Thermosensitive Atomizer Nozzle for Concealed Fire Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire-fighting nozzles are visually unappealing, occupy space, require complex maintenance, and depend on external sensors and control units for activation, limiting their effectiveness and practicality.
Innovation Solution
An atomizer nozzle with a thermosensitive locking assembly that automatically releases a movable dispensing head at a predetermined temperature, allowing for autonomous activation and concealed installation within a ceiling, reducing visibility and maintenance complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional nozzles are installed on the ceiling for fire-fighting systems, then they can dispense water upon fire detection, but they become visible and unsightly inside the room
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle body is nested within the ceiling structure itself, with the dispensing head protruding only when activated. The main body is integrated into the ceiling panel, making it invisible during normal conditions while maintaining fire-fighting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing head is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition from a retracted concealed state to a protruding active state. This dynamic positioning enables the nozzle to be hidden during normal operation and revealed only when needed for fire suppression.
2Reliability
If conventional nozzles are installed on the ceiling, then they can function for fire suppression, but they occupy space in the room
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle system is nested within the ceiling structure, utilizing the ceiling's volume rather than occupying additional room space. The main body is housed within the ceiling panel, and only the necessary dispensing portion protrudes when activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle transitions from a three-dimensional protruding object to a two-dimensional integrated feature of the ceiling surface. By embedding the main body within the ceiling plane, the system eliminates vertical space occupation while maintaining functional capability.
3Extent of automation
If conventional nozzles depend on external sensors and control units for activation, then they can be remotely activated, but the maintenance operations become complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle incorporates a thermosensitive element that automatically triggers activation when exposed to fire heat, eliminating the need for external sensors and control units. This self-activating mechanism simplifies the system to essentially one component, making maintenance straightforward and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex electronic control system (sensors, control units, wiring) is extracted and removed from the nozzle design. Only the essential thermosensitive activation mechanism and dispensing function remain, dramatically reducing maintenance requirements while preserving automatic fire-response capability.
4Reliability
If conventional nozzles are installed on the ceiling, then they can dispense water for fire suppression, but they remain visible and take up space even when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing head is designed to dynamically change position based on operational status. During normal conditions, it remains retracted and concealed within the ceiling surface. Upon fire detection via the thermosensitive element, it automatically protrudes to dispense water, then can be reset to its concealed position afterward.
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 nozzle achieves improved performance with reduced costs by being autonomously activated, easily maintained, and fully concealed within the ceiling, enhancing fire-fighting efficiency and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
said locking assembly comprises a thermosensitive element configured to break at a predetermined temperature
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An atomizer nozzle (10) for the automatic dispensing of a liquid (L), in particular for fire-fighting systems, comprises: a main body (12); a dispensing head (20); and a locking assembly (22). The main body (12) comprises: an inlet (14), configured to be supplied with the liquid; an outlet (16); and a cavity (18), extending from the inlet (14) to the outlet (16). The dispensing head (20), which is movable along the cavity (18), is configured to dispense the liquid (L) beyond the outlet (16) and, therefore, outside the atomizer nozzle (10). The locking assembly (22) comprises a thermosensitive element (56) configured to break at a predetermined temperature. The locking assembly (22) is configured to: lock the dispensing head (20) in a locked position at a distance (D) from the outlet (16); and automatically release the dispensing head (20) from the locked position when the thermosensitive element (56) reaches the predetermined temperature. The dispensing head (20) is further configured to move along the cavity (18) when released, thereby reducing the distance (D) until the distance (D) is eliminated, and to dispense the liquid (L) by protruding from the outlet (16).