Swivel Nozzle Assembly for Wide-Angle Fire Suppression Aiming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle fire suppression systems face increased complexity and cost due to the need for multiple pipe elbows to properly orient and aim nozzles, with swivel-type adapters offering limited articulation angles, typically up to 30° from the vertical axis.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable nozzle assembly with a receiver, swivel member, and restriction member that allows for up to 100° of articulation and 360° rotation, enabling greater flexibility in nozzle orientation without the need for multiple elbows, using a swivel member with a spherical surface and a restriction member to limit rotation within the receiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple pipe elbows are used to orient the nozzle, then the nozzle can be properly aimed, but the installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pipe elbow functions into a single integrated swivel adapter that provides both articulation and rotation capabilities, eliminating the need for multiple separate fittings and reducing installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The swivel adapter incorporates dynamic movement capabilities with articulation up to 100° from vertical and 360° rotation, allowing the nozzle to be oriented in multiple directions from a single fixed mounting point, thereby reducing the number of fittings needed
2Ease of operation
If a swivel-type adapter is used to achieve proper aiming, then the nozzle orientation is improved, but the angle of articulation is limited to 30° inclusively
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel adapter is designed with dynamic articulation capability up to 100° from vertical axis and 360° rotation, significantly expanding the angular range compared to traditional 30° limited adapters, thereby improving adaptability for various hazard areas
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter adds a rotational dimension to the traditional articulation mechanism, providing both articulation up to 100° and full 360° rotation, effectively transforming a two-degree-of-freedom system into a three-degree-of-freedom system for enhanced positioning capability
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable nozzle assembly includes a receiver having a fluid inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to a fluid source and an internal surface defining a reception chamber fluidly coupled to the fluid inlet, a swivel member disposed in the reception chamber of the receiver, a nozzle coupled to the swivel member, fluidly coupled to the reception chamber, and configured to discharge fluid along a discharge axis, and a restriction member coupled to the receiver such that the swivel member is positioned between the receiver and the restriction member. The swivel member has an external surface including a substantially spherical external surface portion in contact with the internal surface of the receiver. The restriction member has a surface geometry defining a passageway through which the nozzle extends, and the surface geometry limits rotation of the swivel member within the receiver.