Retractable Extinguishing Nozzle Adapter for Unobstructed Airflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing extinguishing nozzles mounted on walls protrude into confined spaces, obstructing airflow and impeding the circulation of gaseous mixtures, particularly in ducts, and require complex and error-prone mounting from inside the space.

Innovation Solution

An extinguishing nozzle adapter with a movable chamber and return spring mechanism allows the nozzle to retract when not in use, extending only during agent discharge, using extinguishing agent pressure to move between positions without additional driving force, and featuring positioning elements for accurate orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the extinguishing nozzle is mounted to extend into the space through a wall recess, then the nozzle can discharge extinguishing agent into the space, but the nozzle protrudes into the space and obstructs airflow and impedes circulation of gaseous mixtures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextinguishing agent discharge capabilityVSAvoidairflow obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The extinguishing nozzle is made movable between a retracted position (where it does not obstruct airflow) and an advanced position (where it discharges extinguishing agent). The nozzle is guided by guide elements to move dynamically, allowing it to extend into the space only when needed for fire suppression while remaining retracted during normal operation to maintain unimpeded circulation of gaseous mixtures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the extinguishing nozzle is mounted from inside the space, then the nozzle can be installed, but the mounting process is difficult and error-prone in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting installationVSAvoidmounting difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of mounting the nozzle from inside the confined space, the adapter assembly is mounted from outside the space on the wall. The nozzle is then inserted into the adapter through the wall recess from the outside, reversing the conventional mounting approach. This inversion allows installation personnel to work from the accessible exterior side rather than attempting to install components through difficult-to-reach interior spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Speed

If the extinguishing nozzle remains stationary in an advanced position, then it is ready for immediate discharge, but it continuously obstructs airflow even when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse readinessVSAvoidcontinuous airflow obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The extinguishing nozzle operates in periodic cycles: remaining retracted during normal operation (non-active phase) to avoid obstructing airflow, and extending to the advanced position only when fire detection triggers the system (active phase). This periodic action between retracted and advanced states ensures the nozzle is ready for discharge when needed while minimizing interference with normal air circulation during the majority of operational time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 adapter minimizes spatial obstruction and simplifies mounting by allowing the nozzle to retract when not in use, ensuring unimpeded airflow and reliable operation with reduced installation errors.

Implementation Method 1

the extinguishing nozzle adapter has a return spring which is operatively connected to the extinguishing nozzle and is designed to exert a restoring force in the direction of the retracted position on the extinguishing nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the extinguishing nozzle is movable back and forth between a first, retracted position and a second, advanced position, and is moved in the direction of the advanced position when the chamber is pressurized by means of the extinguishing agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS20260077374A1Extinguishing nozzle adapter for fitting an extinguishing nozzle to a wall and fire-fighting system comprising said extinguishing nozzle adapter

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 MINIMAX VIKING PATENT MANAGEMENT GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to an extinguishing nozzle adapter for mounting an extinguishing nozzle on a wall, having a housing and a chamber for receiving an extinguishing nozzle, wherein the housing has an extinguishing agent connection to the chamber, via which connection the chamber is able to be pressurized with extinguishing agent, wherein the chamber is designed to receive the extinguishing nozzle in a movable manner such that the extinguishing nozzle is movable back and forth between a first, retracted position and a second, advanced position, and is moved in the direction of the advanced position when the chamber is pressurized by means of the extinguishing agent.