Haptic Flow Indicator for Fire Hose Nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firefighters face challenges in determining if the water flow from a fire hose nozzle exceeds the critical flow rate due to hazardous conditions and existing flow indicators being ineffective, particularly in providing reliable feedback in smoke-filled environments, as visual and auditory feedback solutions are unreliable and haptic feedback from nozzle reaction force is inconsistent.
Innovation Solution
A haptic flow indicator that provides vibration feedback when the water flow reaches a specific threshold, positioned at the nozzle inlet, powered by the flowing water, and adjustable to ensure accurate feedback without adding weight or complexity, potentially supplemented with visual or auditory cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If visual flow indicators are used, then flow information is provided, but visibility in smoke-filled environments makes them ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual indicators (optical system) with a haptic indicator that uses mechanical vibration to convey flow information. The haptic indicator converts the optical signal or directly senses flow conditions and translates them into tactile feedback through vibration, allowing firefighters to perceive flow adequacy through touch rather than sight, thus overcoming the visibility problem in smoke-filled environments.
2Loss of information
If auditory feedback is used, then flow information is provided, but it diminishes the firefighter's ability to hear other sounds on the fire scene
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces auditory feedback (acoustic system) with a haptic feedback system that uses vibration. The haptic indicator provides flow information through tactile sensation rather than sound, allowing firefighters to maintain awareness of acoustic cues from the fire scene while still receiving reliable flow information through touch.
3Loss of information
If nozzle reaction force is used for haptic feedback, then flow information is provided, but the feedback is inconsistent and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated haptic feedback system with a controlled vibration source that provides consistent and reliable flow information. Unlike the passive and variable nozzle reaction force, the haptic indicator actively generates controlled vibrations that directly correlate with flow adequacy, providing clear and consistent feedback to the firefighter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the flow sensing function from the feedback delivery function. The haptic indicator is a distinct component that independently senses flow conditions and provides dedicated haptic feedback, rather than relying on the multifunctional nozzle assembly where flow control and feedback are combined, thus improving reliability.
4Measurement precision
If flow meters and flow indicators are added to the nozzle, then flow measurement capability is improved, but the length and weight of the nozzle increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the haptic indicator directly into the nozzle assembly, combining the flow sensing and haptic feedback functions within the existing nozzle structure. This integration avoids adding separate, bulky components that would increase weight and length, as the haptic indicator utilizes the nozzle's existing form factor and mounting provisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic indicator employs a compact, lightweight design that minimizes added mass. The vibration mechanism uses thin-walled construction and efficient actuation methods that provide sufficient haptic feedback while adding minimal weight and length to the nozzle assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A new haptic flow indicator has a spinner that is mounted for rotation and provides a discernable haptic feedback to a firefighter when liquid flow through the indicator falls in a selected range.