Adjustable Fog Nozzle With Sliding K-Factor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire suppression nozzles lack the ability to adjust flow characteristics such as K-factor, discharge pressure, and discharge rate efficiently, limiting their effectiveness in various firefighting scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable nozzle design featuring a slidable member that translates along a central member to adjust the K-factor and other flow characteristics, using a fill cavity fluidly coupled with channels and a mechanical balancing valve to regulate pressure, allowing independent adjustment of discharge parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing fire suppression nozzles are used, then the nozzle structure is simple, but the ability to adjust flow characteristics such as K-factor, discharge pressure, and discharge rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle incorporates a slidable member that can translate along the central member to dynamically adjust the K-factor and flow characteristics. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the nozzle to adapt to different firefighting scenarios while maintaining a relatively compact structure through the use of movable components within the existing nozzle body.
2Ease of operation
If a slidable member is added to adjust K-factor, then flow characteristic control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slidable member is nested within the central member, which itself is positioned within the nozzle body. This nested arrangement allows the adjustment mechanism to be integrated into the existing nozzle structure without requiring additional external components, thereby improving ease of operation while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle uses fluid pressure from the water stream itself to actuate the slidable member through pressure differential channels. This hydraulic actuation mechanism allows for automatic adjustment of flow characteristics based on the incoming water pressure, eliminating the need for manual controls or external actuation systems and thus improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment mechanism is added, then ability to adjust K-factor independently is improved, but disruption of fluid flow may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a fill cavity as an intermediary chamber between the incoming fluid stream and the slidable member. This fill cavity allows the fluid pressure to be converted into mechanical motion of the slidable member without directly interrupting the main discharge flow path. The mechanical balancing valve acts as another intermediary to regulate pressure and ensure smooth operation, maintaining fluid flow continuity while enabling independent adjustment of K-factor.
4Reliability
If mechanical balancing valve is added, then pressure regulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical balancing valve is designed to automatically regulate pressure based on the fluid dynamics within the nozzle. It uses the incoming water pressure itself to actuate the valve mechanism, which then maintains optimal pressure conditions for the slidable member operation and overall nozzle performance. This self-regulating capability improves reliability without requiring external control systems or complex actuation mechanisms, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 precise control over discharge parameters, enhancing firefighting capabilities by allowing adjustment of K-factor and other flow characteristics without disrupting fluid flow, facilitating targeted fire suppression.
Implementation Method 1
the slidable member produces a restriction along a flow path of the nozzle defined between the one or more inlet apertures of the nozzle and the one or more outlet apertures of the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
the nozzle includes a mechanical balancing valve that regulates pressure of fluid flowing through the nozzle
Implementation Method 3
translation of the slidable member towards the outlet end of the nozzle increases an area of the restriction through which fluid can flow
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle includes an inlet end having one or more inlet apertures and an outlet end having one or more outlet apertures. The nozzle includes a body member that extends between the inlet end and the outlet end. In some embodiments, the nozzle includes a central member that extends centrally through the body member. The nozzle includes an end member fixedly coupled with the central member at the outlet end. The nozzle includes a slidable member translatably coupled with the central member. The slidable member is configured to direct fluid that flows through the body member outwards towards an inner surface of the body member and translation of the slidable member adjusts a K-factor of the nozzle.