One-Piece Capsule for Two-Phase Mixture Propulsion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing two-phase mixture propulsion devices for fire extinguishing and cooling are cumbersome, heavy, and require complex maintenance due to numerous modules and pipes, making them less suitable for mobile applications.

Innovation Solution

A compact device design where the first and second modules form a one-piece capsule, eliminating the need for pipes and conduits, resulting in reduced weight, simplified maintenance, and increased reliability, with the capsule serving as a unified container for the liquid and gas components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple modules and pipes are used to propel two-phase mixture, then the device can achieve fire extinguishing and cooling functions, but the device becomes heavy and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire extinguishing reliabilityVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate modules (gas injection module, liquid injection module, mixing module) into an integrated capsule structure. The first and second modules are formed as a single piece that can be joined to the cavity inlet and outlet, eliminating the need for separate pipes and connectors between these components. This merging reduces the overall device weight while maintaining the fire extinguishing and cooling functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The capsule structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a containment vessel for both gas and liquid, provides injection pathways for both phases, facilitates mixing of the two-phase mixture, and serves as a structural component that can be joined to the cavity. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple modules and pipes are used to propel two-phase mixture, then the device can achieve fire extinguishing and cooling functions, but the device requires extensive maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire extinguishing reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the first and second modules into a single-piece capsule structure, the patent eliminates multiple pipe connections and joints between modules. Fewer connections mean fewer potential failure points and significantly reduced maintenance requirements, as there are no pipes or couplings to inspect, tighten, or replace during maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The capsule is designed as a removable unit that can be joined to and separated from the cavity inlet and outlet. This segmentation allows the capsule to be easily removed and replaced as a single unit during maintenance, rather than requiring disassembly of multiple connected components. The capsule can be detached as one piece for straightforward replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If multiple modules and pipes are used to propel two-phase mixture, then the device can achieve fire extinguishing and cooling functions, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire extinguishing reliabilityVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the gas injection module, liquid injection module, and mixing module into a single integrated capsule structure. This consolidation eliminates the volume occupied by separate pipes, connectors, and individual module housings. The merged structure allows components to be arranged more compactly, reducing the overall device volume while maintaining all necessary functions for two-phase mixture propulsion.

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 compact, lightweight design enhances reliability and reduces maintenance efforts, allowing for more efficient and flexible deployment in both mobile and fixed applications, suitable for various environments and extreme conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a piston (P) which under the action of the gas at the inlet (ECA) moves and allows by mechanical thrust the ejection of the liquid (L) towards the inlet (E22) of the second mixing module (T)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the first and the second modules form a one-piece capsule which can be joined together (for example pluggable/screwable/etc.) on the inlet and the outlet of the cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2874712B1Device for the propulsion of a two-phase mixture
Publication Date: 2019.05.29 SIEMENS SCHWEIZ AG
  • EP2874712B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2874712B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2874712B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for the propulsion of a dual-phase mixture (GL) having at least one gas (G) and one liquid (L), including: at least a first module (M1) having a pressurized gas inlet (E1) and a first gas outlet (SU) toward the inlet (ECA) of a chamber (CA) containing a liquid (L), said first module including a second gas outlet (S12) toward a first inlet (E21) of a second module (M2) for the mixture (T) of gas (G) and liquid (L), said the second module including a second liquid inlet (E22) coupled to a liquid outlet (SCA) of the chamber, the second module (M2) including at least one outlet (S2) for the dual-phase mixture (GL). The device according to the invention is characterized in that the first and second modules (M1, M2) form a single-block capsule that can be connected to the inlet (ECA) and the outlet (SCA) of the chamber (CA).