Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A flame containment and suppression baffle architecture for a card cage of an electronic circuit cabinet includes a baffle structure having a pivotable flap that is retained by a meltable solder attachment in an open position, that normally allows cooling air, either convection or forced fed, to exit the card cage housing. In the event of a fire in the card cage, any flame or heat therefrom is steered by a set of guide rails along a canted baffle deflector, to the solder attachment. This focusing of heat upon the solder attachment causes the solder to melt quickly, so that the flap is released and rotates downwardly to a second (vertical) position against the air vents, closing the only exit for the flame and smoke. Smoke soon backs up until it starves the flame of oxygen and extinguishes the flame. Where the card cage is equipped with a forced air system, a microswitch may be located above the baffle roof with its actuator passing through a slot in the baffle and resting on the flap. When the flap pivots away from its open position due to melting of the solder, the switch is actuated, cutting the power to the fan, terminating the forced air flow which helps starve the flame from the intake side of the card cage.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim