Angled Fill Nozzle with Integrated Valve for Ground-Level Tank Filling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The current method of filling water tanks in grassland fire trucks is burdensome and dangerous, requiring firefighters to climb into the truck bed and signal to shut off water flow, leading to potential safety hazards and water waste.
Innovation Solution
A fill nozzle with an angled tube and valve system that allows a single firefighter to connect a hose, stand on the ground, and control water flow into the tank, featuring a secure handle and apertures for efficient water distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional water nozzle or open hose is used for filling the tank, then the filling operation can be performed, but the firefighter must climb into the truck bed which creates safety hazards and increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a telescopic pole with nozzle as an intermediary tool that allows the firefighter to operate from the ground. The pole extends the firefighter's reach into the tank without requiring physical entry into the truck bed, thus eliminating the safety hazard while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a spatial dimension by using a telescopic pole that extends vertically from ground level to reach into the elevated truck bed. This dimensional extension allows the firefighter to remain in a safe position while performing the filling operation.
2Loss of information
If a firefighter climbs into the truck bed to signal water flow control, then communication with the tanker firefighter is possible, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is equipped with an integrated valve that allows the firefighter to self-control the water flow directly at the nozzle. This eliminates the need for communication with the tanker firefighter, as the system becomes self-regulating through direct local control.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication function is extracted from the filling operation by integrating the valve control directly into the nozzle. The firefighter no longer needs to communicate water flow control requests, as the valve provides direct control capability.
3Productivity
If the firefighter cannot immediately signal to shut off water, then the tank can be filled, but water overflow may occur causing waste and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated valve on the nozzle enables the firefighter to immediately shut off water flow by simply closing the valve handle. This direct control mechanism prevents water overflow by allowing instant response to tank fullness, eliminating water waste while maintaining efficient filling speed.
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
Enhances safety, reduces water waste, and prevents injuries by enabling efficient and controlled filling of water tanks from the ground, improving operational efficiency during firefighting.
Implementation Method 1
an angled tube having a first end attached to a fire hose via a valve
Data Source
AI summary
A fill nozzle is provided. An angled tube having a first end and a second end wherein a valve is connected at its first end, and its second end serves as the spray end of the fill nozzle. The valve has a fire hose connection connected to it wherein the fire hose connection has a first end capable of connection to a fire hose and a second end connected to the valve. The shape of the angled tube allows a single firefighter to place the spray end in a tank, open the valve, and fill the tank from ground level.