FireAid
University Dissertation
Mission.
The 'Mission' was fairly straight-forward: making the typical fire extinguisher more inclusive.
To start, I focused on those potential users whom would naturally have immediate difficulties in an emergency...
"There is no specialised fire-fighting equipment for transradial amputees"
Fiona, Independent Living Coordinator for the Limbless Association, 2016
This project involved liaising with employees of the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, The Royal National Institute for Blind People and the National Limbless Association - this project is in no way affiliated in any way with these organisations.
Problem(s).
The existing fire extinguisher requires you use both hands to operate. But what if your other hand is injured or even... missing? The Swift Fire Assist takes these conditions into consideration and implements a method of extinguishing fires using just one hand!
Contributing to the need for one-hand use is the charged weight of an extinguishing vessel ranging from around 3 kgs to as high as 15.5 kgs. The user should not be required to hold a weight of 15.5 kgs with an extended arm.
Another one of the main issues concerning the use of existing fire extinguishers is the total time it takes to set-up and activate the extinguisher. As demonstrated further on on this page, the total set-up time is in the event of emergency. Which, quite frankly, is way too long.
A local fire liaison officer provided another key issue of the current fire extinguisher. During regular maintenance checks, it was a recurring theme that a large number of extinguishers needed to be decommissioned due to exterior deformations. This may be considered as a consumer issue rather than an issue that directly affects the user, but in the event of emergency, what use is a deformed/inactive device to the user?
Designs.
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Issues.
A currently active or newly delivered extinguisher would be installed within the extinguisher aid where it is fastened in place.
The aid can be pictured in-situ, ready for use and accessible to maintenance inspections.
A currently active or newly delivered extinguisher would be installed within the extinguisher aid where it is fastened in place.
Resolutions.
Evaluate.
The design satisfies the main requirement of being operated using one hand.
This is through a combination of features including:
• Single handle grip provides intuitive foundation for safety release methods and clear indication for handle depression.
• Hose lock in the door of the casing eliminates need for user to hold the hose for aiming, enforces one hand use.
• The pivot base providing a wide range of aiming angles for the user
All materials can be easily disassembled and fully recycled. An area that could be the focus of more attention would be the method of fixation for the extinguisher within the casing.
Onwards.
I think it goes without saying, on reflection, there are improvements I would look to implement:
• Reduce the amount of material being used and focus on providing the necessary materials to carry out the most important function(s) e.g. one hand use, reduction of weight dependency, fast activation. Focusing on a single primary function, forgo the need to protect the vessel of the extinguisher would be a likely start.
• The need for a product that protects the fire extinguisher could be reconsidered and potentially eliminated from the specification.
• A redesign would focus on the main specification points. From the drawing, an attachment could be designed where a separate U-shaped frame can drop from the top of the extinguisher to the bottom acting as a raised pivot point.