Improving the Delivery of Fire-Extinguishing Media

TLX designed a fast, high-latching force component to replace pyrotechnic burst devices in fire suppression applications

Customer Problem

A fire systems manufacturer wanted to replace the pyrotechnic device that opens a Shrader valve on a cylinder of compressed extinguishing medium. The new component needed a faster response time and higher latching force than the pyrotechnic device.

The TLX Solution

Our engineers developed a latching solenoid with an optional manual valve actuator. The solenoid remained in the latched position, without power, until receiving a signal from the control panel. Once released, the latching solenoid opened the cylinder valve, discharging the extinguishing medium into the system. Faster response time allowed the extinguishing media to open larger valves to other cylinders, directly acting on suppression of the event. If necessary, an emergency release button on the latching solenoid could be used to manually depress the cylinder valve. The system could then be reset once the solenoid was manually returned to the latched position.

In addition to having a higher latching force and working at a lower current, on smaller capacitors, the TLX solenoid cost less than the component from the manufacturer’s original offshore supplier. This custom latching solenoid design is now a UL recognized component and is tested in accordance with UL508.

View Design Solution

Latching Solenoid with Burst Pin

Stroke (designed to spec): 5.1 ± .635 mm

Supply voltage: 28 Vdc

Coil resistance at 20°C: 25.7 ± 2.0 Ω

Operating temperature range: -40°C to 60°C

Latching force: > 578 N

Manual override force: 33.36-178 N max.

Spring load (de-latched): 333 N reference

Spring load (latched): 489 ± 66.7 N min.

Connector type: MPM B213060N2

All TLX components are customized to fit system requirements, meaning technical specifications are unique to each customer and design. Examples given on our website are for illustration purposes only.

Working with TLX

Experienced partner of industry leaders, first-tier suppliers, and OEMs
Direct access to our design and engineering team
Localized production in USA and China
Dependable single-source solution from design to delivery

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Our Process

Step 1 / Initial Review

Our engineering team works directly with you to determine the viability of your program and identify the best solution based on your specifications.

Step 2 / Quote

Quotes include all costs related to your project - tooling, prototype, piece part, production and project specific costs.

Step 3 / Design Review & Prototypes

Our engineering team reviews the design with you and makes any adjustments needed. Prototypes are built according to design specifications for testing.

Step 4 / Testing

Prototypes are tested according to your specifications, with all relevant test data provided to you for evaluation.

Step 5 / APQP

DFMEA’s, PFMEA’s, control plans and process flow diagrams are started to drive the product intent design.

Step 6 / Pre-Production

Working drawings are developed for production. A second prototype build and a set of production parts are made from tooling and thoroughly tested.

Step 7 / PPAP/Production

The final design along with the PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) is developed and the new product enters production.

Step 8 / Ongoing Improvements

Our team collaborates with you to continue making improvements to the product to best meet your needs, increasing efficiency and reducing cost.

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