Pressure-Actuated Fire Suppression Nozzle with Concealed Cap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire suppression systems in hazard areas, such as data centers, face challenges in effectively concealing nozzles until activation, which can impact aesthetics and require innovative mechanisms to release fire suppression agents efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle assembly with a cover and cap configuration that remains hidden until activated, where pressure from the fire suppression agent forces the cap open, allowing the nozzle head to extend and release the agent into the space, and a pipe coupling assembly that lengthens to facilitate the agent's flow and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the nozzle head is concealed within the cover and cavity structure, then the aesthetic appearance of the area is improved, but the complexity of the device structure increases due to the need for cap, cover, and pipe coupling assembly mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle head is nested within the cavity formed by the cover and cap structures. The pipe coupling assembly is nested within the wall structure, allowing the nozzle to be concealed when not in use while maintaining a clean aesthetic appearance. The nested configuration enables the nozzle to be hidden within the building structure rather than being externally mounted.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into multiple functional components: the cover structure, the cap mechanism, the pipe coupling assembly, and the nozzle head. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall concealed design. The cap can be selectively removed or moved to expose the nozzle when needed.
2Shape
If the cap is releasably coupled to the cover to define a cavity for concealing the nozzle, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the reliability of the sealing and containment system may worsen due to the additional interfaces and potential leak paths
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is pre-coupled to the cover to form a sealed cavity before the nozzle needs to be activated. This preliminary sealing action ensures that the nozzle and piping are contained and protected within the wall structure during installation and normal operation. The pre-established seal maintains reliability until intentional activation occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap acts as an intermediary component between the cover and the nozzle head, providing a controlled interface that maintains sealing while allowing for selective exposure. The cap mechanism mediates between the need for concealment and the need for reliable containment, ensuring that the system remains sealed during normal operation but can be opened when fire suppression is required.
3Ease of operation
If the pipe coupling assembly changes in length to facilitate nozzle extension and visibility, then the ease of operation and agent release is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the sliding or telescoping mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe coupling assembly is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to change length through sliding or telescoping motion. This dynamic capability enables the nozzle to extend from the concealed position within the wall to an exposed position where it can effectively release fire suppression agent. The dynamic structure adapts between two states: concealed during normal operation and extended during activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe coupling assembly may utilize pneumatic or hydraulic principles to facilitate the length change mechanism. Pressure differentials or fluid flow can drive the sliding or telescoping action, allowing the nozzle to extend automatically when fire suppression agent is released. This approach uses the energy of the expanding agent to drive the mechanical motion rather than requiring separate actuation systems.
4Productivity
If the nozzle head extends out from the cavity to release fire suppression agent, then the effectiveness of agent delivery is improved, but the aesthetic appearance worsens due to the visible and extended nozzle structure
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle head operates in periodic cycles: concealed within the cavity during normal periods to maintain aesthetic appearance, and extended outward during activation periods to deliver fire suppression agent effectively. This periodic transition between concealed and exposed states allows the system to satisfy both aesthetic and functional requirements at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle assembly transitions dynamically between two configurations: a concealed configuration where the nozzle head is hidden within the wall cavity for aesthetic purposes, and an extended configuration where the nozzle head protrudes outward for effective agent delivery. The dynamic nature of this transition allows the system to adapt its appearance and function based on operational requirements.
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 solution ensures efficient and aesthetically pleasing deployment of fire suppression agents by hiding nozzles until activation and providing controlled release, enhancing the appearance of the area while effectively combating fires.
Implementation Method 1
The cap is released from the cover in response to a pressure formed by the release of fire suppression agent by the nozzle head into the cavity
Implementation Method 2
the outer pipe portion slides relative to the inner pipe portion due to the fire suppression agent flowing through
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle assembly configured to selectively provide fire suppression agent to a space. The nozzle assembly includes a cover, a cap releasably coupled to the cover to define a cavity, and a nozzle head received within the cavity. The nozzle head is configured to provide the fire suppression agent to a hazard area. The cap is released from the cover in response to a pressure formed by the release of fire suppression agent by the nozzle head into the cavity.