BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1. Field

The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for fire extinguisher systems that rely on multiple fire extinguishers, and in particular, relates to fire extinguisher systems on the engines of jet aircraft.

2. Background

Modern aircraft typically have a fire suppression system installed. In the case of jet aircraft, at least part of the fire suppression system is installed inside of the jet engine itself in order to quickly suppress combustion in the event of a fire.

Many existing fire suppression systems in aircraft have a bottle, filled with a halon liquid, installed in the engine itself. The bottle is sized based on the engine. Thus, existing fire suppression bottles are not standardized across different aircraft and engine manufacturers. Additionally, each bottle stands alone and is configured to discharge into its own discharge zone. Still further, because most halon gasses deplete ozone, halon-based fire suppression systems are being replaced over time. Therefore, a need exists for a scalable fire suppression system solution that replaces current halon-based systems.

SUMMARY

The illustrative embodiments provide for a fire extinguisher system. The system includes a first fire extinguisher containing a first agent that is suitable for extinguishing fire, the first fire extinguisher having a first discharge port for discharging the first agent therethrough, and a first actuator for actuating the first discharge port. The system also includes a second fire extinguisher containing a second agent that is suitable for extinguishing fire, the second fire extinguisher having a second discharge port for discharging the second agent therethrough, and a second actuator for actuating the second discharge port. The system also includes a valve coupled to the first discharge port via a first line and coupled to the second discharge port via a second line, wherein the valve is configured to release the first agent and the second agent into a third line. The system also includes a controller connected to the first actuator and the second actuator, the controller configured to activate the first actuator and the second actuator in a predetermined sequence.

The illustrative embodiments also provide for an aircraft including a fuselage and an engine connected to the fuselage, the engine configured to propel the fuselage. The aircraft further includes a first fire extinguisher containing a first agent that is suitable for extinguishing fire. The first fire extinguisher having a first discharge port for discharging the first agent therethrough, and a first actuator for actuating the first discharge port. The aircraft also includes a second fire extinguisher containing a second agent that is suitable for extinguishing fire. The second fire extinguisher having a second discharge port for discharging the second agent therethrough, and a second actuator for actuating the second discharge port. The aircraft also includes a valve coupled to the first discharge port via a first line and is coupled to the second discharge port via a second line. The valve is configured to release the first agent and the second agent into a third line which terminates in an engine fire zone within the engine. The aircraft also includes a controller connected to the first actuator and the second actuator. The controller is configured to activate the first actuator and the second actuator in a predetermined sequence.

The illustrative embodiments also provide for a method of installing a fire extinguisher system on a platform. The method includes installing, on the platform, a first fire extinguisher containing a first agent that is suitable for extinguishing fire, the first fire extinguisher having a first discharge port for discharging the first agent therethrough, and a first actuator for actuating the first discharge port. The method further includes installing, on the platform, a second fire extinguisher containing a second agent that is suitable for extinguishing fire, the second fire extinguisher having a second discharge port for discharging the second agent therethrough, and a second actuator for actuating the second discharge port. The method further includes installing, on the platform, a valve coupled to the first discharge port via a first line and coupled to the second discharge port via a second line, wherein the valve is configured to release the first agent and the second agent into a third line. The method further includes installing, on the platform, a controller connected to the first actuator and the second actuator, the controller configured to activate the first actuator and the second actuator in a predetermined sequence.

