermined temperature through the inputs received from the plurality of sensor cables. Said inputs of the fire signals are provided to the control unit. An audio/visual alarm is generated based on the signals from the control unit and indicating suppression system status through an indicator. A solenoid valves fitted on the nitrogen cylinder of the zone in which the fire is being detected is energized. A dry chemical powder (DCP) is activated suitable for extinguishing various classes of fires for releasing the pressurized gas into the DCP extinguisher cylinder for dispersing and discharging the DCP through the pre-defined nozzle points to the respective zones only. An engine shut off relay is energized with a predefined delay of about 15-30 seconds for shutting off the engine to prevent further spread of fire.
STATEMENT OF INVENTION
[0019] The present subject matter discloses a zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system for a vehicle comprising a control unit mounted in the cabin of the vehicle for detecting, operating and monitoring the automatic fire detection and suppression system (AFDSS). Plurality of sensor cables are routed independently to various zones for detecting fire. Atleast one fire extinguishers assembly is provided for extinguishing various classes of fires. An audio/visual alarm device is provided for generating an alarm and an indicator for indicating suppression system status based on the signals from the control unit.
[0020] In an embodiment, the control unit is connected to a battery of the vehicle with an inbuilt power controlling circuit.
[0021] In an embodiment, the system is isolated and operated at an input voltage of 24V DC.
[0022] In an embodiment, the plurality of sensor cables are either a fire detection tube or a continuous linear heat detection cable or a fixed temperature sensor for detecting fire at any part of its length and providing the fire signals to the control unit.
[0023] In an embodiment, the various zones are provided to cover a rear axle, a turbo charger, a starter motor, an engine, a battery, a transmission, a hydraulic tank and a fuel tank of the vehicle.
[0024] In an embodiment, the plurality of sensor cables are provided for initiating the audio/visual alarm device above a predetermined temperature of 180 °C.
[0025] In an embodiment, said fire extinguishers assembly comprises a nitrogen cylinder assembly containing nitrogen gas pressurized up to 600 PSI, a solenoid valve, a pressure gauge, a filling adapter and a manual operation knob.
[0026] In an embodiment, the system is actuated either automatically or manually through plurality of override switches mounted one on a bumper and one inside the cabin.
[0027] In an embodiment, the various classes of fire comprises a class “A”, a class “B” and a class “C” fire.
[0028] In another embodiment, a method for zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system (AFDSS) for a vehicle comprising the steps of routing plurality of sensor cables independently zone-wise through the vehicle. Plurality of sensor cables are connected to a control unit. Plurality of override switches are mounted one on a bumper and one inside the cabin. The fire and its respective zone in the vehicle are detected where temperature is raised above a predetermined temperature through the inputs received from the plurality of sensor cables. Said inputs of the fire signals are provided to the control unit. An audio/visual alarm is generated based on the signals from the control unit and indicating suppression system status through an indicator. A solenoid valves fitted on the nitrogen cylinder of the zone in which the fire is being detected is energized. A dry chemical powder (DCP) is activated suitable for extinguishing various classes of fires for releasing the pressurized gas into the DCP extinguisher cylinder for dispersing and discharging the DCP through the pre-defined nozzle points to the respective zones only. An engine shut off relay is energized with a predefined delay of about 15-30 seconds for shutting off the engine to prevent further spread of fire.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the present document example constructions of the disclosure, however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific methods and device disclosed in the document and the drawing. The detailed description is described with reference to the following accompanying figures.
[0030] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system for a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0031] Figure 2 illustrates a flow chart of a method for zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system for a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0032] The figures depict various embodiments of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0033] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising", “having”, and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any devices and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, devices and methods are now described. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms.
[0034] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0035] The present subject matter discloses a zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system (AFDSS) (100) for a vehicle as shown in figure 1. The automatic fire detection and suppression system (AFDSS) (100) for a specific zone in a vehicle comprising a control unit (102), sensor cables (108) and fire extinguishers (110). The control unit (102) is located inside the cabin of vehicle. The control unit (102) operates the fire detection and suppression system (AFDSS) (100). Further, the control unit (102) is connected to the battery (104) of the vehicle and contains an inbuilt power controlling circuit. This enables isolation and operation of the system at an input voltage of 24V DC. The control unit (102) comprising of zone wise detection, activation and monitoring of fire and for setting the engine OFF after detecting fire.
[0036] According to the present invention, the sensor cable (108) is a continuous heat detector which responds to fire at any part of its length. The sensor cable (108) is a fire detection tube or a linear heat detection cable to supply the fire signal to the control unit (102). Further, the sensor cable (108) is a fixed temperature sensor which initiates an alarm (106) once the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature of 180 °C. The sensor cables (108) are routed independently and zone wise to cover a turbo charger, a starter motor, an engine, a battery (104), a transmission, a hydraulic tank and a fuel tank thus covering the total vehicle. The zone wise sensing covers all the areas prone to fire due to spillage, overheating or leakage and short circuit. The end of the sensor cables (108) are terminated with an end of line resistor. The fire extinguishers (110) comprises a nitrogen cylinder assembly containing nitrogen gas pressurized up to 600 PSI, a solenoid valve, a pressure gauge, a filling adapter and a manual operation knob.
[0037] During the event of fire, the control unit (102) detects fire zone wise and energizes the solenoid valve fitted on the nitrogen cylinder, thereby activating the Dry Chemical Powder (DCP) suitable for extinguishing Class ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ class fires. After releasing the pressurized gas into the DCP Extinguisher cylinder. The Dry Chemical Powder disperses and discharges through the pre-defined nozzle points to the respective zones only. The built-in buzzer and external Horn Unit starts sounding continuously. The system includes monitoring control panel which indicate suppression system status and an audible alarm (106). The system fault indication appears in the control unit (102) and shows fire condition in the particular zone. The engine shut off relay is also energized in the process with a predefined delay of about 15-30 seconds, thereby shutting off the engine to prevent further spread of fire. The delay for engine shutdown is to move and park the vehicle to a safe area before the fire spreads across the vehicle.
[0038] Now referring to figure 2, a method (200) for zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system (AFDSS) for a vehicle is disclosed. The method (200) comprising the steps of routing plurality of sensor cables (108) independently zone-wise through the vehicle in step 202. In step 204, plurality of sensor cables (108) are connected to a control unit (102). In step 206, plurality of override switches (112) are mounted one on a bumper and one inside the cabin. In step 208, the fire and its respective zone in the vehicle are detected where temperature is raised above a predetermined temperature through the inputs received from the plurality of sensor cables (108). In step 210, said inputs of the fire signals are provided to the control unit (102). In step 212, an audio/visual alarm (106) is generated based on the signals from the control unit (102) and indicating suppression system status through an indicator. In step 214, a solenoid valves fitted on the nitrogen cylinder of the zone in which the fire is being detected is energized. In step 216, a dry chemical powder (DCP) is activated suitable for extinguishing various classes of fires for releasing the pressurized gas into the DCP extinguisher cylinder for dispersing and discharging the DCP through the pre-defined nozzle points to the respective zones only. In step 218, an engine shut off relay is energized with a predefined delay of about 15-30 seconds for shutting off the engine to prevent further spread of fire.
[0039] The system is actuated manually or automatic, at the user’s option. In manual system, zone specific override switches (112) are provided for manual actuation at two locations one on a bumper and one inside the cabin. When the vehicle in situated at the parking yard, then the manual over ride switches (112) located on the bumper is useful to seize fire during a fire situation. During running condition, if fire is detected the operator identifies before it is detected by the AFDSS system then the operator uses the manual override switch (112) located inside the cabin.
[0040] The automatic fire detection and suppression system (AFDSS) (100) for a specific zone is used in all wheel drive vehicles such as heavy duty vehicles (HDV), a heavy duty trucks (HDT), a semi-trailers, a trailer, a military truck, a tripper, a heavy lorry, a heavy haulers, a heavy good vehicle (HGV), a pickup truck, a military vehicle, a heavy earth moving machinery (HEMM), a dump trucks, a dozers, a loaders, a drills, an excavators, a rope shovels, a walking draglines, a mining equipment’s, all-terrain vehicle and other such vehicles.
[0041] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include the following.
[0042] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to a zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle to automatically detect the fire zone wise in the vehicle.
[0043] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to provide the zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle to suppressed fire zone wise in the vehicle.
[0044] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to provide the zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle to prevent further spread of fire.
[0045] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to provide the zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle to delay for engine shutdown is to move and park the vehicle to a safe area.
[0046] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to provide the zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle to safeguard the vehicle from fire accidents.
[0047] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to provide the zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle to minimize the loss of vehicle.
[0048] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to provide the zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle to minimizes the wastage of fire extinguisher powder.
[0049] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to the zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle to minimizes the effort for cleaning the fire extinguisher sprayed on the vehicle.
[0050] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to provide the zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle to minimize the loss of life of the operator due to fire accidents.
[0051] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to provide the zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle which is simple, cost effective and easy to implement.
[0052] Following is a list of elements and reference numerals used to explain various embodiments of the present subject matter.
Reference Numeral Element Description
100 Fire Detection and Suppression System
102 Control Unit
104 Battery
106 Alarm
108 Sensor Cable
110 Fire Extinguisher
112 Switches

Equivalents
[0053] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[0054] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
[0055] Although implementations for the zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of implementation for the zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system and method for a vehicle. ,CLAIMS:

1. A zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system (AFDSS) (100) for a vehicle comprising:
a control unit (102) mounted in the cabin of the vehicle configured for detecting, operating and monitoring the automatic fire detection and suppression system (AFDSS);
plurality of sensor cables (108) configured to be routed independently to various zones for detecting fire;
atleast one fire extinguishers assembly (110) configured for extinguishing various classes of fires; and
an audio/visual alarm device (106) configured for generating an alarm and an indicator for indicating suppression system status based on the signals from the control unit (102).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (102) is connected to a battery (104) of the vehicle configured with an inbuilt power controlling circuit.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) is configured to be isolated and operated at an input voltage of 24V DC.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensor cables (108) are configured from either a fire detection tube or a continuous linear heat detection cable or a fixed temperature sensor for detecting fire at any part of its length and providing the fire signals to the control unit (102).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the various zones are configured to cover a rear axle, a turbo charger, a starter motor, an engine, a battery (104), a transmission, a hydraulic tank and a fuel tank of the vehicle.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensor cables (108) are configured for initiating the audio/visual alarm device (106) above a predetermined temperature of 180 °C.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fire extinguishers assembly (110) comprises a nitrogen cylinder assembly containing nitrogen gas pressurized up to 600 PSI, a solenoid valve, a pressure gauge, a filling adapter and a manual operation knob.

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) is configured to be actuated either automatically or manually through plurality of override switches (112) mounted one on a bumper and one inside the cabin.

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the various classes of fire are configured to be a class “A”, a class “B” and a class “C” fire.

10. A method (200) for zone-wise automatic fire detection and suppression system (AFDSS) (100) for a vehicle comprising the steps of:
routing, plurality of sensor cables (108) independently zone-wise through the vehicle;
connecting, said plurality of sensor cables (108) to a control unit (102);
mounting, plurality of override switches (112) one on a bumper and one inside the cabin;
detecting, the fire and its respective zone in the vehicle where temperature is raised above a predetermined temperature through the inputs received from the plurality of sensor cables (108);
providing, said inputs of the fire signals to the control unit (102);
generating and indicating, an audio/visual alarm (106) based on the signals from the control unit (102) and suppression system status through an indicator;
energizing, a solenoid valves fitted on the nitrogen cylinder of the zone in which the fire is being detected;
activating, a dry chemical powder (DCP) suitable for extinguishing various classes of fires for releasing the pressurized gas into the DCP extinguisher cylinder for dispersing and discharging the DCP through the pre-defined nozzle points to the respective zones only; and
energizing, an engine shut off relay with a predefined delay of about 15-30 seconds for shutting off the engine to prevent further spread of fire.