Self-Powered Fire Hose Fitting with Micro-Hydro Turbine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Firefighters face challenges with inadequate lighting and real-time environmental data in firefighting environments, particularly in situations where electricity is not available, and there is a need for self-powered systems that can monitor and communicate environmental and equipment data effectively.

Innovation Solution

A self-powered fire hose fitting system that generates electricity using a micro-hydro-turbine driven by fluid flow, integrates environmental and physiological sensors, and communicates data via a smart phone app for real-time monitoring and display, including GPS and mapping data for navigation and rescue operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If battery packs are used to power lighting, then lighting can be provided without external power sources, but the power storage capacity is inadequate for high power luminous lighting over the time period necessary to extinguish a fire

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower storage capacityVSAvoidlighting duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static battery power to dynamic hydroelectric power generation. The micro-hydro-turbine converts the kinetic energy of flowing water into electrical energy, providing continuous power as long as water flows through the hose, thus extending lighting duration beyond what batteries can provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fire hose itself becomes the power source through the micro-hydro-turbine. The flowing water that is already part of the firefighting operation generates electricity to power the lighting, eliminating the need for separate battery packs and providing sustained power without additional energy consumption concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by moving object

If power cables are run to provide electricity, then lighting can be powered, but exposing electrical components to water poses a risk of electrical shock or malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectricity availabilityVSAvoidelectrical safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The micro-hydro-turbine acts as an intermediary that converts water flow into electricity through electromagnetic induction. This indirect conversion method allows the system to generate electricity without direct electrical connections in the water path, maintaining safety while providing power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces electrical power transmission through cables with mechanical energy conversion through the turbine. Water flow (mechanical energy) directly drives the turbine to generate electricity at the point of use, eliminating the need for power cables and associated safety risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Illumination intensity

If light fixtures or power cables are added, then lighting is provided, but the additional weight makes maneuvering clumsy and awkward

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting capabilityVSAvoidfirefighter maneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fire hose serves multiple functions: water delivery and electricity generation. The micro-hydro-turbine integrated into the hose allows the same water flow to both extinguish fire and power lighting, eliminating the need for separate lighting equipment and reducing overall weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting power generation system is merged with the fire hose itself. The micro-hydro-turbine is integrated into the hose structure, combining the water delivery function with electricity generation in a single unified system, thereby avoiding additional weight from separate lighting equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Provides reliable self-powered lighting and real-time environmental data to firefighters, enhancing their ability to navigate and manage firefighting operations, while allowing for efficient resource allocation and rescue coordination.

Implementation Method 1

generates electricity using a micro-hydro-turbine driven by fluid flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydro-turbine energy conversion: Water Turbine

Implementation Method 2

micro-hydro-turbine driven by fluid flow, integrates environmental and physiological sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8905152B2Self-powered fire hose fitting for lighting, environmental monitoring, and communications system

Publication Date: 2014.12.09 GENERATION UNLIMITED

AI summary

Disclosed is a fire hose coupling apparatus for self powered lighting of an area where a fire fighter is engaged in fires suppression with a fire hose, and for providing real time environmental data to fire fighters.