Adjustable Smooth Bore Nozzle with Compressible Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smooth bore nozzles have a fixed diameter, limiting flow rate adjustments, which requires shutting off the water supply to change nozzle diameters, causing downtime for firefighters.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable nozzle with a compressible member and a movable tip that allows inner diameter adjustment while fluid is flowing, using fluid pressure to reduce the force needed for adjustment, maintaining a smooth bore and varying flow rates without shutdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed diameter smooth bore nozzle is used, then the nozzle structure is simple and reliable, but the flow rate adjustment range is limited and requires shutting off water supply to change diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle incorporates a compressible member (elastomeric material) that can dynamically change its inner diameter in response to fluid pressure and user input. This allows the nozzle to transition from a fixed diameter to an adjustable diameter system, enabling flow rate changes without shutting off water supply while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle changes its operational parameter (inner diameter) by utilizing the compressibility of the elastomeric member. The inner diameter varies based on fluid pressure and applied force, allowing continuous adjustment of flow rate without mechanical components or shutdown procedures.
2Productivity
If the nozzle diameter is changed by replacing the nozzle or adding/removing a fitting, then the flow rate can be adjusted, but downtime occurs due to shutting off water supply
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle enables continuous adjustment of flow rate while water is flowing through it. The compressible member allows the inner diameter to be modified without interrupting fluid flow, eliminating downtime and maintaining continuous firefighting operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle uses the fluid pressure itself to assist in adjusting the inner diameter. The outwardly directed pressure from fluid flow helps counterbalance the force needed to compress the elastomeric member, reducing the effort required by the user and enabling adjustment during operation without external assistance or shutdown.
3Ease of operation
If fluid pressure is increased to change flow rate, then the flow rate increases, but the force required to adjust the nozzle diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of high fluid pressure (which would normally make adjustment harder) into a beneficial force. The outwardly directed pressure from fluid flow is used to counterbalance the compression force needed on the elastomeric member, effectively reducing the net force the user must apply to adjust the diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric compressible member acts as an intermediary between the fluid pressure and the user's adjustment input. It transmits and modulates forces, using fluid pressure to assist in the adjustment process rather than opposing it directly.
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 easy adjustment of flow rates during operation, reducing downtime and increasing flexibility in firefighting applications by maintaining a smooth bore and utilizing fluid pressure for mechanical advantage.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible member with an inner dimension transverse to the central axis wherein the inner dimension of the compressible member is adjustable to adjust the flow rate through the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
When fluid flows through the nozzle, the pressure of the fluid flowing into the nozzle applies an outwardly directed pressure on the compressible member to thereby increase the inner dimension of the compressible member
Implementation Method 3
the nozzle is configured to divert at least a portion of the fluid pressure for applying an inwardly directed pressure on the compressible member to thereby at least reduce the force needed to be applied to the adjuster
Data Source
AI summary
A firefighting nozzle of the present invention includes a nozzle body with an inlet and an outlet, a passageway having a smooth bore extending between the inlet and the outlet of the nozzle body, and a compressible member defining at least a portion of the passageway. The compressible member has an inner dimension transverse to the longitudinal central axis. The nozzle also includes an adjuster mounted about the compressible member for selectively compressing the compressible member, wherein the pressure of the fluid flowing into the nozzle applies an outwardly directed pressure on the compressible member to thereby increase the inner dimension of the compressible member, and with at least a portion of the pressure being diverted from the passageway for applying an inwardly directed pressure on the compressible member to thereby at least reduce the force needed to be applied by the adjuster to counter-act the outwardly directed pressure when adjusting the flow rate of the nozzle.