System Detects Fire Hazards

About

BACKGROUND Every year thousands of firefighters are injured, some fatally, from burns, smoke inhalation, and thermal stress caused by out-of-control fires. In many cases, firefighters are unaware of dangerous rising temperatures and radiation because their thick protective gear isolates them from the environment and prevents them from detecting hazards. The Burnsaver device utilizes surface temperature sensors that attach to a firefighter’s helmet to detect rapidly developing unsafe conditions. Using a patented algorithm that accounts for constant movement, the device monitors ambient temperate and radiation levels and provides early warnings when levels exceed pre-programed thresholds.   SUMMARY Portable early detection system designed for accuracy in harsh fire environments ​Consists of a sensor platform attached to the outer helmet and a signal processing, alarm, and data transmitter that can be mounted on or under the helmet—where does the power supply go??? Multiple sensors are oriented in diverse directions to track thermal conditions using metrics that account for air temperature and radiative heat flux Issues a warning based on calculated temperature of the surface with the worst-case thermal expo- sure in the firefighter’s immediate setting Transmits information wirelessly to a monitoring software application hosted on a standard PC or tablet platform   ADVANTAGES Small size, light weight, and ultra-low power requirements allow for easy attachment without discomfort for firefighters Several possible iterations for adhering sensor plat- form to helmet include a flexible printed circuit board, a ceramic fabric head-band, or direct inte- gration into helmet design Sensors can also be attached to other equipment such as oxygen tanks, hoses, jackets, pants, and protective gear Possible warning systems include an audible or vibrating alarm, flash strobe light, and Bluetooth display integrated into facemask of helmet Designed with continuous guidance and feedback from the Fire Department City of New York ​