Single Compressor Firefighting Vehicle Fluid System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFSs) for firefighting require additional compressors for air brakes, leading to engine power drain, component duplication, and space consumption on firefighting vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A single compressor system that generates compressed fluid for both the CAFS and air brakes, with a fluid storage tank, dryer, and governor to manage pressure, eliminating the need for a separate compressor and optimizing energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate compressor is added to operate air brakes, then braking function is improved, but engine power drain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the CAFS compressor and air brake compressor into a single shared compressor system. The compressed air storage tank serves dual purposes: supplying compressed air for foam generation and supplying compressed air for air brakes. This eliminates the need for a separate compressor for air brakes, thereby reducing engine power drain while maintaining reliable braking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The single compressor is designed to perform multiple functions: it compresses air for the CAFS system and also compresses air for the air brake system. The storage tank acts as a universal reservoir that can supply compressed air to either system as needed, making the compressor system universal rather than dedicated to a single function.
2Reliability
If a separate compressor is added for air brakes, then braking capability is improved, but component duplication occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the CAFS compressor and air brake compressor into one unified compressor unit. The compressed air storage tank is also shared between both systems. This merging eliminates component duplication, reducing the overall complexity of the system while ensuring that braking capability is maintained through the same compressed air supply infrastructure.
3Reliability
If a separate compressor is added for air brakes, then air brake function is improved, but space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air brake system with the existing CAFS system by using the same compressor and compressed air storage tank. This eliminates the need for separate components that would occupy additional space in the vehicle, thereby reducing space consumption while maintaining air brake function.
4Use of energy by moving object
If a single compressor is used for both CAFS and air brakes, then engine energy is conserved, but pressure control becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a governor device that provides feedback control for the compressor. The governor monitors system conditions and automatically adjusts compressor operation to maintain appropriate pressure levels in the storage tank. This feedback mechanism simplifies pressure control by automating the regulation process, allowing a single compressor to serve both systems without creating excessive pressure in either.
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
This solution conserves engine energy, reduces component costs, and saves space by integrating the compressed fluid system for both firefighting and braking functions, while ensuring safe pressure levels and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor, driven by the engine of a firefighting vehicle, which generates a compressed fluid supply
Implementation Method 2
The dryer can dry a portion of the compressed fluid provided by the fluid storage tank
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a firefighting vehicle including a single compressor, driven by the engine of the firefighting vehicle, which generates a compressed fluid supply for operation of both the compressed air foam system and air brakes of the firefighting vehicle. The system can include a fluid storage tank that receives compressed fluid generated by the compressor. The storage tank can be in fluid communication with a dryer and a foaming system. The dryer dries a portion of the compressed fluid and supplies the dry fluid to one or more brake system tanks, which further provide a fluid supply to one or more air brakes of the vehicle to provide a braking force to stop the vehicle. An optionally undried portion of the fluid in the fluid storage tank can be in communication with a conduit which is further in communication with a foam supply and a liquid supply which mix with the compressed fluid to create a compressed fluid foam firefighting material.