Compressed Air Foam Mixer With Spring Cushioning for Stable Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CAF fire-extinguishing systems suffer from poor mixing of foam concentrate and compressed air, leading to ineffective fire suppression and pipe damage due to unstable pressure.
Innovation Solution
An air mixer with a three-way first tapered pipe, energy storage mechanism, and cushion mechanism to stabilize the mixing process, using a porous plate and damper springs to absorb kinetic energy and prevent pipe vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If foam concentrate is directly mixed with water and ejected through compressed air, then the system structure is simple, but the mixing effect is poor and pipes are damaged due to unstable pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an energy storage mechanism with a spring that stores energy during pressure surges and releases it during pressure drops, cushioning the compressed air flow before it enters the mixing chamber. This prior cushioning prevents direct pressure shocks from damaging pipes while maintaining system simplicity
2Device complexity
If foam concentrate is directly mixed with water and ejected through compressed air, then the system structure is simple, but the mixing quality is poor leading to ineffective fire suppression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mixing process into multiple stages: first mixing foam concentrate with water in a mixing chamber, then introducing compressed air through a cushioned flow path. This segmentation allows each mixing stage to optimize for its specific function, improving overall mixing quality without significantly increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a water intermediary that first mixes with foam concentrate to form a foam solution, which then mixes with cushioned compressed air. This intermediary approach ensures thorough mixing by breaking down the mixing process into manageable steps, improving foam quality while keeping the system relatively simple
3Productivity
If compressed air is used to eject foam solution, then fire suppression capability is achieved, but unstable pressure causes pipe damage
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage spring mechanism cushions compressed air pressure fluctuations before the air enters the mixing and ejection system. This beforehand cushioning maintains stable pressure during fire suppression operations, preventing pipe damage while preserving fire suppression effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter of compressed air by introducing an energy storage mechanism that absorbs pressure surges and releases energy during pressure drops. This parameter stabilization allows the system to maintain fire suppression capability while preventing pressure-induced pipe damage
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
Improves mixing quality and stability, ensuring effective fire suppression while protecting pipes from damage by absorbing pressure surges.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage spring (63) is limited between the piston (62) and a blind end of the blind pipe (61)
Implementation Method 2
a damper spring (74) is sleeved on the guide post (72)... the straight pipe (3) is supported by the damper spring, such that kinetic energy of the straight pipe can be absorbed
Implementation Method 3
When the compressed air and the foam concentrate enter a straight pipe through a first tapered pipe, they reach an outlet end of the first tapered pipe through a path narrowing due to different cross-section diameters at two ends of the first tapered pipe, and there is a compression process
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an air mixer for a compressed air foam (CAF) fire-extinguishing system. A foam concentrate and compressed air are respectively transported by a liquid inlet pipe and an air inlet pipe. When the compressed air and the foam concentrate enter a straight pipe through a first tapered pipe, they reach an outlet end of the first tapered pipe through a path narrowing due to different cross-section diameters at two ends of the first tapered pipe, and there is a compression process. Under an action of a high-pressure airflow, the foam concentrate is fully mixed. The mixed foam concentrate reaches a porous plate of the straight pipe and can be mixed secondarily. When the foam concentrate is discharged by a second tapered pipe, a flow path widens and there is a release process.