Fire extinguishing system and method for cargo hold of vehicle

Abstract

A system (100) and method for extinguishing fire within a cargo hold (102) of a vehicle includes an outer support duct (150) having a first diameter (116) and a first tube (114) having one or more portions retained within the outer support duct (150). The first tube (114) has a second diameter (120) that is less than the first diameter (116). The external support conduit (150) is configured to deliver a first portion of the fire extinguishing agent (108, 112) around one or more portions of the first tube (114), and the first tube (114) is configured to deliver a second portion of the fire extinguishing agent (108, 112).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Examples of this disclosure generally relate to fire extinguishing systems and methods for cargo holds of vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles such as commercial aircraft are used to transport passengers and / or cargo between various locations. Common aircraft include an interior cabin with seating for passengers and a cargo hold located below the passenger cabin. As another example, cargo aircraft include a main deck cabin. That is, cargo aircraft may include an interior cabin dedicated to transporting cargo rather than passengers.

[0003] Some aircraft include a cargo hold for receiving and holding cargo. The fire suppression system is located within the cargo hold. The fire suppression system typically consists of two sets of pipes for delivering a binary extinguishing agent. Two sets of pipes are used because the extinguishing agent needs to be delivered as a liquid to low-velocity discharge nozzles and vaporized at the point of use. The second set of nozzles (for high-velocity discharge) does not have this requirement for liquid delivery. Each set of pipes is secured within the cargo hold by separate and different suspensions, fittings, fasteners, etc.

[0004] As is understandable, using multiple suspension components, fittings, and fasteners to secure different sets of pipes within the cargo hold increases the weight and complexity of the entire system. Furthermore, installing such a system within the cargo hold is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Summary of the Invention

[0005] There is a need for lighter and less complex fire suppression systems, which can be used, for example, in the cargo hold of vehicles such as aircraft.

[0006] In view of this need, certain examples of this disclosure provide a system for extinguishing fires in the cargo hold of a vehicle. The system includes an external support conduit having a first diameter and a first pipe having one or more portions held within the external support conduit. The first pipe has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The external support conduit is configured to deliver a first portion of extinguishing agent around one or more portions of the first pipe. The first pipe is configured to deliver a second portion of extinguishing agent.

[0007] In at least one example, the mode of transportation is an airplane.

[0008] In at least one example, a first canister is in fluid communication with a first pipe. The first canister is configured to hold a second portion of the extinguishing agent. A second pipe is in fluid communication with an external support conduit. A second canister is in fluid communication with a second pipe. The second canister is configured to hold a first portion of the extinguishing agent. In at least one additional example, a first valve is on or inside the first pipe, and a second valve is on or inside the second pipe. In at least one additional example, a control unit is in communication with both the first and second valves. The control unit is configured to control the operation of both the first and second valves. The system may also include one or more sensors configured to detect fire. The control unit may communicate with one or more sensors.

[0009] In at least one example, the external support catheter forms at least a portion of the second tube. As another example, at least a portion of the second tube remains within the external support catheter.

[0010] The second diameter can be 10% or less of the first diameter.

[0011] The external support conduit can be made of metal, and the first tube can be made of plastic.

[0012] In at least one example, one or more retainers are disposed within the external support conduit. The one or more retainers are configured to hold the first tube in a desired position within the external support conduit.

[0013] In at least one example, one or more retainers include a cylindrical body, a central passage configured to receive and retain a portion of a first tube, and one or more fluid channels formed through the cylindrical body.

[0014] Some examples of this disclosure provide an aircraft including a cargo hold and a system for extinguishing fires within the cargo hold, as described herein.

[0015] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method comprising: delivering a first portion of a fire extinguishing agent through an external support conduit surrounding one or more portions of a first pipe; and delivering a second portion of the fire extinguishing agent through the first pipe. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 A block diagram of a fire suppression system in the cargo hold of an aircraft according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0017] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a fire extinguishing system according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a fire extinguishing system according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 4 An isometric view of an external support conduit according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 5 An end view of a retainer according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 6 An end view of a retainer according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 7 An isometric view of an external support conduit according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 8 A frontal perspective view of an aircraft according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating an example method according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The foregoing summary of the invention and certain specific embodiments described below will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. As used herein, elements or steps stated in the singular and preceded by the words "a" or "an" should be understood to not necessarily exclude a plural of elements or steps. Furthermore, the reference to "an embodiment" is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the described features. Moreover, unless expressly stated to the contrary, embodiments that "comprise" or "have" elements or multiple elements having a particular condition may include additional elements that do not have that condition.

[0026] Figure 1 A block diagram of a fire suppression system 100 within a cargo hold 102 of an aircraft 104 according to an example of this disclosure is shown. The fire suppression system 100 includes components fixed to or within the ceiling, walls, floor, etc., of the cargo hold 102. Optionally, the fire suppression system 100 can be used in various other areas of the aircraft 104, such as at least a portion of the passenger cabin. Furthermore, examples of this disclosure can be used with other types of transportation, such as land-based vehicles, ships, spacecraft, etc. As another example, examples of this disclosure can be used with fixed structures, such as commercial or residential buildings.

[0027] Examples of this disclosure provide, for instance, a fire extinguishing system and method that can be installed in the cargo hold of a vehicle such as a commercial aircraft.

[0028] Figure 2A schematic diagram of a fire extinguishing system 100 according to an example of this disclosure is shown. The fire extinguishing system 100 includes a first tank 106 holding extinguishing agent 108 and a second tank 110 holding extinguishing agent 112. Extinguishing agents 108 and 112 are configured to be delivered as liquids to a delivery nozzle and vaporized upon use. As an example, extinguishing agents 108 and 112 may be, or otherwise comprise, a mixture of bromine and liquid carbon dioxide. In at least one example, the first tank 106 is a low-rate tank configured to hold extinguishing agent 108 to be delivered at a first rate, and the second tank 110 is a high-rate tank configured to hold extinguishing agent 112 to be delivered at a second rate higher than the first rate.

[0029] It should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for labeling purposes only. Can 106 can be considered as can 2, and can 110 can be considered as can 1.

[0030] A first canister 106 is in fluid communication with a first pipe 114 having a first diameter 116. The first pipe 114 defines a fluid passage formed therethrough. The first pipe 114 is configured to deliver extinguishing agent through the fluid passage. A second canister 110 is in fluid communication with a second pipe 118 having a second diameter 120. The second pipe 118 defines a fluid passage formed therethrough. The second pipe 118 is configured to deliver extinguishing agent through the fluid passage.

[0031] The diameter of the first tube 114 is smaller than the diameter of the second tube 118. Specifically, the first diameter 116 is smaller than the second diameter 120. For example, the first diameter is 50% or less of the second diameter 120. As a further example, the first diameter is 10% or less of the second diameter 120.

[0032] A first valve 122 is disposed on and / or within a first pipe 114, and a second valve 124 is disposed on and / or within a second pipe 118. A control unit 126 is in communication with the first valve 122 and the second valve 124, for example, via one or more wired or wireless connections. The first valve 122 and the second valve 124 are configured to be selectively operated by the control unit 126 to move between a closed position and an open position.

[0033] The first valve 122 is located downstream of the first tank 106 and may be located upstream of the external support conduit 150. Similarly, the second valve 124 is located downstream of the second tank 110 and may be located upstream of the external support conduit 150. Optionally, the first valve 122 and / or the second valve 124 may be arranged on and / or inside the external support conduit 150.

[0034] In at least one example, control unit 126 also communicates with one or more sensors 128, which may be located at various points in the cargo hold. Sensors 128 may include fire detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, etc. Optionally, system 100 may not include control unit 126. For example, valves 122 and 124 may communicate directly with sensor 128. As another example, system 100 may not include sensor 128.

[0035] The first tube 114 includes an inlet end 130 at the first tank 106 and an outlet end 132 located distal to the inlet end 130. The outlet end 132 may include one or more delivery nozzles. The first tube 114 also includes a main tube 134 extending between the inlet end 130 and the outlet end 132.

[0036] The second tube 118 includes an inlet end 136 at the second tank 110 and an outlet end 138 located distal to the inlet end 136. The outlet end 138 may include one or more delivery nozzles. The second tube 118 also includes a main tube 140 extending between the inlet end 136 and the outlet end 138.

[0037] The fire suppression system 100 also includes an external support conduit 150, such as a tubular body. The external support conduit 150 holds at least a portion of the main pipe 134 of the first pipe 114. For example, this portion of the main pipe 134 of the first pipe 114 is held within the external support conduit 150. A first seal 152 is disposed at a first end 154 of the external support conduit 150. The first seal 152 sealably engages the outer surface of the main pipe 134 of the first pipe 114 and also sealably engages the outer surface of the main pipe 140 of the second pipe 118. Similarly, a second seal 156 is disposed at a second end 158 of the external support conduit 150 (opposite to the first end 154). The second seal 156 sealably engages the outer surface of the main pipe 134 of the first pipe 114 and also sealably engages the outer surface of the main pipe 140 of the second pipe 118.

[0038] In at least one example, a portion of the main tube 140 is held within the external support conduit 150. For example, the portion of the main tube 140 between the first seal 152 and the second seal 156 is fitted within and held by the external support conduit 150. In this example, the diameter 160 of the external support conduit 150 may be larger than the diameter 120 of the second tube 118. As another example, the external support conduit 150 provides the portion of the main tube 140 of the second tube 118 between the first seal 152 and the second seal 156. In this example, the diameter 160 is the same as the diameter 120.

[0039] In at least one example, the first tube 114 and the second tube 118 are made of metal. For example, both the first tube 114 and the second tube 118 can be made of stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, etc. As another example, one or both of the first tube 114 or the second tube 118 can be made of a polymer (such as plastic). In at least one example, the first tube 114 is made of plastic, and the second tube 118 is made of metal. By making the first tube 114 of plastic, the first tube 114 can be more flexible and resilient. In this way, the first tube 114 can be arranged within the external support conduit 150 and can be more easily shaped in response to the shaping of the external support conduit 150. In at least one example, the external support conduit 150 can be either metal or plastic.

[0040] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 During operation, in response to sensor 128 detecting a fire within cargo hold 102, sensor 128 outputs a fire detection signal 170, which is received by control unit 126. In response to receiving the first detection signal 170, control unit 126 opens the second valve 124. That is, control unit 126 operates the second valve 124 to move it to the open position. When the second valve 124 is open, extinguishing agent 112 moves into the second pipe 118 and enters the external support conduit 150. The extinguishing agent 112 from the second pipe 118 to the external support conduit 150 flows around the main pipe 134 of the first pipe 114, which is held within the external support conduit 150. The larger diameter of the second pipe 118 allows for a high-velocity delivery of the extinguishing agent 112 through the outlet end 138 to the fire within cargo hold 102.

[0041] After the extinguishing agent 112 from the second pipe 118 is delivered to the fire in the cargo hold 102, the control unit 126 opens the first valve 122, allowing the extinguishing agent 108 in the first tank 106 to pass through the first pipe 114 and into the portion of the first pipe 114 within the external support conduit 150. The extinguishing agent 108 then exits from the outlet end 132 of the first pipe 114, for example, within the area of ​​the cargo hold 102. Because the diameter 116 of the first pipe 114 is significantly smaller than the diameter 120 of the second pipe 118, the extinguishing agent 108 is delivered to the cargo hold 102 at a substantially lower rate over a longer period of time compared to the extinguishing agent 112 (conversely, the extinguishing agent 108 is delivered at a substantially higher rate over a shorter period of time compared to the extinguishing agent 112).

[0042] As described herein, an example of this disclosure provides a fire suppression system configured to deliver a binary fire extinguishing agent to a cargo hold 102 of an aircraft 104. System 100 includes an external support conduit 150 comprising a larger diameter portion (e.g., a portion of a second pipe 118) for delivering a high-velocity discharge fire extinguishing agent 112 and a smaller diameter portion (e.g., a portion of a first pipe 114) for delivering a low-velocity discharge fire extinguishing agent 108. By arranging this portion of the first pipe 114 within the external support conduit 150, a single set of pipe suspensions can be used to secure system 100 within the cargo hold 102. The external support conduit 150 allows both the high-velocity discharge fire extinguishing agent 112 and the low-velocity discharge fire extinguishing agent 108 to be delivered within and through the same structure, thereby eliminating the need for two sets of pipe suspensions and the associated hardware and weight.

[0043] As used herein, the terms “control unit,” “central processing unit,” “CPU,” “computer,” etc., can include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system, including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISC), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuitry or processors, including hardware, software, or combinations thereof capable of performing the functions described herein. This is merely exemplary and is therefore not intended to limit the definition and / or meaning of such terms in any way. For example, control unit 126 may be or include one or more processors configured to control operations as described herein.

[0044] Control unit 126 is configured to execute a set of instructions stored in one or more data storage units or elements (such as one or more memories) to process data. For example, control unit 126 may include or be coupled to one or more memories. Data storage units may also store data or other information as required or needed. Data storage units may be in the form of information sources within a processor or physical memory elements.

[0045] The instruction set may include various commands that instruct the control unit 126, as a processor, to perform specific operations, such as methods and procedures exemplified in various examples of the subject matter described herein. The instruction set may be in the form of a software program. Software can take various forms, such as system software or application software. Furthermore, software may be a collection of independent programs, a subset of programs within a larger program, or a part of a program. Software may also include modular programming in the form of object-oriented programming. The processor's processing of input data may be in response to user commands, the results of previous processing, or a request made by another processor.

[0046] The diagrams in the examples herein may illustrate one or more control or processing units, such as control unit 126. It should be understood that a processing or control unit may represent a circuit unit, circuit system, or portion thereof that can be implemented as hardware having associated instructions to perform the operations described herein (e.g., software stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such as a computer hard disk drive, ROM, RAM, etc.). The hardware may include state machine circuitry hardwired to perform the functions described herein. Optionally, the hardware may include electronic circuitry comprising and / or connected to one or more logic-based devices, such as microprocessors, processors, controllers, etc. Optionally, control unit 126 may represent processing circuitry, such as one or more of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), microprocessors, etc. The circuitry in the various examples may be configured to execute one or more algorithms to perform the functions described herein. Whether or not explicitly indicated in the flowcharts or methods, one or more algorithms may include aspects of the examples disclosed herein.

[0047] As used herein, the terms “software” and “firmware” are interchangeable and include any computer program stored in a data storage unit (e.g., one or more memories) for execution by a computer, including RAM memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory. The types of data storage units described above are merely exemplary and therefore do not limit the types of memory that can be used to store computer programs.

[0048] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a fire extinguishing system 100 according to an example of this disclosure is shown. Figure 2 As shown, the external support conduit 150 can be straight and linear. (As...) Figure 2 As shown, the external support conduit 150 may include one or more arcuate portions 151, such as curved sections or bent sections.

[0049] Figure 4An isometric view of an external support conduit 150 according to an example of this disclosure is shown. In at least one example, the external support conduit 150 includes one or more retainers 180. The external support conduit 150 may include more or fewer retainers 180 than shown. Each retainer 180 is configured to support and retain a portion of a first tube 114 within the external support conduit 150. In at least one example, the retainer 180 is disposed within the external support conduit 150 and serves to ensure that the external support conduit 150 remains open while retaining that portion of the first tube 114 in a desired position (such as in the center) within the external support conduit 150. When the external support conduit 150 is bent, flexed, or otherwise shaped for a particular installation, the retainer 180 ensures that the portion of the first tube 114 is in the desired position within the external support conduit 150.

[0050] See Figures 1 to 4 Examples of this disclosure provide a system 100 for extinguishing a fire within a cargo hold 102 of a vehicle, such as an aircraft 104. System 100 includes an external support conduit 150 having a diameter of 160. System 100 also includes a first pipe 114, at least a portion of which is retained within the external support conduit 150. A first diameter 116 of the first pipe is smaller than the diameter 160. In at least one example, the external support conduit 150 and the first pipe 114 are coaxial. Alternatively, the external support conduit 150 and the first pipe 114 may not be coaxial. The external support conduit 150 is configured to deliver a first portion of an extinguishing agent, such as extinguishing agent 112, around at least a portion of the first pipe 114. The first pipe 114 is configured to deliver a second portion of an extinguishing agent, such as extinguishing agent 108.

[0051] Figure 5 An end view of a retainer 180 according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. In at least one example, the retainer 180 is a disc having a cylindrical body 182 configured to be disposed within a portion of an external support conduit 150. Figure 4 (As shown in the diagram). The body 182 includes a central passage 184 (e.g., an orifice) configured to receive and hold a portion of the first tube 114. That is, this portion of the first tube 114 is fitted within the central passage 184. A fluid passage 186 is formed radially outside the central passage 184 through the body 182. The fluid passage 186 allows extinguishing agent 112 to flow through it, while extinguishing agent 108 can flow through the first tube 114 held within the central passage 184.

[0052] Figure 5The dimensions and shape of the fluid channel 186 shown are configured to allow fluid to flow through it, while the body 182 provides robust structural support. Furthermore, it has been found that manufacturing the retainer 180 is more efficient by forming the fluid channel 186 as a circular channel as shown. Alternatively, the retainer 180 may include more or fewer fluid channels 186 than shown.

[0053] Figure 6 An end view of a retainer 180 according to an example of this disclosure is shown. In this example, the retainer 180 includes a central retaining collar 188 that holds a portion of a first tube 114 therein. A linear rib 190 connects the central retaining collar 188 to an outer ring 192. A fluid passage 194 is defined between the central retaining collar 188, the rib 190, and the outer ring 196. The retainer 180 may include more or fewer ribs 190 than shown.

[0054] Figure 7 The illustration shows an isometric view of an external support conduit 150 according to an example of this disclosure. The external support conduit 150 may be bent or otherwise curved, such as Figure 7 As shown. The retainer 180 ensures that the first tube 114 remains centered within the external support conduit 150.

[0055] Figure 8 A frontal perspective view of an aircraft 104 according to an example of this disclosure is shown. The aircraft 104 includes a propulsion system 212, including, for example, an engine 214. Optionally, the propulsion system 212 may include more engines 214 than shown. The engines 214 are carried by the wings 216 of the aircraft 104. In other examples, the engines 214 may be carried by the fuselage 218 and / or the tail 220. The tail 220 may also support a horizontal stabilizer 222 and a vertical stabilizer 224.

[0056] The fuselage 218 of aircraft 104 defines an interior compartment 230. The interior compartment 230 includes a cargo hold. For example, the cargo hold could be a main deck cargo hold. The interior compartment 230 may also include a passenger seating area. Optionally, the interior compartment may not include a passenger seating area. As another example, the cargo hold may be outside the interior compartment (such as under the floor).

[0057] Alternatively, instead of airplanes, examples of this disclosure can be used with a variety of other modes of transportation, such as buses, locomotives and train carriages, ships, spacecraft, etc.

[0058] Figure 9A flowchart of an example method according to the present invention is shown. The method includes: at step 300, delivering a first portion of an extinguishing agent through an external support conduit surrounding one or more portions of a first pipe; and at step 302, delivering a second portion of the extinguishing agent through the first pipe. In at least one example, delivery step 300 occurs during a first time period, and delivery step 302 occurs during a second time period. The first time period may be significantly shorter than the second time period. For example, the first time period may be 10 minutes or less, and the second time period may be 60-180 minutes. Optionally, the first time period may be greater than 10 minutes. Also optionally, the second time period may be less than 60 minutes or greater than 180 minutes.

[0059] Furthermore, this disclosure includes examples pursuant to the following provisions:

[0060] Clause 1. A system for extinguishing fires in the cargo hold of a vehicle, the system comprising:

[0061] External support conduit, having a first diameter; and

[0062] A first tube, having one or more portions retained within an external support conduit, has a second diameter smaller than a first diameter.

[0063] The external support conduit is configured to deliver a first portion of the extinguishing agent around one or more portions of the first pipe, and the first pipe is configured to deliver a second portion of the extinguishing agent.

[0064] Clause 2. In accordance with the system of Clause 1, the means of transport is an airplane.

[0065] Clause 3. The system pursuant to Clause 1 or 2 also includes:

[0066] The first canister is in fluid communication with the first pipe, wherein the first canister is configured to hold a second portion of the extinguishing agent; and

[0067] The second tube is in fluid communication with the external support conduit; and

[0068] The second tank is in fluid communication with the second pipe, wherein the second tank is configured to hold the first portion of the extinguishing agent.

[0069] Clause 4. The system pursuant to Clause 3 also includes:

[0070] The first valve is located on or inside the first pipe; and

[0071] The second valve is located on or inside the second pipe.

[0072] Clause 5. The system according to Clause 4 further includes a control unit in communication with the first valve and the second valve, wherein the control unit is configured to control the operation of the first valve and the second valve.

[0073] Clause 6. The system according to Clause 5 also includes one or more sensors configured to detect fire, wherein the control unit communicates with one or more sensors.

[0074] Clause 7. A system according to any one of Clauses 3 to 6, wherein an external support conduit forms at least a portion of the second tube.

[0075] Clause 8. A system according to any one of Clauses 3 to 7, wherein at least a portion of the second tube remains within the external support conduit.

[0076] Clause 9. A system pursuant to any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the second diameter is 10% or less of the first diameter.

[0077] Clause 10. A system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein the external support conduit is made of metal and the first tube is made of plastic.

[0078] Clause 11. The system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10 further includes one or more retainers disposed within the external support catheter, wherein the one or more retainers are configured to retain the first tube at a desired location within the external support catheter.

[0079] Clause 12. In a system pursuant to Clause 11, one or more retainers include:

[0080] Columnar main body;

[0081] The central channel is configured to receive and retain part of the first tube; and

[0082] One or more fluid channels are formed to pass through the cylindrical body.

[0083] Clause 13. An aircraft comprising:

[0084] Cargo hold; and

[0085] A system for extinguishing fires inside a cargo hold, the system comprising:

[0086] External support conduit, having a first diameter; and

[0087] The first tube has one or more portions held within an external support conduit, and the first tube has a second diameter smaller than a first diameter.

[0088] The external support conduit is configured to deliver a first portion of the extinguishing agent around one or more portions of the first pipe, and the first pipe is configured to deliver a second portion of the extinguishing agent.

[0089] Clause 14. For aircraft pursuant to Clause 13, the system further includes:

[0090] The first canister is in fluid communication with the first pipe, wherein the first canister is configured to hold a second portion of the extinguishing agent;

[0091] The second tube is in fluid communication with the external support conduit;

[0092] The second tank is in fluid communication with the second pipe, wherein the second tank is configured to hold the first portion of the extinguishing agent;

[0093] The first valve is located on or inside the first pipe; and

[0094] The second valve is located on the second guide or inside the second pipe.

[0095] Clause 15. For aircraft pursuant to Clause 14, the system further includes:

[0096] A control unit, connected to a first valve and a second valve, wherein the control unit is configured to control the operation of the first valve and the second valve; and

[0097] One or more sensors are configured to detect fire, wherein the control unit communicates with one or more sensors.

[0098] Clause 16. An aircraft pursuant to Clause 13 or 14, wherein an external support duct forms at least a portion of a second tube.

[0099] Clause 17. An aircraft pursuant to any one of Clauses 13 to 16, wherein the second diameter is 10% or less of the first diameter.

[0100] Clause 18. An aircraft according to any one of Clauses 13 to 17, wherein the system further includes one or more retainers disposed within an external support duct, wherein the one or more retainers are configured to retain the first tube at a desired position within the external support duct.

[0101] Clause 19. For aircraft pursuant to Clause 18, one or more retainers include:

[0102] Columnar main body;

[0103] The central channel is configured to receive and retain a portion of the first tube; and

[0104] One or more fluid channels are formed to pass through the cylindrical body.

[0105] Clause 20. A method for using a system to extinguish a fire in the cargo hold of a vehicle, the system comprising:

[0106] External support conduit, having a first diameter; and

[0107] The first tube has one or more portions held within an external support conduit, and the first tube has a second diameter smaller than a first diameter.

[0108] The external support conduit is configured to deliver a first portion of the extinguishing agent around one or more sections of the first pipe, and the first pipe is configured to deliver a second portion of the extinguishing agent.

[0109] The method includes:

[0110] The first portion of the extinguishing agent is delivered through an externally supported conduit surrounding one or more sections of the first pipe; and

[0111] The second part of the extinguishing agent is delivered through the first pipe.

[0112] As described herein, the examples disclosed herein provide a relatively lightweight and simple fire suppression system that can be used in the cargo hold of vehicles such as aircraft.

[0113] While various spatial and directional terms (such as top, bottom, lower, middle, side, horizontal, vertical, front, etc.) may be used to describe embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that these terms are used only with respect to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. Orientation may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise changed such that upper is lower, or vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, etc.

[0114] As used herein, structures, constraints, or elements “configured to” perform a task or operation are specifically structurally formed, configured, or adapted in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For clarity and to avoid ambiguity, objects that can only be modified to perform a task or operation are not “configured to” perform the task or operation as used herein.

[0115] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of various embodiments of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define parameters of various embodiments of this disclosure, these embodiments are by no means restrictive but exemplary. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above description. Therefore, the scope of the different embodiments of this disclosure should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. In the appended claims and the detailed description herein, the terms “comprising” and “wherein” are used as equivalent expressions to the corresponding terms “including” and “therein”. Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. In addition, the limitations of the following claims are not written in the form of means plus function. Unless, and up to such claims, the phrase “means for…” is used explicitly after a functional statement to avoid further structural limitations.

[0116] This written description uses examples to disclose various embodiments of this disclosure, including the best mode, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of this disclosure, including making and using any apparatus or system and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to a person skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A system (100) for extinguishing a fire in the cargo hold (102) of a vehicle, the system (100) comprising: An external support conduit (150) has a first diameter (116). as well as The first tube (114) has one or more portions held within the external support conduit (150), and the first tube (114) has a second diameter (120) smaller than the first diameter (116). The external support conduit (150) is configured to deliver a first portion of the extinguishing agent (108, 112) around one or more portions of the first tube (114), and the first tube (114) is configured to deliver a second portion of the extinguishing agent (108, 112).

2. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The means of transportation is an airplane (104).

3. The system (100) according to claim 1 further includes: A first canister (106) is in fluid communication with the first pipe (114), wherein the first canister (106) is configured to hold a second portion of the extinguishing agent (108, 112); and The second tube (118) is in fluid communication with the external support conduit (150); and A second canister (110) is in fluid communication with a second pipe (118), wherein the second canister (110) is configured to hold a first portion of the extinguishing agent (108, 112).

4. The system (100) according to claim 3 further includes: The first valve (122) is located on or inside the first pipe (114); as well as The second valve (124) is located on or inside the second pipe (118).

5. The system (100) according to claim 4 further includes a control unit (126) in communication with the first valve (122) and the second valve (124), wherein the control unit (126) is configured to control the operation of the first valve (122) and the second valve (124).

6. The system (100) of claim 5 further includes one or more sensors (128) configured to detect fire, wherein the control unit (126) communicates with the one or more sensors (128).

7. The system (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The external support conduit (150) forms at least a portion of the second tube (118).

8. The system (100) according to claim 3, wherein, At least a portion of the second tube (118) remains within the external support conduit (150).

9. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The second diameter (120) is 10% or less of the first diameter (116).

10. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The external support conduit (150) is made of metal, and the first tube (114) is made of plastic.

11. The system (100) of claim 1 further includes one or more retainers disposed within the external support conduit (150), wherein the one or more retainers are configured to retain the first tube (114) at a desired position within the external support conduit (150).

12. The system (100) of claim 11, wherein the one or more retainers comprise: Columnar main body; The central passage is configured to receive and retain a portion of the first tube (114); as well as One or more fluid channels are formed to pass through the cylindrical body.

13. An aircraft (104), comprising: Cargo hold (102); as well as A system (100) for extinguishing a fire within the cargo hold (102), the system (100) comprising: External support conduit (150) having a first diameter (116); and The first tube (114) has one or more portions held within the external support conduit (150), and the first tube (114) has a second diameter (120) smaller than the first diameter (116). The external support conduit (150) is configured to deliver a first portion of the extinguishing agent (108, 112) around one or more portions of the first tube (114), and the first tube (114) is configured to deliver a second portion of the extinguishing agent (108, 112).

14. The aircraft (104) according to claim 13, wherein the system (100) further comprises: A first canister (106) is in fluid communication with a first pipe (114), wherein the first canister (106) is configured to hold a second portion of the extinguishing agent (108, 112); The second tube (118) is in fluid communication with the external support conduit (150); A second canister (110) is in fluid communication with a second pipe (118), wherein the second canister (110) is configured to hold a first portion of the extinguishing agent (108, 112); The first valve (122) is located on or inside the first pipe (114); as well as The second valve (124) is on or inside the second pipe (118).

15. The aircraft (104) according to claim 14, wherein the system (100) further comprises: A control unit (126) is connected to the first valve (122) and the second valve (124), wherein the control unit (126) is capable of controlling the operation of the first valve (122) and the second valve (124); and One or more sensors (128) are configured to detect fire, wherein the control unit (126) communicates with the one or more sensors (128).

16. The aircraft (104) according to claim 14, wherein the external support conduit (150) forms at least a portion of the second tube (118).

17. The aircraft (104) according to claim 13, wherein the second diameter (120) is 10% or less of the first diameter (116).

18. The aircraft (104) of claim 13, wherein the system (100) further includes one or more retainers disposed within the external support conduit (150), wherein the one or more retainers are configured to retain the first tube (114) at a desired position within the external support conduit (150).

19. The aircraft (104) of claim 18, wherein said one or more retainers comprise: Columnar main body; The central passage is configured to receive and retain a portion of the first tube (114); as well as One or more fluid channels are formed to pass through the cylindrical body.

20. A method for extinguishing a fire in a cargo hold (102) of a vehicle, the system (100) comprising: An external support conduit (150) has a first diameter (116). as well as The first tube (114) has one or more portions held within the external support conduit (150), and the first tube (114) has a second diameter (120) smaller than the first diameter (116). The external support conduit (150) is configured to deliver a first portion of the extinguishing agent (108, 112) around one or more portions of the first conduit (114), and the first conduit (114) is configured to deliver a second portion of the extinguishing agent (108, 112). The method includes: A first portion of the extinguishing agent (108, 112) is delivered through the external support conduit (150) surrounding one or more portions of the first tube (114); and The second portion of the extinguishing agent (108, 112) is delivered through the first pipe (114).

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