Patent Application
20150209605
Typically, a nozzle can be connected to discharge portion of a hose and used to direct fluids that are discharged from the hose. A nozzle can comprise on/off mechanism, such as a valve, for selectably controlling discharge of fluids from the nozzle. A nozzle may also comprise a means for varying a flow rate and/or pressure of discharged fluids, and/or a means for varying a spray pattern of the discharged fluids. Current and prior hand-held nozzles, which may be used for fire suppression, typically produce a spray pattern of fluid that ranges from substantially straight (e.g., in-line with the flow of fluid from the hose, or an angle of zero degrees) to a spray angle of about 130 degrees with respect to an axis of the elongate fluid passage of the nozzle. Current hand-held nozzles may not be able to direct a spray of fluid at or near right angles, for example, to reach past an obstruction or doorway. Some current stationary, “water wall” monitors utilize directional tips and fans to produce a radial spray jet of fluid. Such monitors have limited portability while in use, and are typically used only for fire or heat containment.
A fog nozzle, often used for firefighting, can provide a large area of small droplets of fluid to provide greater heat absorption, when compared with a straight fluid stream. As an example, some fog nozzles may utilize a baffle head and discharge tube that can develop up to a wide fog pattern (e.g., one-hundred and thirty degrees). In a straight stream, a shape of the baffle head and discharge tube of a typical fog nozzle may generate turbulence, which can give rise to a divergent stream profile, for example, where, as flow rate increases, divergence of the stream can also increase. A divergent stream profile may affect desired stream quality and overall reach of the fluid.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
As provided herein, a nozzle capable of discharging a radial spray fluid pattern at between one-hundred and seventy and one-hundred and eighty degrees from an axis of an elongate fluid passage of the nozzle. Further, the nozzle may be configured to selectably alter the spray pattern between the radial spray fluid pattern and a substantially straight spray pattern of fluid. The radial spray pattern of fluid can be oriented generally perpendicularly to a direction of fluid flow through the nozzle, for example, thereby creating a “water wall” or a “water curtain,” which may provide a wide field of fluid distribution. The nozzle can also be devised to provide a straight fluid stream profile that mitigates divergence of the fluid stream, and may increase an overall reach of the fluid.
In one implementation, an example nozzle can comprise a discharge tube that is operably coupled with a nozzle body. In this implementation, the discharge tube can form a fluid passage that is configured to carry fluid to an output end of the nozzle. Further, the discharge tube can terminate in an output lip at the output end, where the output lip comprises a convex first radius of curvature. Additionally, the nozzle can comprise a baffle head that is operably coupled with the nozzle body, and the baffle head is disposed distally from the output end of the discharge tube. The baffle head can comprise a concave second radius of curvature on its proximal side. The configuration of the underside of the baffle head can complement the first radius of curvature of the output lip, resulting in directing of an output flow of fluid substantially perpendicular to an axis of nozzle fluid flow.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the following description and annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative aspects and implementations. These are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which one or more aspects may be employed. Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the annexed drawings.
What is disclosed herein may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, and will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:
The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices may be shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter.
A nozzle, which can be coupled to a fluid supply, such as a high capacity hose (e.g., fire hose), may be configured to direct an output flow of fluid in a radial spray that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow in the nozzle. That is, for example, the nozzle may be configured to direct the fluid output from the nozzle in a three-hundred and sixty degree, radial spray pattern, where the spray pattern creates a type of water wall in front of the operator. In one implementation, a baffle head that is fixed in a central area of the fluid flow can direct the fluid flow across the face of the output (e.g., distal) end of the nozzle, where the face of the output end comprises a planar surface, disposed perpendicular to the axis of fluid flow in the nozzle.
Further, the exemplary nozzle comprises a baffle head 110 that is operably coupled with the nozzle body 150. The baffle head 110 comprises a concave shape 112, disposed on a proximal side 114 (e.g., underside that receives a fluid flow) of the baffle head 110. Further, the baffle head 110 is disposed distally from the output end 104 of the discharge tube 102 to form a fluid discharge channel 116 between the output lip 106 and the baffle head 110. In this exemplary implementation 100, the fluid discharge channel 116 is defined by the first convex shape 108 of the output lip 106 and the concave shape 112 of the baffle head 110. Additionally, the fluid discharge channel 116 is configured to direct an output flow of fluid 156 substantially perpendicular to an axis of nozzle fluid flow 158 (e.g., direction of flow of the fluid in the nozzle fluid passage 152).
In one implementation, as illustrated in
In one implementation, the first convex shape 108 of the output lip 106 can comprise a first radius of curvature, and the concave shape 112 of the baffle head 110 can comprise a second radius of curvature. That is, for example, the first convex shape 108 may comprise an arc defined by the first radius of the curvature of the first convex shape 108, and the concave shape may comprise an arc defined by the second radius of the curvature of the concave shape 112. In one implementation, the arc of the baffle head's concave shape may be indicative of an ellipse, which can be defined by a minor radius and major radius.
In one implementation, a diameter of a circle defined by a tangency point 118 on the first convex shape 108, defined by the first radius of curvature, at the distal end of the output lip 106, may be configured to be less than a minor diameter of the second radius of curvature of the concave shape 112 of the baffle head 110, where the second radius of curvature comprises an arc of an ellipse. That is, for example, when viewed in a bisected cross-section, at the point on the discharge tube's output end 104 where the first radius of curvature of the first convex shape 108 becomes a straight line (e.g., tangent to the curve), the tangency point 118 of the first radius of curvature of the first convex shape 108 may be identified for the distal end of the output lip 106. Further, in this example, a circle can be defined by the tangency point of the first radius of curvature, from which a diameter may be identified.
Additionally, when viewed in the bisected cross-section, the second radius of curvature of the concave shape 112 may be indicative of an arc that is a portion of an ellipse, which can be defined by a minor and major diameter. In this implementation, in this example, the diameter of the circle defined by the tangency point of the first radius of curvature can be configured to be less than the minor diameter of the ellipse indicated by the second radius of curvature. In this implementation, for example, the shape and the converging nature of the fluid discharge channel 116, created by the curve of the output lip 106 and curve of the proximal side 114 of the baffle head 110 can result in a substantially uniform, one-hundred and seventy to one-hundred and eighty degrees wide, radial spray pattern from the nozzle 100.
In an alternate implementation of the nozzle 100, the diameter of the circle defined by the tangency point on the first radius of curvature of the first convex shape 108, at the distal end of the output lip 106, may be greater than or equal to the minor diameter of the second radius of curvature of the concave shape 112 of the baffle head 110, where the second radius of curvature comprise the ellipse arc. In this alternate implementation, the nozzle 100 may be configured to output an output flow of fluid 156 that is substantially perpendicular to the fluid flow in the fluid passage 152. Further, in this implementation, a different spray pattern may be produced, having different spray characteristics, such as flow rate, pressure, turbulence, and back pressure.
With reference to
In one implementation, as illustrated in
In one implementation, the baffle head 110 can comprise a baffle profile 214. When the nozzle is disposed in a straight stream pattern configuration, such as when the pattern sleeve 202 is disposed in the extended position 204, the baffle profile can be configured to increase the speed of the fluid flow to a fluid output of the nozzle 100. For example, the baffle profile 214 may create a converging channel in conjunction with a wall of the pattern tube 212. As described above for the fluid discharge channel 116, a converging channel can cause fluid flow speed to increase, for example, while fluid pressure decreases. Further, when the nozzle is disposed in a straight stream pattern configuration the baffle profile 214 can be configured to mitigate fluid flow turbulence and fluid flow back pressure in the nozzle 100.
In one implementation, the baffle profile 214 can comprise a second convex shape, for example, as illustrated in
In another implementation, the second convex shape of the baffle profile 214 may comprise a first face 216 disposed at a first angle and a second face 218 disposed at a second angle. In this implementation, for example, the first angle at which the first face 216 is disposed, can be configured to reduce turbulence of fluid flowing from the fluid discharge channel 116 into the pattern tube 212 and out of the discharge end of the nozzle. Further, for example, the first angle at which the first face 216 is disposed, can be configured to mitigate back pressure in the fluid passage 152, which may result from the fluid being forced through the converging channel of the fluid discharge channel 116. In one implementation, the second angle at which the second face 218 is disposed can be configured to facilitate acceleration of fluid flow when the nozzle is disposed in the straight stream configuration, such as when the pattern sleeve 202 is disposed in the extended position. In this implementation, for example, the second angle at which the second face 218 is disposed can create a converging channel with the wall of the pattern tube 212. In this way, for example, the converging channel can increase the speed of fluid flow, which reducing the fluid pressure.
Further, as illustrated in
Additionally, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
In one aspect, a pattern sleeve of a nozzle may be responsible for channeling and shaping the fluid stream into a desired firefighting straight stream profile, for example, as when used in a fog nozzle or radial spray pattern nozzle. In one implementation, in this aspect, a pattern sleeve travel may comprise a distance that the pattern sleeve can travel, measured from the distal end of the discharge tube. For example, as described above, the pattern sleeve can be retracted and extended between a radial pattern (e.g., wide fog) configuration and straight stream configuration. That is, for example, when the pattern sleeve is fully retracted the stream profile may comprise a radial pattern; while, when the pattern sleeve is fully extended the stream profile may comprise a straight stream pattern.
A nozzle may be devised that can improve a straight stream quality (e.g., at 40 and 60 gallons per minute (GPM) settings) and overall reach of fluid discharge from the nozzle. Further, the nozzle can be devised to mitigate a tendency of a discharge tube of the nozzle (e.g., and a pattern sleeve) to shift off center, which can distort a shape, quality, and direction of a straight stream, and may also narrow a fog spray patterns. In one implementation, in this aspect, increasing the pattern stream travel can improve straight stream convergence, for example, when applied to a fog nozzle design. Further, disposing an O-ring (e.g., or some other type of gasket/seal) between a nozzle body and discharge tube at a stabilizing location may mitigate the discharge tube from shifting off-center during use.
In one implementation, a second gasket ring 510 (e.g., O-ring) can be disposed between the nozzle body 150 and the discharge tube 102 at a substantially distal end of the discharge tube 102. In this implementation, the second gasket ring 510 can be configured to mitigate an offset from center of the discharge tube 102 during operation. That is, for example, disposing the second gasket ring 510 at the distal end of the nozzle body 150 can provide stability for the discharge tube 102 by biasing the discharge tube 102 in a concentric disposition, relative to the nozzle body 150, which also helps maintain a concentric disposition relative to the pattern sleeve 202, and the baffle head 110. In this way, for example, the second gasket ring 510 can mitigate movement of the discharge tube 102 (e.g., and the pattern sleeve) toward one side of the nozzle 500, and out of concentric alignment with the baffle head 110, thereby maintaining concentricity between the discharge tube 102 and nozzle body 150, which can improve stream quality and overall reach of fluid discharge.
In one implementation, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
In one aspect, a desired pattern sleeve travel may comprise a distance that achieves a desired straight stream profile when the pattern sleeve is extended. That is, for example, depending on the characteristics of one or more other components of the nozzle, such as the baffle head 110, discharge tube 102, stream shaper 222, nozzle body 150, and/or a turbine 552 coupled with the nozzle 500, etc., overextending the pattern sleeve 202 may produce a less desirable straight stream profile, while under-extending the pattern sleeve may also produce a less desirable straight stream profile. Therefore, in one implementation, the desired travel distance may comprise a range of distances, which can include a distance that provides a desirable straight stream profile (e.g., providing a longer fluid reach) of the fluid (e.g., depending on the fluid). The desired pattern sleeve travel may be different for different nozzle sizes, and different nozzle diameters. As an illustrative example,
As an illustrative example, an example nozzle (e.g., 500) may comprise an improved cam insert 504 (e.g., comprising ABS plastic) comprising a 13/16″ thread lead. In this example, an evaluation of the nozzle's straight stream profile and fluid reach characteristics is illustrated in
The various components of a nozzle described herein (e.g., 100, 300, 500) may be comprise of any materials suitable for use with the nozzle and the expected environments including, without limitation, metal, plastic, flexible materials such as rubber, and composites. In addition, the various components of nozzle described herein (e.g., 100, 300, 500) may be formed in any conventional manner including, without limitation, casting, machining, forming, molding and stamping. Furthermore, the various components of nozzle described herein (e.g., 100, 300, 500) may be finished in any conventional manner, such as painting, coating or plating, or may be left unfinished. Additionally, the various components of nozzle may be combined, integrated and assembled together in any convenient manner.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. Further, at least one of A and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims may generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.
Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter.
Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary implementations of the disclosure.
In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “having,” “has,” “with,” or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”
This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application, U.S. Ser. No. 61/933,543, entitled NOZZLE WITH RADIAL SPRAY JET CAPABILITY, filed Jan. 30, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference; and claims priority to Provisional Patent Application, U.S. Ser. No. 62/077,612, entitled INCREASED HELIX FOG NOZZLE, filed Nov. 10, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61933543 | Jan 2014 | US | |
| 62077612 | Nov 2014 | US |
