Nested Cargo Fire Suppression Conduit for Dual-Rate Agent Delivery

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire suppression systems for cargo compartments in vehicles, such as aircraft, are cumbersome due to the use of multiple sets of tubing secured with hangers, fittings, and fasteners, adding weight and complexity, and requiring labor-intensive installation.

Innovation Solution

A fire suppression system with an outer support conduit and a smaller diameter first tube, where the first tube is retained within the conduit, allowing for dual delivery rates of fire suppression agents through a single set of pipe hangers, reducing weight and complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple sets of tubing are used to deliver fire suppression agents at different rates, then the fire suppression capability is improved, but the weight and complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire suppression capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate tubing systems into a single integrated conduit system. The outer support conduit serves as both structural support and fluid delivery path, while the inner tube is nested within it. This merging eliminates the need for separate hangers, fittings, and fasteners for each tubing set, directly reducing system complexity while maintaining dual-rate fire suppression capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The outer support conduit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the inner tube, serves as the delivery conduit for the first fire suppression agent, and acts as the outer boundary for the nested inner tube. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple sets of tubing secured with separate hangers and fasteners are used, then the fire suppression agent delivery is improved, but the weight of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire suppression agent deliveryVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the support structure and fluid delivery function into a single outer support conduit, eliminating the need for separate hangers and fasteners that would be required for two independent tubing systems. This integration directly reduces the total weight of the fire suppression system while maintaining reliable agent delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The inner tube is nested within the outer support conduit, creating a compact configuration where the first tube is positioned inside the second tube. This nesting arrangement eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces the overall material required, thereby reducing system weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If multiple sets of tubing with separate hangers and fasteners are installed, then the fire suppression system functionality is improved, but the installation time and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire suppression system functionalityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate installation tasks into one by integrating the support structure and fluid delivery conduit into a single outer support conduit. This eliminates the need to install separate hangers, fittings, and fasteners for each tubing set, significantly reducing installation time and labor requirements while maintaining full system functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system efficiently delivers fire suppression agents at varying rates using a single set of pipe hangers, minimizing weight and installation time while maintaining effective fire suppression capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

The outer support conduit is configured to deliver a first portion of a fire suppression agent around the one or more portions of the first tube. The first tube is configured to deliver a second portion of the fire suppression agent.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through conduits:

Data Source

PatentUS20250345643A1Fire suppression system and method for a cargo compartment of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A system and a method for suppressing a fire within a cargo compartment of a vehicle, include an outer support conduit having a first diameter, and a first tube having one or more portions retained within the outer support conduit. The first tube has a second diameter that is less than the first diameter. The outer support conduit is configured to deliver a first portion of a fire suppression agent around the one or more portions of the first tube, and the first tube is configured to deliver a second portion of the fire suppression agent.