Dual-Flow Nozzle with Compressible Member for Fire Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing a nozzle for fire suppression systems that can efficiently handle different flow rates for knock-down and metered discharges without requiring two distinct sets of nozzles, distribution tubing, and containers, which increases cost, weight, and volume.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode nozzle with a nozzle body featuring both low-pressure and high-pressure apertures, where the size ratio of low-pressure apertures to high-pressure apertures is predefined, and a compressible member that blocks high-pressure apertures during low-pressure fluid flow and compresses to reveal them during high-pressure fluid flow, allowing for efficient fluid dispersion in both modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two different sets of nozzles, distribution tubing, and containers are provided for knock-down discharge and metered discharge, then the system can handle different flow rates effectively, but the cost, weight, and volume of the suppression system double
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating both low-pressure apertures for metered discharge and high-pressure apertures for knock-down discharge within a single device. The compressible member enables the nozzle to adapt its flow characteristics based on pressure conditions, allowing one nozzle to replace two separate nozzle systems while maintaining the ability to handle different flow rates effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible member within the nozzle body dynamically adjusts the flow path based on fluid pressure. During high-pressure knock-down discharge, the compressible member deforms to open high-pressure apertures; during low-pressure metered discharge, it returns to its original position to close high-pressure apertures and open low-pressure apertures. This dynamic adaptation allows a single nozzle to efficiently handle varying flow rate requirements without requiring multiple static nozzle configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If two different sets of nozzles, distribution tubing, and containers are provided for knock-down discharge and metered discharge, then the system can handle different flow rates effectively, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functionality of separate knock-down nozzles and metered discharge nozzles into a single dual-mode nozzle. The nozzle body integrates both low-pressure and high-pressure apertures with a compressible member that automatically selects the appropriate flow path based on pressure conditions. This consolidation reduces the number of components from two complete nozzle sets to one unified device, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability to different flow rate requirements
3Quantity of substance
If the concentration of alternative suppression agent during knock-down discharge is higher, then the suppression effect is improved, but the amount of suppression agent discharged during metered discharge may not increase proportionally, making it challenging to design a single nozzle for both modes
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle incorporates different aperture sizes in different locations to optimize fluid dispersion for specific discharge modes. Low-pressure apertures are designed with smaller sizes optimized for metered discharge flow rates, while high-pressure apertures are designed with larger sizes optimized for knock-down discharge flow rates. The compressible member enables selective activation of appropriate aperture groups based on the discharge mode, allowing the nozzle to deliver optimal local flow characteristics for each operation mode while using a single unified 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
Enables efficient dispersion of suppression agents at varying flow rates without the need for separate nozzles and tubing, reducing system complexity and weight while ensuring effective concentration delivery in both discharge modes.
Implementation Method 1
the compressible member is configured to compress into a constricted position in response to the open end of the nozzle body receiving the high-pressure fluid
Implementation Method 2
The compressible member is in an expanded position and blocks the plurality of high-pressure apertures when the open end of the nozzle body receives the low-pressure fluid, and the compressible member is configured to compress into a constricted position
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle configured to receive and disperse a high-pressure fluid or a low-pressure fluid is disclosed. The nozzle includes a nozzle body defining an open end, a closed end, and a side wall connecting the open end to the closed end, where the open end of the nozzle body configured to receive either the high-pressure fluid or the low-pressure fluid. The side wall defines a plurality of low-pressure apertures, a plurality of high-pressure apertures, and a compressible member positioned within the nozzle body. The plurality of high-pressure apertures are positioned downstream from the plurality of pressure apertures. The low-pressure apertures are smaller in size by a predefined ratio when compared to the high-pressure apertures. The compressible member is in an expanded position and blocks the plurality of high-pressure apertures when the open end of the nozzle body receives the low-pressure fluid.