Fire suppression system and method for cargo compartment of vehicle

Abstract

To provide a light-weight and simple fire suppression system usable inside a cargo compartment of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A system 100 for suppressing a fire within a cargo compartment of a vehicle includes an outer support conduit 150 having a first diameter 116, and a first tube 114 having one or more portions retained within the outer support conduit 150. The first tube has a second diameter 120 that is smaller than the first diameter 116. The outer support conduit 150 is configured to deliver a first portion of fire suppression agents 108, 112 around the one or more portions of the first tube, and the first tube is configured to deliver a second portion of the fire suppression agents 108, 112.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to fire suppression systems and methods for use in vehicle cargo compartments and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles such as commercial aircraft are used to transport passengers and cargo between various locations. A typical aircraft includes an interior cabin with passenger seats and a cargo compartment below. As another example, a cargo aircraft includes a main deck section, i.e., an interior cabin dedicated to transporting cargo, not passengers.

[0003] Some aircraft are equipped with cargo holds for accommodating and storing cargo. Fire suppression systems are installed within the cargo holds. The fire suppression systems typically have two sets of piping to supply two-component fire suppressant. Two sets of piping are used because the fire suppressant must be supplied in liquid form to a low-rate discharge nozzle and vaporized at the point of use. The second set of nozzles, intended for high-rate discharge, does not have such a liquid supply requirement. Each set of piping is secured within the cargo hold using separate hangers, fasteners, or other means.

[0004] Of course, securing the separate piping to the cargo hold with multiple hangers, clamps, and fasteners increases the weight and complexity of the overall system, and installing such a system in the cargo hold is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a lighter, simpler fire suppression system that can be used inside the cargo compartment of a vehicle, such as an aircraft.

[0006] With the foregoing in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system for suppressing a fire within a cargo compartment of a vehicle, the system including a support outer tube having a first diameter and a first tube having one or more portions held within the support outer tube, the first tube having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, the support outer tube configured to deliver a first portion of a fire suppressant agent around the one or more portions of the first tube, and the first tube configured to deliver a second portion of the fire suppressant agent.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, the vehicle is an aircraft.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, a first tank is in fluid communication with the first tube. The first tank is configured to store the second portion of the fire suppression agent. The second tube is in fluid communication with the outer support tube. A second tank is in fluid communication with the second tube. The second tank is configured to store the first portion of the fire suppression agent. In at least one embodiment, a first valve is provided on or within the first tube, and a second valve is provided on or within the second tube. In at least one embodiment, a controller is further in communication with the first valve and the second valve. The controller is configured to control operation of the first valve and the second valve. The system may further include one or more sensors configured to detect a fire. The controller may be configured to communicate with the one or more sensors.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the outer support tube forms at least a portion of the second tube. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the second tube is held within the outer support tube.

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

[0011] The outer support tube may be made of metal and the first tube may be made of plastic.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, one or more retaining members are disposed within the outer support tube, the one or more retaining members being configured to hold the first tube in a desired position within the outer support tube.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the one or more retention members include a cylindrical body, a central flow passage configured to accommodate and retain a portion of the first tube, and one or more fluid passages passing through the interior of the cylindrical body.

[0014] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an aircraft comprising a cargo bay and a system as described herein for suppressing an internal fire in the cargo bay.

[0015] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method including delivering a first portion of a fire suppressant through a support outer tube surrounding one or more portions of a first tube, and delivering a second portion of the fire suppressant through the first tube. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a fire suppression system installed inside a cargo hold of an aircraft, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a fire suppression system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a fire suppression system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a support outer tube according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an end view of a retention member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an end view of a retention member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a support outer tube according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an aircraft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The above summary of the invention and the following detailed description of the embodiments will be more easily understood with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the use of "a" or "an" in the singular herein does not necessarily exclude a plurality of such elements or steps. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" are not intended to exclude the existence of other embodiments having the recited features. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, an embodiment that "comprises / includes" or "has" one or more elements that satisfy a particular condition may also include other elements that do not satisfy that condition.

[0018] 1 is a block diagram of a fire suppression system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, located within a cargo bay 102 of an aircraft 104. The fire suppression system 100 may include components fixed to or within a surface, such as the ceiling, walls, or floor, of the cargo bay 102. Optionally, the fire suppression system 100 may be used in various other areas of the aircraft 104, such as at least a portion of the passenger cabin. Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in other types of vehicles, such as land vehicles, watercraft, and spacecraft. As another example, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in fixed structures, such as commercial or residential buildings.

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a fire suppression system and method that can be installed in the cargo compartment of a vehicle, such as a commercial aircraft.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a fire suppression system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The fire suppression system 100 includes a first tank 106 for storing a fire suppression agent 108 and a second tank 110 for storing a fire suppression agent 112. The fire suppression agents 108 and 112 are configured to be delivered in liquid form to a delivery nozzle and vaporized at the point of use. In one example, the fire suppression agents 108 and 112 include a mixture of liquid carbon dioxide and bromine. In at least one embodiment, the first tank 106 is a low-flow tank configured to store the fire suppression agent 108, which is delivered at a first rate. The second tank 110 is a high-flow tank configured to store the fire suppression agent 112, which is delivered at a second rate higher than the first rate.

[0021] It should be noted that the terms first and second are merely used as labels: the first tank 106 could be the second tank and the second tank 110 could be the first tank.

[0022] The first tank 106 is in fluid communication with a first tube 114 having a first diameter 116. The first tube 114 defines a fluid passage therein. The first tube 114 is configured to transport a fire suppression agent therethrough. The second tank 110 is in fluid communication with a second tube 118 having a second diameter 120. The second tube 118 defines a fluid passage therein. The second tube 118 is configured to transport a fire suppression agent therethrough.

[0023] The diameter of tube 114 is smaller than the diameter of tube 118. Specifically, first diameter 116 is smaller than second diameter 120. For example, first diameter 116 is less than or equal to 50% of second diameter 120. In yet another example, first diameter 116 is less than or equal to 10% of second diameter 120.

[0024] A first valve 122 is disposed on and / or within the first tube 114, and a second valve 124 is disposed on and / or within the second tube 118. A controller 126 communicates with the first valve 122 and the second valve 124 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 controller 126 to move between a closed position and an open position.

[0025] The first valve 122 can be located downstream of the first tank 106 and upstream of the outer support conduit 150. Similarly, the second valve 124 can be located downstream of the second tank 110 and upstream of the outer support conduit 150. Optionally, one or both of the first valve 122 and the second valve 124 can be located on and / or within the outer support conduit 150.

[0026] In at least one embodiment, the control unit 126 also communicates with one or more sensors 128, which may be located, for example, throughout the cargo hold. The sensors 128 may include, for example, fire detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, etc. Optionally, the system 100 may not include the control unit 126. For example, the valves 122 and 124 may be configured to communicate directly with the sensors 128. In other examples, the system 100 may not include the sensors 128.

[0027] The first tube 114 has an inlet end 130 toward the first tank 106 and an outlet end 132 opposite the inlet end 130. The outlet end 132 may include one or more discharge nozzles. The first tube 114 further has a main tubular body 134 extending between the inlet end 130 and the outlet end 132.

[0028] The second tube 118 has an inlet end 136 toward the second tank 110 and an outlet end 138 opposite the inlet end 136. The outlet end 138 may include one or more discharge nozzles. The second tube 118 further has a main tubular portion 140 extending between the inlet end 136 and the outlet end 138.

[0029] The fire suppression system 100 further includes a support outer tube 150, e.g., a cylindrical body. The support outer tube 150 holds at least a portion of the main tubular portion 134 of the first tube 114. For example, a portion of the main tubular portion 134 of the first tube 114 is held within the support outer tube 150. A first seal 152 is disposed at a first end 154 of the support outer tube 150. The first seal 152 sealingly engages the outer surface of the main tubular portion 134 of the first tube 114 and also sealingly engages the outer surface of the main tubular portion 140 of the second tube 118. Similarly, a second seal 156 is disposed at a second end 158 (opposite the first end 154) of the support outer tube 150. The second seal 156 sealingly engages the outer surface of the main tubular portion 134 of the first tube 114 and sealingly engages the outer surface of the main tubular portion 140 of the second tube 118 .

[0030] In at least one embodiment, a portion of the main tubular portion 140 is held within the outer support tube 150. For example, a portion of the main tubular portion 140 between the first seal 152 and the second seal 156 is inserted into and held within the outer support tube 150. In this case, the diameter 160 of the outer support tube 150 is larger than the diameter 120 of the second tube 118. In another example, the outer support tube 150 constitutes the portion of the main tubular portion 140 of the second tube 118 between the first seal 152 and the second seal 156. In this case, the diameter 160 is the same as the diameter 120.

[0031] In at least one embodiment, the first tube 114 and the second tube 118 are formed from a metal. For example, the first tube 114 and the second tube 118 can each be formed from stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, or the like. In other examples, one or both of the first tube 114 and the second tube 118 can be formed from a polymer, such as plastic. In at least one embodiment, the first tube 114 is formed from a plastic, and the second tube 118 is formed from a metal. Forming the first tube 114 from a plastic can increase the flexibility and resilience of the first tube 114. In this manner, the first tube 114 can be disposed inside the outer support tube 150, making it more easily moldable in response to molding of the outer support tube 150. In at least one embodiment, the outer support tube 150 can be formed from a metal or a plastic.

[0032] 1 and 2 , during operation, when the sensor 128 detects a fire inside the cargo hold 102, the sensor 128 outputs a fire detection signal 170 to the control unit 126. Upon receiving the fire detection signal 170, the control unit 126 opens the second valve 124. That is, the control unit 126 operates the second valve 124 to move it to an open position. When the second valve 124 is in the open state, the fire suppressant 112 flows into the second tube 118 and then into the outer support pipe 150. After passing through the second tube 118 and reaching the outer support pipe 150, the fire suppressant 112 flows around the main tubular portion 134 of the first tube 114, which is held inside the outer support pipe 150. The large diameter of the second tube 118 allows the fire suppressant 112 to be rapidly discharged from the outlet end 138 to the fire-affected portion of the cargo hold 102 at a high flow rate.

[0033] Once the fire suppressant 112 has been released from the second tube 118 into the fire portion of the cargo hold 102, the control unit 126 then opens the first valve 122, causing the fire suppressant 108 in the first tank 106 to pass through the first tube 114 and reach the portion of the first tube 114 that is inside the outer support tube 150. The fire suppressant 108 is then released from the outlet end 132 of the first tube 114, such as in the area of ​​the cargo hold 102. Because the diameter 116 of the first tube 114 is significantly smaller than the diameter 120 of the second tube 118, the fire suppressant 108 reaches the cargo hold 102 at a significantly lower flow rate and over a longer time than the fire suppressant 112 (as opposed to the fire suppressant 108, which reaches the cargo hold 102 at a much higher flow rate and in a shorter time).

[0034] Thus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a fire extinguishing system configured to deliver a two-component fire suppression agent to a cargo bay 102 of an aircraft 104 is provided. The system 100 includes a support outer tube 150 having a larger diameter section (e.g., a portion of the second tube 118) for delivering a high-rate release fire suppression agent 112 and a smaller diameter section (e.g., a portion of the first tube 114) for delivering a low-rate release fire suppression agent 108. By locating a portion of the first tube 114 within the support outer tube 150, the system 100 can be secured to the cargo bay 102 using only a single set of hanger pipes. The support outer tube 150 allows both the high-rate release fire suppression agent 112 and the low-rate release fire suppression agent 108 to be delivered through the same structure, thereby eliminating the need for two sets of hanger pipes and the associated components and weight.

[0035] As used herein, the terms "controller," "central processing unit," "CPU," "computer," or similar terms refer to any processor-based or microprocessor-based system, such as a microcontroller, a reduced instruction set computer (RISC), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), logic circuitry, and other circuits or processors, including hardware, software, or a combination thereof, capable of performing the functions described herein. These terms are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the definition or meaning of these terms. For example, controller 126 may include one or more processors configured to control operations as described herein.

[0036] The controller 126 is configured to process data by executing a set of instructions stored in one or more data stores or elements (e.g., one or more memories). For example, the controller 126 may include one or more memories or be connected to one or more memories. The data stores may store desired or needed data or information. The data stores may take the form of an information source or may take the form of a physical memory element of a processing machine.

[0037] The instruction set may include, for example, various commands that instruct the controller 126 as a processing machine to perform particular operations, such as the methods and processes of various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. The instruction set may take the form of, for example, a software program. This software may take various forms, such as system software or application software. Furthermore, this software may be a collection of separate programs, a subset of a larger program, or a portion of a program. The software may include modular programming in the form of object-oriented programming. The processing of input data by the processing machine may be performed in response to user commands, results of previous processing, or requests from other processing machines.

[0038] Figures illustrating embodiments may depict one or more controllers or processors, such as controller 126. Note that a controller or processor may represent a circuit, circuit configuration, or portion thereof, that can be implemented as hardware associated with instructions (e.g., software stored on a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium, such as a computer hard drive, ROM, RAM, etc.) that perform the processes described herein. The hardware may include state machine circuitry hardwired to perform the functions described herein. Optionally, the hardware may include electronic circuitry including or connected to one or more logic-based devices, such as a microprocessor, processor, controller, etc. Optionally, controller 126 may represent processing circuitry including one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), microprocessors, etc. The circuitry in various embodiments may be configured to perform the functions described herein by executing one or more algorithms. The one or more algorithms herein may include aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure, whether or not explicitly depicted in a flowchart or method.

[0039] In this specification, the terms "software" and "hardware" are used interchangeably and include computer programs stored in data stores (e.g., one or more memories) and executed by a computer, such as RAM memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory. The types of data stores listed above are merely examples and are not intended to limit the types of memory that may store computer programs.

[0040] 3 is a schematic diagram of a fire suppression system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the support outer tube 150 can be configured to be straight. Alternatively, the support outer tube 150 can be configured to include one or more arcuate portions 151, such as curved or bent portions, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0041] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a support outer tube 150 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In at least one embodiment, the support outer tube 150 includes one or more retention members 180. The support outer tube 150 may include more or fewer retention members 180 than shown. Each retention member 180 is configured to support and retain a portion of the first tube 114 within the support outer tube 150. In at least one embodiment, the retention members 180 are disposed within the support outer tube 150 and function to maintain the support outer tube 150 in an open state and to retain the portion of the first tube 114 in a desired position (e.g., a center portion) within the support outer tube 150. The retention members 180 allow the portion of the tube 114 to be retained in a desired position within the support outer tube 150 even when the support outer tube 150 is bent, curved, or otherwise configured for installation.

[0042] 1-4 , an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system 100 for suppressing a fire within a cargo hold 102 of a vehicle (e.g., an aircraft 104). The system 100 includes a support outer tube 150 having a diameter 160. The system 100 further includes a first tube 114 at least a portion of which is held within the support outer tube 150. The first tube has a diameter 116 that is smaller than the diameter 160. In at least one embodiment, the support outer tube 150 and the first tube 114 are coaxial. Optionally, the support outer tube 150 and the first tube 114 may not be coaxial. The support outer tube 150 is configured to deliver a first portion of a fire suppression agent, such as fire suppression agent 112, around at least a portion of the first tube 114. The first tube 114 is configured to deliver a second portion of a fire suppression agent, such as fire suppression agent 108.

[0043] FIG. 5 is an end view of a retention member 180 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In at least one embodiment, the retention member 180 is disk-shaped and includes a cylindrical body 182 configured to be positioned within a portion of the outer support tube 150 (not shown in FIG. 4). The body 182 includes a central passage 184 (e.g., an orifice) configured to receive and retain a portion of the first tube 114. That is, a portion of the first tube 114 extends through the central passage 184. A fluid passage 186 is formed through the body 182 at a radial location outside the central passage 184. This allows the fire suppressant 112 to flow through the fluid passage 186, and the fire suppressant 108 to flow through the first tube 114 retained within the central passage 184.

[0044] 5 is sized and shaped to allow fluid to pass therethrough, while the body 182 is configured to provide rigid structural support. Additionally, it has been found that providing the fluid passages 186 as cylindrical channels, as shown, improves the efficiency of the manufacturing process for the retention member 180. Alternatively, the retention member 180 may include more or fewer fluid passages 186 than shown.

[0045] 6 is an end view of a retaining member 180 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the retaining member 180 includes a central retaining collar 188 that retains a portion of the first tube 114. The central retaining collar 188 is connected to an outer ring 192 by linear ribs 190. A fluid passage 194 is formed between the central retaining collar 188, the ribs 190, and the outer ring 192. Note that the retaining member 180 may include more or fewer ribs 190 than shown.

[0046] Figure 7 is an isometric view of a support outer tube 150 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The support outer tube 150 can be bent or curved as shown in Figure 7. A retaining member 180 holds the first tube 114 in a central position on the support outer tube 150.

[0047] 8 is a front perspective view of an aircraft 104 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The aircraft 104 includes a propulsion system 212, which may include, for example, engines 214. Optionally, the propulsion system 212 may include more engines 214 than shown. The engines 214 are mounted on wings 216 of the aircraft 104. In other embodiments, the engines 214 may be mounted on a fuselage 218 or a tail section 220. The tail section 220 may further be configured to support a horizontal stabilizer 222 and a vertical stabilizer 224.

[0048] The fuselage 218 of the aircraft 104 defines an interior cabin 230. The interior cabin 230 includes a cargo hold. For example, the cargo hold is a main deck cargo hold. The interior cabin 230 may also include a passenger seating area. Optionally, the interior cabin may not include a passenger seating area. In other examples, the cargo hold may be located outside the interior cabin (e.g., below the floor).

[0049] Alternatively, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in other vehicles instead of aircraft, such as buses, locomotives, rail cars, ships, spacecraft, etc.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method includes, at 300, delivering a first portion of a fire suppression agent through a support outer tube surrounding one or more portions of a first tube, and, at 302, delivering a second portion of the fire suppression agent through the first tube. In at least one embodiment, delivering 300 is performed for a first time period, and delivering 302 is performed for 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, and the second time period may be 60 to 180 minutes. Optionally, the first time period may be longer than 10 minutes. Optionally, the second time period may be shorter than 60 minutes or longer than 180 minutes.

[0051] The present disclosure further includes examples according to the following appendices.

[0052] Clause 1. A system for suppressing a fire inside a cargo compartment of a vehicle, comprising: an outer support tube having a first diameter; a first tube having one or more portions held within the outer support tube and having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter; the support outer tube is configured to deliver a first portion of a fire suppressant around the one or more portions of the first tube, and the first tube is configured to deliver a second portion of the fire suppressant.

[0053] Clause 2. The system of clause 1, wherein the vehicle is an aircraft.

[0054] Clause 3. A first tank in fluid communication with the first tube and configured to store the second portion of the fire suppression agent; a second tube in fluid communication with the outer support tube; 3. The system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a second tank in fluid communication with the second tube and configured to store the first portion of the fire suppression agent.

[0055] Supplementary Note 4. A first valve provided on or inside the first tube; 4. The system of claim 3, further comprising: a second valve disposed on or within the second tube.

[0056] Appendix 5. The system of Appendix 4, further comprising a controller in communication with the first valve and the second valve, the controller configured to control operation of the first valve and the second valve.

[0057] Appendix 6. The system of Appendix 5, further comprising one or more sensors configured to detect fire, wherein the control unit is in communication with the one or more sensors.

[0058] Appendix 7. The system of any one of Appendixes 3 to 6, wherein the outer support tube constitutes at least a portion of the second tube.

[0059] Appendix 8. The system of any one of Appendixes 3 to 7, wherein at least a portion of the second tube is held within the outer supporting tube.

[0060] Appendix 9. The system of any one of Appendixes 1 to 8, wherein the second diameter is 10% or less of the first diameter.

[0061] Appendix 10. The system of any one of Appendixes 1 to 9, wherein the outer support tube is formed of metal and the first tube is formed of plastic.

[0062] Appendix 11. The system of any of Appendixes 1 to 10, further comprising one or more retaining members disposed within the outer support tube, the one or more retaining members configured to hold the first tube in a desired position within the outer support tube.

[0063] Appendix 12. The one or more retaining members: a cylindrical body; a central channel configured to receive and retain a portion of the first tube; and one or more fluid passages through the cylindrical body.

[0064] Appendix 13. Cargo compartment and a system for suppressing a fire inside the cargo hold, the system comprising: an outer support tube having a first diameter; a first tube having one or more portions held within the outer support tube and having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter; the support outer tube configured to deliver a first portion of a fire suppressant around the one or more portions of the first tube, and the first tube configured to deliver a second portion of the fire suppressant.

[0065] Appendix 14. The system comprises: a first tank in fluid communication with the first tube and configured to store the second portion of the fire suppression agent; a second tube in fluid communication with the outer support tube; a second tank in fluid communication with the second tube and configured to store the first portion of the fire suppression agent; a first valve provided on or within the first tube; and a second valve disposed on or within the second tube.

[0066] Appendix 15. The system comprises: a controller in communication with the first valve and the second valve, the controller configured to control operation of the first valve and the second valve; and one or more sensors configured to detect fire, wherein the controller is in communication with the one or more sensors.

[0067] Clause 16. The aircraft of clause 13 or 14, wherein the outer support tube constitutes at least a portion of the second tube.

[0068] Supplementary Note 17. The aircraft of any one of Supplementary Notes 13 to 16, wherein the second diameter is 10% or less of the first diameter.

[0069] Addendum 18. The aircraft of any of Addendums 13 to 17, wherein the system further includes one or more retention members disposed within the outer support tube, the one or more retention members configured to retain the first tube in a desired position within the outer support tube.

[0070] Addendum 19. The one or more retaining members: a cylindrical body; a central channel configured to receive and retain a portion of the first tube; and one or more fluid passages through the cylindrical body.

[0071] Clause 20. A method of a system for suppressing a fire inside a cargo compartment of a vehicle, said system comprising: an outer support tube having a first diameter; a first tube having one or more portions held within the outer support tube and having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter; the outer support tube is configured to deliver a first portion of a fire suppression agent around the one or more portions of the first tube, and the first tube is configured to deliver a second portion of the fire suppression agent; The method comprises: delivering the first portion of the fire suppression agent through the support outer tube surrounding the one or more portions of the first tube; delivering the second portion of the fire suppression agent through the first tube.

[0072] As described above, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a relatively lightweight and simple fire suppression system that can be used inside the cargo compartment of a vehicle such as an aircraft.

[0073] In describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, various spatial and directional terms may be used, such as top, bottom, bottom, center, side, horizontal, vertical, front, etc., but these terms are used only in relation to the orientation shown in the drawings. These orientations can be flipped, rotated, or otherwise changed so that top becomes bottom or vice versa, and horizontal becomes vertical or vice versa.

[0074] Additionally, a structure, limitation, or element that is "configured to" perform a process or operation is one that is specifically formed, configured, or adapted to perform that process or operation. For clarity and avoidance of doubt, something that is merely modifiable to perform that process or operation does not qualify as "configured" to perform that process or operation, as used herein.

[0075] It should be noted that the above description is illustrative and not limiting. For example, the above-described embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, these embodiments are not intended to be limiting and are merely exemplary. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims and the detailed description, terms such as "including" and "in which" are used as ordinary expressions equivalent to "comprising" and "wherein," respectively. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used merely as distinguishing markers and do not impose numerical requirements on the objects referred to.

[0076] The description herein discloses by way of example various embodiments, including the best mode, and will enable any person skilled in the art to practice various embodiments of the present disclosure, including making and using any device or system, and performing the incorporated methods. The patentable scope of various embodiments of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other embodiments that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other embodiments should be considered to be within the scope of the claims if they have elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent elements that have only insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A system for suppressing a fire within a cargo compartment of a vehicle, comprising: an outer support tube having a first diameter; a first tube having one or more portions held within the outer support tube and having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter; the support outer tube is configured to deliver a first portion of a fire suppression agent around the one or more portions of the first tube, and the first tube is configured to deliver a second portion of the fire suppression agent.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle is an aircraft.

3. a first tank in fluid communication with the first tube and configured to store the second portion of the fire suppression agent; a second tube in fluid communication with the outer support tube; 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a second tank in fluid communication with the second tube and configured to store the first portion of the fire suppression agent.

4. a first valve provided on or within the first tube; The system of claim 3 further comprising a second valve disposed on or within the second tube.

5. The system of claim 4 , further comprising a controller in communication with the first valve and the second valve, the controller configured to control operation of the first valve and the second valve.

6. The system of claim 5 , further comprising one or more sensors configured to detect fire, the controller in communication with the one or more sensors.

7. The system of claim 3 , wherein the outer support tube comprises at least a portion of the second tube.

8. The system of claim 3 , wherein at least a portion of the second tube is held within the outer support tube.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second diameter is less than or equal to 10% of the first diameter.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the outer support tube is formed of metal and the first tube is formed of plastic.

11. 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more retention members disposed within the outer support tube, the one or more retention members configured to hold the first tube in a desired position within the outer support tube.

12. The one or more retention members include: a cylindrical body; a central channel configured to receive and retain a portion of the first tube; and one or more fluid passages through the cylindrical body.

13. The cargo compartment and a system for suppressing a fire inside the cargo hold, the system comprising: an outer support tube having a first diameter; a first tube having one or more portions held within the outer support tube and having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter; the support outer tube is configured to deliver a first portion of the fire suppression agent around the one or more portions of the first tube, and the first tube is configured to deliver a second portion of the fire suppression agent.

14. The system comprises: a first tank in fluid communication with the first tube and configured to store the second portion of the fire suppression agent; a second tube in fluid communication with the outer support tube; a second tank in fluid communication with the second tube and configured to store the first portion of the fire suppression agent; a first valve provided on or within the first tube; 14. The aircraft of claim 13, further comprising a second valve disposed on or within the second tube.

15. The system comprises: a controller in communication with the first valve and the second valve, the controller configured to control operation of the first valve and the second valve; 15. The aircraft of claim 14, further comprising: one or more sensors configured to detect fire; and the controller is in communication with the one or more sensors.

16. 14. The aircraft of claim 13, wherein the outer support tube comprises at least a portion of the second tube.

17. 14. The aircraft of claim 13, wherein the second diameter is less than or equal to 10% of the first diameter.

18. 14. The aircraft of claim 13, wherein the system further includes one or more retention members disposed within the outer support tube, the one or more retention members configured to retain the first tube in a desired position within the outer support tube.

19. The one or more retention members include: a cylindrical body; a central channel configured to receive and retain a portion of the first tube; and one or more fluid passages through the cylindrical body.

20. 1. A method for a system for suppressing a fire inside a cargo compartment of a vehicle, the system comprising: an outer support tube having a first diameter; a first tube having one or more portions held within the outer support tube and having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter; the outer support tube is configured to deliver a first portion of a fire suppression agent around the one or more portions of the first tube, and the first tube is configured to deliver a second portion of the fire suppression agent; The method comprises: delivering the first portion of the fire suppression agent through the support outer tube surrounding the one or more portions of the first tube; delivering the second portion of the fire suppression agent through the first tube.

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