Under-Cab Fire Pump Mounting for Lower Center of Gravity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firefighting vehicle pump systems occupy significant space, elevate the center of gravity, and complicate maintenance, making high-speed maneuvering and storage challenging.
Innovation Solution
A fire pump system with a compact design where the pump is partially supported under the vehicle cab, featuring a radial-flow liquid pump assembly with two fluid outlets and a clutch assembly that allows selective disengagement from the power source, facilitating easier maintenance and improved maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pump system is supported above the chassis (midship or rear mounted), then the pump system is easily accessible and maintained, but the vehicle's center of gravity increases and space for additional equipment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the pump mounting location from vertical support (above chassis) to horizontal support (under cab), utilizing the three-dimensional space beneath the vehicle cab to relocate heavy components. This dimensional shift lowers the center of gravity while maintaining serviceability through side access panels.
2Device complexity
If the pump system occupies significant space along the vehicle chassis, then the pump system can accommodate all necessary components, but space for additional equipment and storage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is nested within the vehicle cab structure, utilizing the space under the cab as the pump housing. This nesting approach allows the pump system to be contained within the existing vehicle footprint, freeing up chassis space for additional equipment and storage compartments.
3Device complexity
If the pump control panel is integrated with the pump system, then the control system is compact and organized, but maintenance of pump components requires removal of the control panel
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the pump motor assembly, the control panel, and the impeller shaft assembly. Side access panels allow the pump components to be serviced independently from the control panel, while the control panel remains integrated for compact organization. This segmentation enables maintenance without complete disassembly.
4Device complexity
If the vehicle is designed with extended length or height to accommodate pump system space requirements, then the pump system can be properly supported, but high-speed maneuvering through traffic and narrow thoroughfares becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pump support structure utilizes the vertical dimension under the cab rather than extending the vehicle's length or height. By supporting the pump from below within the existing vehicle envelope, the design maintains a compact footprint that preserves high-speed maneuverability while providing adequate pump support.
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 compact design frees up space for additional storage, lowers the vehicle's center of gravity, enhances maneuverability, and simplifies maintenance by allowing the pump to be serviced without removing the control panel.
Implementation Method 1
The shaft rotates the impeller in a pumping direction to move fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlets
Data Source
AI summary
An improved fire pump for a firefighting vehicle is provided. The fire pump is capable of being positioned at least partially under a rear portion of the cab of a firefighting vehicle. The pump includes a shaft, an impeller supported by the shaft, and a pump housing which encloses the impeller and supports the shaft for rotation about an axis. The housing includes a fluid inlet configured to direct a fluid into the housing along a path generally parallel to the axis. The housing also includes two fluid outlets each at a periphery of the impeller and configured to direct the fluid from the housing along respective paths generally perpendicular to the axis.