Nozzle Aiming Tool With Snap-Fit Laser Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aiming nozzles for fire suppression systems on machines is a cumbersome, tedious, and costly process due to the difficulty in installing and uninstalling laser aiming systems, which require removing and reattaching caps and can be time-consuming, especially when multiple nozzles are involved.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a housing and a laser assembly that includes a laser emission source and a power supply, where the laser beam is collinear with the nozzle axis, allowing for easy alignment by being press-fitted onto the nozzle assembly with the cap remaining installed, using a switch or electrical contacts for activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a laser aiming system is threadably coupled to the nozzle, then the nozzle can be aimed accurately at the target location, but the installation and removal process becomes difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical coupling system with a snap-fit mechanical system. The aiming device features a circumferential flange that snaps onto the nozzle outer surface, eliminating the need for threading operations. This substitution maintains aiming accuracy while dramatically reducing installation and removal time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The aiming device is designed as a separate, detachable unit that can be independently installed and removed from the nozzle. This segmentation allows the aiming functionality to be decoupled from the permanent nozzle structure, enabling quick attachment and detachment without affecting the nozzle itself.
2Measurement precision
If a laser aiming system is installed on the nozzle, then the nozzle can be aimed accurately at the target location, but the process requires removing and reattaching caps which is tedious and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cap removal and reattachment process with a snap-fit mechanism. The aiming device's circumferential flange directly engages with the nozzle outer surface, eliminating the need to remove protective caps. This simplifies the operation significantly, making the aiming system easy to install and remove without tedious cap handling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nozzles are involved in the fire suppression system, then comprehensive fire coverage is achieved, but the removal and reattachment of caps to each nozzle becomes a tedious process requiring a lot of effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the repetitive cap removal and reattachment process across multiple nozzles with a uniform snap-fit application. Each nozzle receives the same easy-to-install aiming device that simply snaps onto the outer surface, maintaining comprehensive fire coverage while making the alignment process consistent and effort-free across all nozzles.
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
Enables quick and accurate aiming of nozzles with reduced effort and time, providing a cost-effective solution for aligning and re-aligning nozzle assemblies on various machines without the need for frequent cap removal.
Implementation Method 1
The laser assembly includes a laser emission source configured to produce a light beam collinear with the axis of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for aiming a nozzle assembly having a fluid outlet and a cap is provided. The tool includes a housing defining a bore. The bore has a side wall radially disposed about an axis. The tool also includes a laser assembly including a laser emission source configured to produce a light beam collinear with the axis of the housing. The laser assembly also includes a power supply. The tool further includes at least one of a switch and an electrical contact provided within the housing and adapted to be in electrical communication with the power supply and the laser emission source based on a contact with the nozzle assembly. The tool is installed on the nozzle assembly such that the bore is adapted for placement about an outer surface of the nozzle assembly so that the fluid outlet is substantially concentric about the axis.