Adjustable Foam Consistency Fire Extinguisher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable foam fire extinguishers have a fixed foam consistency and limited adaptability, making them unsuitable for various fire extinguishing scenarios, particularly in live systems, due to a predetermined nozzle setting and unchangeable extinguishing agent composition.
Innovation Solution
A portable fire extinguisher design that allows adjustable foam consistency by controlling the introduction of compressed gas into the foam stream, enabling a switchable nozzle arrangement and separate containers for water and foaming agent, with manually adjustable valves for gas and agent admixture, allowing operation as either a water or foam extinguisher with variable foam characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed nozzle setting is used in conventional foam extinguishers, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different fire scenarios is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the nozzle setting adjustable rather than fixed. The nozzle can be switched between different configurations (e.g., foam tube with air inlet openings, spray jet tube) allowing the operator to adapt the foam consistency and spray pattern dynamically according to the specific fire scenario, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The extinguishing device is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating a switchable nozzle arrangement that can operate in different modes (foam delivery, spray jet). This allows a single device to handle multiple fire scenarios effectively, improving versatility without requiring multiple separate devices, thereby addressing the adaptability-complexity contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the foam consistency is fixed in conventional extinguishers, then the manufacturing and operation are simple, but the effectiveness for different fire types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by enabling adjustment of foam consistency through variable air injection. The mixing valve allows control of the air-to-foam ratio, and the adjustable air inlet openings in the foam tube enable continuous variation of foam properties. This resolves the contradiction by allowing foam parameters to be changed according to fire requirements while maintaining relatively simple operation through manual valve adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate containers for water and foaming agent are used, then the foam consistency can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the water container and foaming agent container into distinct units. This allows independent control and adjustment of each component, enabling flexible foam consistency modification. The separate containers are connected through a mixing valve system that combines them in controlled proportions, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing valve acts as an intermediary element between the separate water and foaming agent containers. It controls the mixing process and foam consistency adjustment, allowing the two separate components to work together effectively. This intermediary mechanism enables foam adjustability while managing the complexity introduced by separate containers.
4Adaptability or versatility
If compressed gas injection is added to adjust foam consistency, then the foam can be optimized for different applications, but the device complexity and gas consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using compressed gas injection only when foam consistency optimization is required, rather than continuously. The mixing valve allows selective introduction of compressed gas to adjust foam properties, enabling optimization for specific applications while minimizing gas consumption by using it only when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and energy use.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables flexible and efficient firefighting by allowing optimal adjustment of foam consistency and spray patterns, enhancing the device's versatility and effectiveness across different fire conditions.
Implementation Method 1
produce compressed gas-solidified extinguishing foam
Implementation Method 2
the water and extinguishing agent are located together in the extinguishing agent container
Implementation Method 3
Both the interior of the water container and the interior of the foaming agent container can be pressurized with compressed gas from a compressed gas cylinder in order to expel the water or the foaming agent from the respective container
Data Source
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AI summary
Portable or wheeled fire extinguisher that can be operated with water or foam and that comprises a pressure-resistant extinguishing agent container (1), a compressed gas bottle (2) for pressurizing the extinguishing agent container to expel the extinguishing agent, and an extinguishing agent gun (3) that is connected to the extinguishing agent container via a pressure-resistant extinguishing agent hose (4), a mixing device (6) being mounted between the extinguishing agent container (1) and the extinguishing agent gun (3), a compressed gas line being connected to said device. When the extinguishing agent is expelled from the extinguishing agent container (1), additional compressed gas can be introduced via said compressed gas line into the extinguishing agent arriving at the extinguisher gun (3). The mixing device (6) contains an admixing valve that can be optionally switched manually between a closed position and an open position by means of an actuator (61).