Fire Nozzle Helical Cam Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire hose nozzles fail to produce a consistent fluid stream with variable flow rates, leading to inconsistent velocities and reduced effectiveness in firefighting due to irregularities in nozzle design and the 'wall effect' that slows fluid near the nozzle interior.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle design featuring a rotatable end bell with cam followers and a spider structure that adjusts the flow rate by modifying the space between the entrance and exit pins, ensuring a consistent velocity throughout the fluid stream, and an annulus ring for debris passage, allowing for a solid stream of fluid across a range of flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the inner diameter of the nozzle is deformed to adjust flow rate, then the flow rate is variable, but the velocity consistency deteriorates due to grooves and bumps
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle employs a deformable inner diameter mechanism that dynamically adjusts the flow cross-section while maintaining a smooth contour. The deformation is achieved through a flexible membrane or bellows structure that expands or contracts uniformly, allowing variable flow rates without creating grooves or bumps that would disrupt velocity consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle changes the geometric parameter of the inner diameter while preserving the smoothness parameter. By controlling the deformation of the flexible wall in a manner that maintains uniform curvature, the system achieves flow rate adjustment without introducing velocity disturbances.
2Device complexity
If prior art nozzles are used, then the structure is simple, but the wall effect causes slower velocity near interior walls
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle uses a dynamically adjustable deformable wall that can change its shape to compensate for the wall effect. By adjusting the curvature and position of the interior surface, the system optimizes flow velocity distribution, reducing the slowing effect near walls while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable flow rates are achieved through inner diameter deformation, then flow rate is adjustable, but the stream coherence deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle employs a dynamically deformable interior that maintains a smooth, continuous contour during flow rate adjustment. The flexible membrane deforms uniformly to change the cross-sectional area without creating discontinuities, grooves, or bumps, thereby preserving stream coherence across all flow rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle applies different local properties to different regions of the interior surface. The deformable wall is designed with specific local curvature characteristics that optimize flow attachment and prevent turbulence, maintaining stream coherence even as the overall flow rate changes.
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 delivers a solid, consistent fluid stream at various flow rates, improving reach and accuracy, and is capable of flushing debris, enhancing firefighting efficiency by maintaining coherence and reach of the flow stream.
Implementation Method 1
The tapered entrance pin and the tapered exit pin accelerate and guide the flow of fluid prior to the fluid exiting the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle for use in dispensing a fluid, such as water or a foaming agent to extinguish a fire, comprises a longitudinal body that comprises a plurality of helical shaped cam paths. The cam paths allow the operator of the nozzle to adjust a flow setting for the nozzle by moving a flow adjustment mechanism that is operatively associated with the cam paths.