Angled Spray Nozzle for Electric Vehicle Underbody Fire Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fires under electric vehicles are difficult to safely contain due to limited access and existing methods either pose safety risks to firefighters or fail to target the source effectively, especially with the growing risk of battery fires.
Innovation Solution
A spray nozzle system with angled holes for even fluid distribution beneath the vehicle, combined with a fan nozzle for targeted spraying above the vehicle, allowing for safe and efficient fire containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If firefighters lift the vehicle to gain access to the underside, then access to the fire source is improved, but firefighter safety deteriorates due to close proximity to the fire
Solution Approach 1:
The spray nozzle system acts as an intermediary device that can be positioned near the fire source without requiring firefighters to physically approach it. The nozzle delivers water through angled holes to reach the underside of the vehicle, allowing firefighters to maintain a safe distance while still effectively combating the fire.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If firefighters spray water along the top of the vehicle, then firefighter safety is improved by maintaining distance, but fire extinguishing effectiveness deteriorates because the water does not target the source
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of spraying water from the top down, the invention inverts the approach by positioning the spray nozzle underneath the vehicle and directing water upward and outward through angled holes. This allows water to be delivered directly to the fire source on the underside while still allowing firefighters to operate from a distance.
3Device complexity
If water is sprayed using a traditional fire hose, then water delivery is simple, but even distribution of water across the vehicle underside deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spray nozzle is segmented into multiple holes distributed along its length, with each hole angled to spray water in a specific direction. This segmentation allows water to be delivered to multiple locations simultaneously, achieving even distribution across the underside of the vehicle while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
4Area of stationary object
If the spray nozzle has holes at various angles, then water distribution coverage is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention specifies parameter ranges for the hole angles (e.g., 30-60 degrees from vertical) rather than requiring exact precise angles. This approach allows for adequate spray coverage while accommodating normal manufacturing tolerances, balancing coverage effectiveness with manufacturability.
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
The system effectively distributes water across the underside of the vehicle, targeting the fire source while minimizing safety risks to firefighters and reducing fluid usage, thus containing fires efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a spray nozzle with a plurality of holes that evenly distribute fluid along the underside of a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A spray nozzle and fan spray system is provided to aid in the cooling and extinguishing of electric vehicle fires. The spray nozzle is configured to be positioned underneath the vehicle, where water is evenly distributed along the underside of the vehicle through a plurality of holes disposed through the side and upper surfaces of the spray nozzle. Simultaneously a fan nozzle may be configured to spray fluid over the top of the vehicle and provides a heat barrier. A method of extinguishing an electrical vehicle fire is also provided that improves the safety of bystanders and fire fighters.