Fire Suppression Nozzle Spherical Dispersal via Segmented Apertures

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spray nozzles lack effective distribution of fluid for firefighting, as they do not efficiently disperse fluid in a spherical pattern, which limits their firefighting capability.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrical nozzle with a plurality of apertures arranged in central, forward, and rearward arrays, angled to expel fluid perpendicularly and rearwardly, creating a roughly spherical dispersal pattern and enhancing atomization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional spray nozzle design is used, then the structure is simple, but the fluid distribution effectiveness is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirefighting capabilityVSAvoidnozzle structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle body is segmented into multiple aperture arrays (central array, forward array, rearward array) with different orientations. Each array directs fluid at specific angles to achieve comprehensive spherical coverage, transforming a single-function nozzle into a multi-directional spray system that enhances firefighting effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from conventional single-direction or limited-angle spray patterns to three-dimensional spherical dispersal. By incorporating apertures oriented in multiple spatial dimensions (central, forward, rearward arrays with various angles), the nozzle achieves volumetric fluid distribution rather than planar coverage, significantly improving fire suppression capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If fluid is expelled in a single direction, then the nozzle structure is simple, but the dispersal coverage is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray coverage areaVSAvoidaperture arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The aperture system is divided into distinct arrays (central array with perpendicular apertures, forward array with forwardly angled apertures, rearward array with rearwardly angled apertures). Each array segment contributes to a specific portion of the spherical coverage, and their combined effect achieves comprehensive 360-degree spray distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The aperture arrays are asymmetrically arranged with different orientations and angles relative to the nozzle axis. The central array provides perpendicular spray, the forward array provides forwardly angled spray, and the rearward array provides rearwardly angled spray. This asymmetric configuration optimizes coverage in all directions while maintaining a relatively simple cylindrical nozzle body structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If fluid atomization is not enhanced, then the nozzle is easier to manufacture, but the firefighting effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirefighting capabilityVSAvoidaperture configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The multiple aperture arrays create numerous small fluid streams that naturally enhance atomization through increased surface area and turbulence. The segmentation of the spray into multiple directional streams promotes better mixing with air and more effective breakdown of fluid into fine droplets, improving firefighting capability without requiring complex atomization mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By directing fluid in multiple three-dimensional directions rather than a single plane, the patent creates cross-flow interactions between adjacent streams. This multi-dimensional arrangement promotes turbulent mixing and enhanced atomization as fluid streams intersect and break up, achieving effective droplet formation through geometric configuration rather than mechanical atomization devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design achieves a more effective fluid distribution, enhancing firefighting capabilities by producing a spherical dispersal pattern and improving atomization of the fluid.

Implementation Method 1

A plurality of apertures extends through the cylindrical body to expel fluid from the nozzle in a roughly spherical dispersal while atomizing the fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11207554B2Fire suppression spray nozzle
Publication Date: 2021.12.28 AMERICAN FIRE EQUIP INC
  • US11207554B2 patent drawing
  • US11207554B2 patent drawing
  • US11207554B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A spray nozzle directs fluid forwardly, perpendicularly, and rearwardly angled from a fire hose to enhance spray distribution from a single piece nozzle. The spray nozzle includes a cylindrical body having an open end and a spray end. A plurality of apertures extends through the cylindrical body to expel fluid from the spray nozzle in a roughly spherical dispersal while atomizing the fluid to enhance firefighting capability.