Backpressure Booster Nozzle Assembly for Stable Firefighting Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firefighters face challenges in controlling and maneuvering firefighting hoses due to high fluid pressures, which cause operator fatigue and safety issues, while conventional pressure regulating devices are heavy and induce turbulence.
Innovation Solution
A backpressure booster system integrated into the nozzle assembly, comprising a flow restrictor and conditioner, increases hose pressure near the nozzle without excessive reaction forces, reducing turbulence and maintaining stable fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pressure regulating devices are used to reduce fluid pressure, then operator fatigue is reduced, but device weight and turbulence increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pressure parameter distribution along the hose by introducing a backpressure booster near the nozzle that increases local pressure. This creates a pressure gradient that stabilizes fluid flow and reduces turbulence without requiring heavy conventional pressure regulating devices throughout the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The backpressure booster acts as an intermediary device that mediates between the high-pressure fluid source and the nozzle. It introduces controlled backpressure to stabilize flow characteristics, reducing turbulence and operator fatigue while maintaining a compact, lightweight design.
2Stability of the object's composition
If high fluid pressure is maintained in the hose, then fluid flow stability is improved, but operator control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating a localized zone of increased backpressure near the nozzle rather than maintaining uniform high pressure throughout the entire hose. This localized pressure enhancement stabilizes fluid flow at the critical discharge point while keeping the rest of the hose more manageable for operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The backpressure booster dynamically adjusts the pressure parameter in the local region near the nozzle, creating a pressure gradient that improves fluid flow stability without subjecting the entire hose system to high pressures that would make operator control difficult.
3Stability of the object's composition
If backpressure is increased near the nozzle, then fluid flow stability is improved, but reaction force on operator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backpressure booster creates localized backpressure only in the immediate vicinity of the nozzle where it is needed for stream stability. The pressure gradient is confined to a small region, so the reaction force is localized and can be better managed by the operator near the nozzle rather than being distributed throughout the entire hose.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the conventional mechanical pressure regulation system with a fluid dynamic approach using a flow restrictor and diffuser that generate backpressure through fluid flow characteristics rather than mechanical resistance. This substitution reduces the direct mechanical reaction force transmitted to the operator while maintaining flow stability.
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 enhances hose stiffness and maneuverability, reducing operator fatigue and safety risks while maintaining a stable fluid stream, without significant weight or length addition.
Implementation Method 1
the flow restrictor is configured to restrict flow of the fluid through the nozzle assembly, thereby increasing a pressure of the fluid in the hose upstream of the nozzle assembly
Implementation Method 2
the converging section is configured to direct the fluid flow radially inward as the fluid flow approaches the nozzle, thereby reducing turbulence in the fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
A backpressure booster for a nozzle assembly for a firefighting apparatus is disclosed. The backpressure booster includes a housing, a flow restrictor within the housing, and flow conditioner within the housing and positioned downstream from the flow restrictor, where the flow conditioner is configured to direct fluid radially outward towards an inner surface of the housing.