Rotatable Fire Suppression Coupling for Sealed 360° Nozzle Aiming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fire suppression systems face challenges in efficiently directing and rotating the discharge of fire suppressant fluids to effectively target and suppress fires in various directions, especially in large or inaccessible areas.

Innovation Solution

A rotating conduit assembly with a rotatable coupling system, including a first and second conduit, an annular seal, and a rotational actuator, allows for the fluidic coupling and relative rotation of conduits, enabling the adjustment and continuous rotation of the discharge direction using a motor-driven gear system, ensuring a sealed fluid flow path and consistent suppression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotatable coupling system is implemented to redirect fire suppressant fluid, then the ability to target fires in various directions is improved, but the complexity of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to redirect suppressant fluidVSAvoidcomplexity of rotatable coupling system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by placing the inner sleeve inside the outer housing, with the seal positioned between them. This nested configuration allows the rotatable coupling to achieve directional adaptability while maintaining a compact structure that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an inner sleeve as an intermediary component between the outer housing and the seal. This intermediary element enables smooth rotation and fluid passage while isolating the seal from direct mechanical stress, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a seal is positioned between rotating components, then fluid leakage is prevented, but friction and resistance to rotation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid sealing effectivenessVSAvoidresistance to rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the hydraulic properties of the fire suppressant fluid itself to lubricate the seal interface. The fluid film that naturally forms between the rotating inner sleeve and the stationary outer housing reduces friction and resistance to rotation while maintaining effective sealing, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and rotational force requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Area of stationary object

If the conduit assembly is made rotatable for 360-degree coverage, then fire suppression coverage area is improved, but the stability of fluid flow path may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuppression coverage areaVSAvoidstability of fluid flow path

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by designing a rotatable coupling system that allows the conduit assembly to change its orientation dynamically. The inner sleeve rotates within the outer housing, enabling 360-degree coverage while the seal and bearing maintain a stable fluid flow path during rotation, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage area and flow path stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables precise and comprehensive fire suppression by allowing the nozzle to be directed and rotated 360 degrees, ensuring effective coverage and suppression of fires in multiple directions without disrupting the fluid flow, even in inaccessible locations.

Implementation Method 1

The annular seal is disposed between the inner sleeve and the second annular member and is configured to provide a fluidic seal between the inner sleeve and the second annular member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid sealing:

Implementation Method 2

The rotational actuator is disposed radially outward from the inner sleeve and configured to rotate the first annular member relative to the second annular member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Implementation Method 3

The inner sleeve extends between the first annular member and the second annular member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through sealed passage:

Data Source

PatentUS20220401773A1Rotatable coupling for fire suppression system

Publication Date: 2022.12.22 TYCO FIRE PRODUCTS LP

AI summary

A rotating conduit assembly for a fire suppression system includes a first conduit configured to fluidly coupled with a fluid source, a second conduit, and a rotatable coupling. The rotatable coupling is configured to rotatably couple the first conduit with the second conduit. The rotatable coupling includes a first annular member fixedly coupled with the first conduit, a second annular member fixedly coupled with the second conduit, an inner sleeve, an annular seal, and a rotational actuator. The inner sleeve extends between the first annular member and the second annular member. The annular seal is disposed between the inner sleeve and the second annular member and is configured to provide a fluidic seal between the inner sleeve and the second annular member. The rotational actuator is disposed radially outward from the inner sleeve and configured to rotate the first annular member relative to the second annular member.