Cyclonic-Aspirating Cargo Fire Suppression Nozzle for Even Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire suppression nozzles for aircraft cargo holds suffer from uneven distribution of fire suppression agent and potential blockage due to debris, leading to localized concentration build-ups and pressure risks.
Innovation Solution
A fire suppression nozzle with an annular outlet and flow foil ring that accelerates agent dispersion and mixes it with ambient air, creating lift and suspension, reducing blockage and ensuring even distribution through 360-degree dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fire suppression agent is introduced into the cargo hold through traditional nozzles, then the agent is delivered to the cargo hold, but the agent accumulates in localized areas resulting in uneven distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle divides the fire suppression agent stream into multiple smaller streams through multiple orifices (three or four orifices per nozzle), distributing the agent more evenly across the cargo hold rather than through a single concentrated stream
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle redirects the agent flow from a downward vertical trajectory to a horizontal trajectory parallel to the cargo hold floor, enabling broader spatial distribution and preventing localized accumulation through dimensional redirection of the flow
2Productivity
If high pressure stream is used to deliver fire suppression agent, then the agent is delivered effectively, but debris may travel down pipes and plug the nozzle orifices
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle design incorporates larger orifices and modified flow parameters that maintain effective agent delivery while reducing the velocity and pressure conditions that cause debris to accelerate into the nozzles, thereby reducing blockage risk while preserving delivery efficiency
3Device complexity
If traditional nozzle design is used, then the structure is simple, but localized concentration build-ups create pressure risks in the cargo hold
Solution Approach 1:
By using multiple orifices per nozzle, the agent discharge is segmented into multiple lower-concentration streams rather than a single high-concentration stream, distributing the pressure load and preventing localized concentration build-ups that create hazardous pressure conditions
Solution Approach 2:
Redirecting the agent flow horizontally parallel to the cargo hold floor distributes the agent across a broader area, preventing vertical concentration build-ups and associated pressure risks while maintaining a relatively simple nozzle structure
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 nozzle achieves more even and effective distribution of fire suppression agent, minimizing localized concentration build-ups and reducing the risk of blockage, while also preventing debris accumulation and pressure imbalances.
Implementation Method 1
a flow foil ring with a flat bottom and curved top, or airfoil shape, which accelerates flow of the agent and creates agent lift and suspension
Implementation Method 2
The nozzle also entrains ambient air through an annular inlet passage formed by a conical base of the flow deflector and the bottom of the flow foil ring to mix ambient air with the agent
Implementation Method 3
Cyclonic-aspirating cargo fire suppression nozzle
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A fire suppression nozzle includes a body including a cylindrical portion having a first end and a second end and a conical portion connected to the second end of the cylindrical portion, a main channel extending through the cylindrical portion, a flow deflector connected to the body, and a flow foil ring positioned adjacent the flow deflector and the conical portion of the body. The flow deflector includes a top portion in alignment with the main channel, an annular flange extending out of a side of the flow deflector, and a conical base extending out of the side of the flow deflector at an angle.