Fluid Dispensing Apparatus with Segmented Mist and Jet Pathways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire-fighting nozzles face limitations in throw distance and reliability due to the use of small orifices for mist generation, which can clog and require firefighters to be closer to the fire, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode dispensing apparatus that can switch between jet, spray, and mist patterns, with the mist pattern being entrained within a surrounding spray or jet to enhance throw distance, and includes a filter element to prevent clogging, allowing for efficient and safe operation in various fire-fighting scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If small orifices are used for mist generation, then mist efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The single fluid pathway is segmented into two separate pathways: a first fluid communication pathway with a first outlet port for jet/spray dispensing, and a second fluid communication pathway with a second outlet port for mist dispensing. This segmentation allows each pathway to be optimized independently - the mist pathway can use small orifices for efficient atomization without being constrained by clogging issues in the jet pathway, which uses larger openings for reliable flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The first jet or spray pattern acts as an intermediary carrier that transports and throws the second mist pattern further. The mist, which has poor throw capability on its own due to its fine particle size, is embedded within and propelled by the faster-moving jet/spray stream, thereby achieving enhanced throw distance without requiring the mist orifices to be large (which would reduce mist efficiency).
2Productivity
If small orifices are used for mist generation, then mist efficiency is improved, but throw distance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The first jet or spray pattern serves as a mediator that carries the second mist pattern to the target location. The mist particles, which have limited momentum and throw distance due to their small size, are entrained within the faster-moving jet/spray stream that provides the necessary kinetic energy and throw capability. This allows the system to maintain small orifices for efficient mist generation while achieving extended throw distance through the carrier jet/spray.
Solution Approach 2:
The second mist pattern is nested within or embedded in the first jet/spray pattern. The mist outlet port is positioned such that the mist discharge is surrounded and carried by the jet/spray discharge. This nested arrangement allows the fine mist particles to be transported by the coarser, more energetic jet/spray stream, combining the advantages of both dispensing modes in a single integrated flow structure.
3Productivity
If firefighters use mist-only branches, then fire suppression efficiency is improved, but safety deteriorates due to reduced throw distance requiring closer proximity to fire
Solution Approach 1:
The jet/spray pattern acts as a safe intermediary carrier that transports the mist to the fire location. Firefighters can operate from a safer distance because the jet/spray stream provides the throw capability, eliminating the need for firefighters to approach close to the fire source. The mist maintains its high suppression efficiency while the jet/spray carrier ensures adequate throw distance for firefighter safety.
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 apparatus provides improved throw distance and reliability by enabling simultaneous dispensing of mist and jet/spray patterns, reducing the risk to firefighters and enhancing firefighting efficiency while minimizing device malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
a mist pattern is entrained via a surrounding spray or jet pattern to enhance the throw of the mist
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to apparatus and a method for dispensing fluid. In particular, but not exclusively the apparatus is configured to provide a plurality of optional dispensing modes including for example a dual mode for dispensing a jet or stream of fluid (e.g. water) and a mist of fluid simultaneously. Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a hand held branch together with a fixed, e.g. vehicle mounted, nozzle for use in fighting fires. Methods of dispensing fluids e.g. water are also included in the present invention including for example methods of dispensing fluids in a fire-fighting situation.