Fire Truck Pump Flow Prediction via Pressure and Speed Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire trucks lack an accurate and space-efficient method to predict the flow of fire suppressant fluid, leading to potential undetected low or high flows that can impede fire extinguishment or pose safety hazards due to the limitations of traditional flowmeters.
Innovation Solution
A fire truck pump flow prediction system that includes a centrifugal pump connected to an inlet and discharge pipe, with pressure and rotational sensors, and a central processor to calculate flow based on inlet and discharge pressures and rotational speed, eliminating the need for bulky flowmeters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional flowmeters are installed on individual discharges to measure flow accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates flow measurement for multiple discharges by installing a single flowmeter on the common suction pipe that serves all discharges. This merging approach allows one flowmeter to measure the total flow through the pump, eliminating the need for multiple individual flowmeters on each discharge line, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The flowmeter installed on the common suction pipe serves a universal function by measuring the total flow for all discharges simultaneously. This single device provides flow measurement information that is applicable to the entire fire truck pumping system, making it multi-functional rather than requiring dedicated flowmeters for each discharge
2Measurement precision
If flowmeters are installed on individual discharges to detect flow, then measurement precision is improved, but the space occupied on the fire truck increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow measurement function into a single location on the common suction pipe, eliminating the need for multiple flowmeters distributed across different discharge lines. This consolidation significantly reduces the total space required for flow measurement equipment on the fire truck
3Measurement precision
If flowmeters are installed to measure flow accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but the weight of the fire truck equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple flow measurement functions into a single flowmeter installation, reducing the total weight of equipment required. Instead of installing heavy flowmeters on each of the 10-12 discharges, one flowmeter on the common suction pipe suffices, significantly reducing overall equipment weight
4Measurement precision
If flowmeters require long straight sections of pipe for accurate measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the space required for installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the space requirement for straight pipe sections by carefully selecting the installation location on the common suction pipe where sufficient straight run is naturally available. The system is designed to utilize the existing pipe geometry and layout to provide the necessary straight sections, eliminating the need for additional space-consuming pipe extensions or modifications
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
This system provides accurate and quick detection of flow rates, reducing space and cost requirements while enhancing safety by ensuring adequate water supply for fire suppression without overloading structures.
Implementation Method 1
The intake pressure sensor (18) is connected to the inlet pipe (14) and is configured to detect fire suppressant inlet pressure flowing into the pump (12)
Implementation Method 2
The discharge pressure sensor (20) is connected to the discharge pipe (16) and is configured to detect fire suppressant discharge pressure flowing out of the pump (12)
Implementation Method 3
The rotational sensor (22) is associated with the pump (12) and is configured to detect a rotational speed of the pump (12) during operation
Implementation Method 4
The central processor (24) is configured to determine a flow through the pump (12) and into the discharge pipe (16) based on the inlet pressure, the discharge pressure and the rotational speed
Data Source
AI summary
A fire truck pump flow prediction system includes a pump, an inlet pipe connected to the pump, a discharge pipe connected to the pump, an intake pressure sensor connected to the inlet pipe, a discharge pressure sensor connected to the discharge pipe, a rotational sensor associated with the pump and a central processor connected to the intake pressure sensor, the discharge pressure sensor and the rotational sensor. The intake pressure sensor is configured to detect fire suppressant inlet pressure and the discharge pressure sensor is configured to detect fire suppressant discharge pressure. The rotational sensor configured to detect a rotational speed of the pump. The central processor configured to determine a flow through the pump and into the discharge pipe based on the inlet pressure, the discharge pressure and the rotational speed.