Barrier-Piercing Firehose Nozzle with Selector Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional firehose nozzles lack the capability to effectively apply water or fire extinguishing liquids to fires concealed behind barriers, such as ceilings or floors, as they are not designed to pierce through these barriers to reach the fire.
Innovation Solution
A barrier-piercing firehose nozzle assembly with a selectively deployable barrier-piercing applicator and a selector valve that allows for fluid communication between a spray nozzle and the applicator, enabling the nozzle to extend through barriers and apply water to fires on the other side, featuring a segment locking mechanism for secure extension and retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional firehose nozzle is used, then the structure remains simple and easy to operate, but it cannot pierce barriers to reach concealed fires
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into distinct functional segments: a spray nozzle for open fires, a barrier-piercing applicator for concealed fires, and a selector valve for mode switching. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform both spray application (for open fires) and barrier-piercing application (for concealed fires) through a single integrated system, eliminating the need for separate tools
2Adaptability or versatility
If a barrier-piercing applicator is added to the nozzle, then the capability to extinguish concealed fires is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier-piercing applicator is designed with telescopic sections that can extend and retract dynamically. The applicator extends when needed for barrier piercing and retracts when not in use, allowing the device to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic applicator sections are nested within each other when retracted, similar to nested dolls. This nesting mechanism allows the applicator to compact into a small space within the nozzle housing while still achieving full extension length when needed
3Length of moving object
If the applicator is made extendable to pierce barriers, then the reach capability is improved, but the risk of inadvertent extension increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segment locking mechanism provides mechanical feedback through distinct locked and unlocked positions. The locking segments engage with corresponding features on the telescopic sections, providing tactile and visual confirmation of the extended state, preventing inadvertent extension
Solution Approach 2:
The selector valve is positioned and configured to control water flow in advance before the applicator is extended. By establishing water flow control prior to extension, the system ensures that the applicator is intentionally activated and reduces the risk of unintended deployment
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 the selective application of water to fires concealed above, below, or on the other side of barriers by piercing through them, effectively extinguishing fires in hard-to-reach locations.
Implementation Method 1
enabling the nozzle to extend through barriers and apply water to fires on the other side
Implementation Method 2
The selector valve may be selectively deployable in a first valve position in which the selector valve is disposed in fluid communication with the spray nozzle and a second valve position in which the selector valve is disposed in fluid communication with the barrier-piercing applicator
Data Source
AI summary
Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to barrier-piercing firehose nozzle assemblies suitable for selective application of water and/or other extinguishing liquid to an open fire or piercing a ceiling, floor or other barrier and applying the liquid to a fire concealed above, below or on the other side of the barrier. An illustrative embodiment of the barrier-piercing firehose nozzle assemblies may include a nozzle inlet housing having an inlet housing interior. A spray nozzle may be disposed in fluid communication with the inlet housing interior. A barrier-piercing applicator may be disposed in fluid communication with the inlet housing interior. The barrier-piercing applicator may be selectively deployable between a retracted position and an extended position. At least one discharge opening may be provided in the barrier-piercing applicator. A selector valve may be provided in the inlet housing interior. The selector valve may be selectively deployable in a first valve position in which the selector valve is disposed in fluid communication with the spray nozzle and a second valve position in which the selector valve is disposed in fluid communication with the barrier-piercing applicator.