Portable Firefighting Chemical Dilution System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firefighting agents require separate mixing systems due to incompatibility and unique dilution ratios, limiting their availability in remote and difficult terrain, often resulting in the least desirable agent being used in a given situation.
Innovation Solution
A portable system with multiple concentrated liquid chemical containers, control valves, high-pressure pumps, metering devices, and an applicator that allows for the dilution and dispersion of various firefighting chemicals at different ratios without requiring separate systems, enabling quick and easy switching between agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate proportioning and dispensing systems are used for each firefighting agent, then each agent can be properly prepared and dispensed according to its unique properties and dilution ratios, but the system complexity increases and the availability of multiple agents in remote terrain is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single proportioning and dispensing system that can handle multiple different firefighting agents (foam, gel, retardant) with different viscosities and dilution requirements. The system uses a common pump, tank, and control mechanism that can be configured to work with various agents, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each agent type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the system into modular components: a common dispensing system and separate agent-specific proportioning units or adjustable metering mechanisms. This allows the system to maintain a unified structure while accommodating the unique requirements of each agent through segmented, adjustable proportioning capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate hardware systems are carried for different firefighting agents, then each agent can be used as needed, but the logistical burden increases and availability in remote terrain is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single multi-functional dispensing system that can store and dispense multiple different firefighting agents. The system includes a common pump and delivery mechanism that can handle various agents with different properties, reducing the number of separate systems that need to be transported and deployed in remote areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple agent storage and dispensing capabilities into a single integrated system. Instead of transporting separate tanks and pumps for each agent, the system merges these functions into one unit that can switch between or simultaneously handle multiple agents, simplifying logistics and improving ease of operation in remote terrain.
3Adaptability or versatility
If firefighting agents with different viscosities and dilution ratios are mixed in a single system, then versatility is improved, but the system must accommodate vastly different physical properties and mixing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating adjustable and variable components in the proportioning system. The system includes adjustable metering mechanisms, variable speed pumps, and controllable mixing parameters that can be dynamically changed to accommodate the different viscosities and dilution ratios of various firefighting agents, allowing the system to adapt its operation to each agent's specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by enabling the system to modify key operating parameters such as pump speed, pressure, temperature, and mixing ratios to suit different agent properties. The system can adjust these parameters dynamically when switching between agents with different viscosities and required dilution ratios, maintaining proper agent preparation across diverse agent types without requiring fundamentally different hardware for each.
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 the use of multiple incompatible firefighting agents with varying dilution ratios, allowing for immediate adaptation to different firefighting situations without the need for multiple hardware systems, ensuring the most effective agent is available when needed.
Implementation Method 1
a high pressure pump connected in fluid relationship to each of the two or more control valves
Implementation Method 2
a positive displacement pump in fluid relationship with the at least one additional concentrated liquid chemical container
Implementation Method 3
two or more control valves each in corresponding fluid relationship to the two or more concentrated liquid chemical containers
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for diluting and dispersing chemicals that includes a plurality of concentrated liquid chemical containers, a plurality of control valves each in corresponding fluid relationship to the plurality of concentrated liquid chemical containers, at least one additional concentrated chemical container, a positive displacement pump in fluid relationship with the at least one additional concentrated liquid chemical container, a high pressure pump connected in fluid relationship to each of the plurality of control valves, at least one metering device located in fluid relationship between at least one of the plurality of control valves, a fluid pressure adjustment valve connected in fluid relationship to the high pressure pump and a source of solvent or diluent, a hose connected in fluid relationship to the fluid pressure adjustment valve, and an applicator connected to the hose for dispersing a mixture of a solvent or diluent and at least one concentrated chemical.