Smart Nozzle with Optical Event Locating System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fire suppression systems in aircraft are inefficient due to the need for total flooding, which leads to uneven distribution of suppressants and increased weight, and lack real-time intelligence to effectively target fire regions in cluttered spaces, especially in engine nacelles where fires are most susceptible.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, self-contained 'smart' nozzle system with an optical event locating system and multi-port nozzle block that allows for precise, direct discharge of suppressants to the fire zone without moving the nozzle, utilizing jet-to-jet interactions to control discharge angles and activate specific ports based on detected events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If total flooding is used to deliver suppressant, then coverage is achieved, but distribution is uneven and agent usage is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The suppressant delivery system is segmented into multiple independently controllable nozzles positioned at different locations within the engine nacelle. Each nozzle can be activated selectively based on fire detection, replacing the conventional single-total-flooding approach with a distributed, addressable nozzle array that delivers suppressant precisely to affected zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies suppressant with local quality by directing fluid only to specific regions where fire is detected, rather than uniformly flooding the entire space. The nozzle activation pattern and fluid delivery rate are tailored to the specific fire location and intensity, optimizing suppressant distribution uniformity while reducing total agent consumption.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical articulation mechanisms are used to move nozzles, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical articulation mechanisms with an optical intelligence system. Instead of using motors, linkages, or actuators to physically move nozzles, the system uses optical sensors and computational algorithms to detect fire location and selectively activate appropriate nozzles. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical positioning while achieving superior positioning accuracy through intelligent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle system performs self-service by autonomously determining which nozzles to activate based on real-time fire detection data. The system integrates optical sensing, event location algorithms, and nozzle control into a self-directed system that automatically positions suppressant delivery without external mechanical manipulation or complex actuation mechanisms.
3Productivity
If conventional nozzles are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but real-time intelligence and response capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple nozzles in optimal locations throughout the engine nacelle and pre-programming their activation sequences. When fire is detected, the system immediately activates the appropriate pre-positioned nozzles based on real-time location data, achieving rapid response without the delay of mechanical movement or complex real-time decision algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the environment with optical sensors and using this information to dynamically control nozzle activation. The system receives feedback from fire detection events, processes the location and intensity data, and adjusts suppressant delivery in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system that responds rapidly to changing fire conditions.
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 efficient, real-time fire suppression with minimal agent usage and reduced weight, effectively targeting fires in confined spaces while minimizing collateral damage and agent exposure to non-affected areas, and can be adapted for various fluid applications beyond fire suppression.
Implementation Method 1
an optical based event (e.g., fire or heat) locating system
Implementation Method 2
utilizing jet-to-jet interactions to control discharge angles
Data Source
AI summary
A smart fluid application nozzle consisting of an optical based event locating system, a multi-port nozzle block, and a port switching mechanism is disclosed by the present application. The smart nozzle utilizes a unique arrangement of discharge ports, allowing the angle of the discharge agent to be controlled without moving the nozzle housing. Multiple ports are activated per event to create a uniform fluid distribution within the discharging jet while controlling the discharge angle, which cannot be achieved through a single port discharge. Upon receiving a detection signal, the event locating system determines the spatial location of the event region and activates the appropriate discharge ports, thereby directing agent toward the event zone and applying fluid while minimizing damage to nearby areas. The use of the system may be used wherever the precise directed application of as fluid is desired including, fire suppression.