Firefighting Fluid Control for Stable Multi-Valve Flow Rates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fire fighting fluid delivery systems lack advanced control mechanisms for efficiently managing the flow and pressure of firefighting fluids, leading to suboptimal performance and potential safety issues during firefighting operations.
Innovation Solution
A control system for a fire fighting fluid delivery system that includes a network-connected controller, touchscreen display, and valve controllers, allowing for precise control of fluid flow rates, pressure adjustments, and priority-based command execution to maintain optimal operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a control system with network-connected controller and touchscreen display is implemented, then the ease of operation and control precision are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control systems with an automated control system featuring a network-connected controller and touchscreen display. The controller communicates with valve controllers over a network, eliminating the need for complex manual valve adjustment mechanisms and providing precise digital control of fluid flow and pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The touchscreen display serves as an intermediary between the operator and the control system, providing an intuitive graphical interface for setting parameters and monitoring system status. The network protocol acts as an intermediary for communication between the controller and valve controllers, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If priority-based command execution is implemented, then the reliability and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system pre-establishes priority levels for different commands and modules before operation begins. When multiple commands are received, the controller automatically evaluates them against the pre-defined priority structure, ensuring that critical safety functions always take precedence without requiring complex real-time decision-making logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the status of all modules and commands, providing feedback to the controller about current operational states. This feedback mechanism enables the controller to dynamically adjust command execution based on priority levels while maintaining system safety and reliability.
3Productivity
If flow rate and pressure control mechanisms are added, then the productivity and efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements electronic control of fluid flow parameters including flow rate and pressure through the controller and valve controllers. Operators can digitally set and adjust these parameters via the touchscreen interface, allowing precise control of firefighting fluid delivery without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to handle multiple functions including flow rate control, pressure regulation, module prioritization, and safety monitoring through a single integrated controller and touchscreen interface. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms for each function, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The method of maintaining a first flow rate through a first valve in a fluid delivery system, the fluid delivery system including a and a plurality of fluid valves in fluid communication with the pump, and a controller controlling the pressure generated by the pump and the position of the plurality of valves. The method includes providing the first flow rate of a fluid pressurized by the pump through the first valve, receiving a request for a second flow rate of the fluid through a second valve, determining a predicted effect on the first flow rate based on the request, adjusting at least one of the position of the first valve and the pressure generated by the pump to maintain the first flow rate based on the predicted effect, and adjusting the position of the second valve to provide the second flow rate of the fluid through the second valve.