Bistable Diaphragm Valve for Fire Suppression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire suppression systems for stationary and heavy diesel-powered equipment lack an efficient and reliable valve mechanism that can ensure consistent delivery of fire suppressants without relying on external pressure sources or additional check valves.
Innovation Solution
A fire suppression system with a movable valve member, comprising a diaphragm with reversible dishing and sealing members, which is bistable and maintains sealing force independently of fluid pressure, allowing for controlled flow from a reservoir to nozzles without the need for external pressure or check valves, utilizing nitrogen-pressurized activation lines to toggle the valve between open and closed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional valve mechanism is used to control suppressant flow, then the system can prevent suppressant leakage, but the valve requires complex check valves and is prone to pressure-dependent sealing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is segmented into a body portion and a diaphragm portion, allowing independent function of each segment. The body provides structural support while the diaphragm provides pressure-independent sealing through its resilient nature, eliminating the need for complex check valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism changes from pressure-dependent (conventional valves) to pressure-independent by using a resilient diaphragm that maintains sealing force through its elastic properties rather than relying on fluid pressure, thereby improving reliability without increasing complexity.
2Force
If a pressure-dependent sealing mechanism is used, then the valve can maintain sealing force, but the sealing effectiveness varies with pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing force is decoupled from pressure parameters by using a resilient diaphragm whose sealing capability is determined by its elastic properties rather than the pressure of the suppressant, ensuring consistent sealing across varying pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm automatically adjusts its sealing force in response to pressure variations without external control, using its own elastic properties to maintain reliable sealing across different operating conditions.
3Productivity
If additional check valves are added to improve flow control, then suppressant flow can be better regulated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the body portion provides structural support and flow regulation, while the diaphragm portion provides both sealing and flow control functions, eliminating the need for separate check valves and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function and flow control function are merged into a single integrated valve member rather than requiring separate components, simplifying the overall valve assembly while maintaining effective flow regulation.
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
Ensures reliable and pressure-independent delivery of fire suppressants to nozzles, reducing the risk of leakage and eliminating the need for check valves, while maintaining system stability during standby and operation, with self-equalizing pressure management to handle temperature changes and minor leaks.
Implementation Method 1
said movable valve member comprising a resilient diaphragm and having opposing sides, each side having a sealing member attached thereto
Implementation Method 2
said actuator maintains a fluid or gas under pressure to position said valve member in said first position
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a fire suppression system, a valve for the system, and a movable valve member for the valve. The system includes a reservoir for a fire suppressant material. The reservoir has an outlet, at least one nozzle from which the suppressant is delivered, and a valve governing passage of the suppressant to the nozzles. The valve includes a movable valve member and first and second valve seats cooperating therewith. The valve member is movable from a first position seated with respect to the first valve seat preventing communication between the reservoir and the nozzles, to a second position seated with respect to the second valve seat permitting suppressant flow from the reservoir to the nozzles and preventing suppressant flow to an actuator operatively associated with the valve to selectively cause movement of the valve member from the first position to the second position.