Smart nozzle delivery system

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. A smart nozzle fluid delivery system comprising at least one sensor, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to directly detect and identify an event, a nozzle block wherein the block is comprised of multiple nozzle ports through each of which a jet of fluid media is selectively expelled, wherein a size, angle and shape of the multiple nozzle ports are individually configured in order that the fluid media is expelled through a combination of more than one of the multiple nozzle ports, wherein the jet of fluid media selectively expelled from the multiple nozzle ports interact to form a single directed jet of fluid media, each of the multiple nozzle ports having an individual valve, each of the multiple nozzle ports having an individual fluid media cell, the individual media cell containing the fluid media in order that the fluid media may be expelled under pressure through the multiple nozzle ports wherein the single directed jet of fluid media is projected onto the event; and a logic board electronically connected to the at least one sensor and the individual valves, wherein the logic board will receive a position of the event and direct the release of the fluid media through a combination of said individual valves to apply the directed jet of the fluid media to a selective and discreet area defined by the event.

2. The smart nozzle fluid delivery system of claim 1 wherein the at least one sensor is an optical sensor.

3. The smart nozzle fluid delivery system of claim 1 wherein the individual valves are solenoids.

4. The smart nozzle fluid delivery system of claim 1 wherein the nozzle block is stationary.

5. The smart nozzle fluid delivery system of claim 1 wherein the nozzle block is moveable.

6. The smart nozzle fluid delivery system of claim 1 wherein the fluid media is under pressure.

7. The smart nozzle fluid delivery system of claim 1 wherein the at least one sensor is an infrared sensor.

8. The smart nozzle fluid delivery system of claim 1 wherein the at least one sensor is an ultraviolet sensor.

9. The smart nozzle fluid delivery system of claim 1 further comprising a video camera configured to identify an event.

10. The smart nozzle fluid delivery system of claim 7 further comprising a second sensor wherein the second sensor is an ultraviolet sensor.

11. The smart nozzle fluid delivery system of claim 8 further comprising a second sensor wherein the second sensor is an infrared sensor.

12. The smart nozzle fluid delivery system of claim 9 further comprising a second sensor.

13. The smart nozzle fluid delivery system of claim 1 wherein the multiple nozzle ports comprise more than two nozzle ports.

Description

DRAWINGSFIGURES

(1) FIG. 1 is an overall front and side view without the outer casing of an embodiment of the fire suppression system of the present application.

(2) FIG. 2 is a further overall front and side view without the outer casing of an embodiment of the fire suppression system of the present application.

(3) FIG. 3 is an overall side view without the outer casing of an embodiment of the fire suppression system of the present application.

(4) FIG. 4 is an overall top view without the outer casing of an embodiment of the fire suppression system of the present application.

(5) FIG. 5 is an overall bottom view without the outer casing of an embodiment of the fire suppression system of the present application.

(6) FIG. 6 is a front view of an embodiment of the fire suppression system of the present application.

(7) FIG. 7 is an overall rear view without the outer casing of an embodiment of the fire suppression system of the present application.

(8) FIG. 8 is a view of the interior manifold, solenoids, nozzle and fluid reservoirs of an embodiment of the fire suppression system of the present application.

(9) FIG. 9 is a further view of the interior manifold, solenoids, nozzle and fluid reservoirs of an embodiment of the fire suppression system of the present application.

(10) FIG. 10 is a front view of the nozzle of an embodiment of the fire suppression system of the present application.

(11) FIG. 11 is a rear view of the nozzle of an embodiment of the fire suppression system of the present application.

(12) FIG. 12 is a rear view of the nozzle of an embodiment of the fire suppression system of the present application.

(13) FIG. 13 is a front view of the nozzle of an embodiment of the fire suppression system of the present application.

(14) FIG. 14 is a front view of the nozzle with extensions of an embodiment of the fire suppression system of the present application.

(15) FIG. 15 is a rear view of the nozzle with extensions of an embodiment of the fire suppression system of the present application.

(16) FIG. 16 is an overall front and side view with the outer casing of an embodiment of the fire suppression system of the present application.

DRAWINGSREFERENCE NUMERALS

(17) TABLE-US-00001 10 fire suppression system 15 nozzle block 16 agent port 17 outward nozzle face 18 inward nozzle face 19 port connector 20 front plate 24 IR sensor 26 UV sensor 28 camera 30 rear plate 32 pressure connection 34 electrical access 36 Ethernet hookup point 40 frame 42 casing 49 port switching assembly 50 manifold 52 manifold pressure inlet 60 solenoid 62 solenoid electrical input 80 agent cell 82 cell outlet 100 logic board

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(18) Event Locating System

(19) The event locating system (such as fire location) consists of hardware and software components, where the software component can be installed on a microchip or a desktop computer. In one embodiment, the hardware component consists of video cameras mounted directly to opposite sides of the nozzle housing. Two images, for example, of a dry bay or engine nacelle region will be acquired simultaneously. The cameras may be used in one of two modes; as a visible detector and as an IR detector. The type of camera/detector used is based on the phenomena or event to be monitored. If the application is one of thermal management, an IR sensitive camera/detector is anticipated. Therefore, as an area or component temperature increases beyond a pre-specified level, cooling fluid would be applied directly to that component, and not the entire module. Such results in the area not being flooded with coolant and, thereby, a reduction in expended coolant and the energy savings of. In a fire protection scenario either, or, both the IR or the visible wavelength range would be used to determine the location of a fire. However, a visible camera would be more appropriate when the unit is being utilized for a coating application such as painting of a surface or spraying of insecticides. Non-fire suppression applications for the system are anticipated by the applicants as well. The use of one camera can provide 2D spatial information, and two or more cameras are used for 3D spatial positioning. Comparison between the two images will allow discrimination of the fire regions from ambient light, as well as heated sources, similar to advanced techniques employed for identification and characterization of forest fires.

(20) The software (firmware) component controls image capture and pretreatment as well as fire verification and locating algorithms. This software may be based on the applicant's existing proprietary identification and tracking software and will only require slight modification for automation (removal of human interface). This machine vision type technique is similar to existing camera-based fire detection systems that are known in the art, with the added component of pinpointing the fire location. The software is written to enable consecutive images from the Visual/IR camera acquired, compared, and locate changes in the images. If no change is observed it continues the process. If a difference does exist, the software will determine where in the image this change has occurred. Then using a spatial calibration and triangulation scheme, the 2 or 3D location of the event is determined. Simultaneously, additional detectors (such as a UV detector), which have the ability to sense the event of interest, are positioned to have the same field of view. These additional sensors are selected specifically for the application. Only when the additional sensors confirm a particular event has occurred, is the camera spatial locating data transmitted to the discharging mechanism.

Fire Protection Example

(21) Only when the two sensors (UV sensor and IR sensor focused on the same region) indicate the presence of a fire, is the spatial information taken from the camera and transmitted to the discharging mechanism, allowing for the discharge of fluid through the appropriate ports and thereby delivering fire suppressant to only that region. Verification of the fire region will be conducted via three steps. First, a periodically updated reference (no-fire) image will be stored for direct comparison of the fire images (acquired after detection signal). Secondly, cross-correlation techniques will be used to outline differences in the reference image and the image acquired during the fire event. This technique will be applied to the images acquired from both cameras. Lastly, second stage verification of a true fire region will be validated by comparison of the images.

(22) With a fire region identified, the spatial location of the fire region will be determined using the applicant's proprietary software program. This software program was developed by the applicant to identify and track transient, high-speed events. Such software programs, computer languages and logic control systems are well known to those with knowledge in the art.

(23) For a coating or de-icing process, such as an aircraft wing, sensors would inspect the wing for the presence of ice. Upon confirmation that the camera system has located an ice formation in space, the system delivers de-icing fluid to that location. As the ice moves or melts, that region would no longer receive de-icing fluid.

(24) Discharging Fluid Control

(25) The nozzle block consisting of an arrangement of multiple ports as shown in FIGS. 10-15 is made to impinge and redirect the resulting single or multiple phase (fluids can contain solid, liquid, and gas) jets. The actual number of ports, port spacing and relative angles of each port are determined for each application, however each port will be of sufficient size such that fouling or blockage is not a concern. The ports are oriented at different angles and can be fired independently or in multiples, but are generally positioned to face the area of interest. The size (length) and aperture of the ports are variable and are predetermined based on the location of the target and the amount of fluid that has to be delivered to the target zone. The nozzle block may be machined, three dimensionally printed or formed by other means. Due to the nature of this nozzle design, it is expected that an optimal discharge port size can be successfully determined to allow passage of all classes of fire suppressant agents, including but not limited to: Dupont FM-200 and FE-25, water, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, potassium bicarbonate, monoammonium phosphate, CO.sub.2/potassium bicarbonate, and sodium bicarbonate. The nozzle block is attached to a manifold which is connected directly to the suppressant supply. Control of the suppressant discharged angle is achieved by opening and closing specific ports, allowing the jets to interact with each other or discharge singly and directly to the area of interest. This method of controlling the discharge jet angle through a multiple port discharge nozzle was successfully developed and demonstrated by the applicant during a previous research effort. The multi-port technology demonstrated during this previous research program only required a single discrete jet angle shift and therefore, multiple angles were not examined. However, the multiple port technology proposed for the current nozzle has been successfully demonstrated to be capable of directing the exiting agent jet, with a fixed nozzle housing position. Furthermore, since the CO.sub.2/potassium bicarbonate agent utilized is a powder/gas mixture representing the largest size of most fire suppression agents, this nozzle can achieve similar success with other smaller sized agents. It is also important to note that the shift demonstrated utilizing the multiple port nozzles did not adversely affect the distribution in the discharged jet, which is not easily achieved using a single port discharge mechanism.

(26) The switching mechanism may consist of an electro-mechanical valve arrangement for each discharge port. The valve can be operated in the on/off mode or as a proportional device where by the flow can be metered according to the need as provided by the sensing circuit. The valve may have a mechanism that controls the amount of fluid that can pass through the valve body and exit a specific discharge port. The amount of fluid to be discharged through the valve depends on the thermodynamic properties of the fluid, the pressure and temperature of the fluid upstream of the valve and the open area of the valve through which the fluid will pass. When the valve is operated in the isolation mode the valve can be either open or closed. When the valve is operated in the proportional mode the percentage of valve opening is controlled electronically or using a linear positioning device.

(27) A method to locate a fire or other event followed by the direct and localized application of a fire suppressant or other fluid is anticipated. The apparatus and method of operation as described above is to be employed in the method. The method comprises the detection of a fire (or other event) with a camera, picking a nozzle port(s) to contact the correct specific spot with the aid of software and application of a fluid to the specific spot. The method may be fully or partially automated. The method is envisioned as being applicable to a wide variety of fluid applications for various purposes as described above.

(28) FIGS. 1-13 and 16 illustrate an embodiment of the fire suppression system 10 of the present application. FIGS. 14 and 15 display an embodiment of the nozzle 15 of the present invention with nine agent ports 16 and nine port connectors 19. This embodiment describes a system specifically designed for the suppression of a fire or heat event. It is, however, anticipated by the applicants that the system may be adapted to other events or application where the direct and discreet application of a fluid or agent may be required.

(29) Fire suppression system 10 comprises a nozzle block 15 that is configured with multiple agent ports 16 that are designed and fabricated at specific angles, cross sections, geometries, shapes and sizes specific to the location in which the system 10 is designed to be installed and the area to which the system 10 is intended to provide fire suppression. The nozzle block 15 of FIGS. 1-13 and 16 is comprised of eight agent ports 16 while the alternate nozzle block 15 of FIGS. 14 and 15 has nine agent ports. Nozzle block 15 has an outward nozzle face 17 which directly faces the area in which a fire event is to be suppressed and an inward nozzle face 18 on the opposite side of the block 15. In this embodiment the nozzle block 15 is designed to remain stationary during operation and is rigidly affixed in the system 10, but it is foreseeable applications where the nozzle block 15 may be moveable or rotatable. The agent ports 16 extend from the outward face 17 to the inward face 18 through the block 15. Port connectors 19 are affixed to the agent ports 16 on the inward face 18.

(30) The system 10 further comprises a port switching assembly 49 comprising a manifold 50, multiple solenoids 60 and multiple agent cells 80. In this embodiment each solenoid 60 is attached to a separate agent cell 80 which contains a fire suppressive media. Here, the eight solenoids 60 are matched with eight agent cells 80. In other embodiments there may be one large cell or supply of agent connected to all of the solenoids rather than one per each solenoid and port if desired. Each solenoid 60 is fluidly connected to a cell 80 located next to it through ducts machined in the manifold 50. Each solenoid 60 also has an electrical input 62 allowing electrical and electronic connection and control. Each cell 80 has an outlet 82 which is connected to an individual port connector 19 by a fluid line or tube (not depicted). Pressurized air or other gas is introduced into the assembly 49 through a pressure inlet 52 configured into the manifold 50. The introduced pressure is directed to the solenoids 60 through vents in the manifold 50. As a result, there is a fluid connection from a pressurized source of air or gas to a group of solenoids 60, to a group of agent cells 80, then to port connectors 19 and finally to agent ports 16 with each solenoid 60 being individually attached to a specific cell 80, connector 19 and port 16. Alternatively, the pressurized source may be connected to a central supply of agent thereby pressurizing it. Such pressurized agent would then be released through individual valves and ports as required. Individual connections allow the ports 16 to be operated independently of, or in conjunction with, each other.

(31) The nozzle block 15 is affixed to a front plate 20 which is itself attached to frame 40 in which the port switching assembly 49 and other components of the system 10 are positioned. A rear plate 30 is located at the opposite end of the frame 40 in relation to the front plate 20. A casing 45 may be found around the frame 40. The size of the system 10 and its position in a specific location is based upon the intended use.

(32) Affixed in the front plate 20 are the nozzle block 15, an infrared (IR) sensor 24, an ultraviolet (UV) sensor 26 and a camera 28. Rear plate 30 is configured with a pressure connection 32, an electrical access 34 and an Ethernet hookup point 36. For better clarity of the components of the system 10, electrical wiring and electronic connections to the camera 28, sensors 24, 26, solenoids 60, Ethernet hookup 36, logic boards 100, external power source and optional computer controller are not shown.

(33) Logic boards 100 are positioned within the frame 40 and contain the necessary circuitry, processors and controllers needed to operate the system 10. The boards 100 control, operate and coordinate the actions and processes of the camera 28, sensors 24, 26 and solenoids 60. In an envisioned embodiment, the smart nozzle fire suppression system has a duel wavelength fire detection capability that integrates a short wavelength optical detector unit with a long wavelength detection and location CCD array. The multi-wavelength detection technique prevents false positive fire detections, while the computer algorithm acquires the CCD array data to provide the system with an ability to accurately locate the center of the fire zone and thereby directly deliver the suppressant towards the fire zone. The miniaturized CPU control unit located within the smart nozzle fire suppression system is capable of capturing upwards of 40 images per second. Analysis of fire detection occurs only after the short wavelength optical detection system indicates a fire. The current fire detection algorithm takes a gray-scaled image, smooths it and binarizes it based on pixel intensity. Using more efficient algorithms, the centroid of the fire zone is found and directs suppressant delivery to that zone. In the event the short wavelength optical detector fails, due to damage, the CPU unit is designed to continuously analyze images for fire events.

(34) Operation

(35) In operation, the camera 28 and/or the sensors 24, 26 detect a fire or heat event in a specific spot in the area to be protected either optically or via the wavelength of the heat of the event. This information may then be compared to previously gathered images of the area in question under normal conditions. Comparisons are made by the installed software, and the position of the event is determined by the hardware components of the logic boards 100 or by an external controller. Using the positioning data, the software determines which ports 16 of the nozzle block 15 are appropriate to activate to most effectively extinguish the fire. Previous to this, the system would have been sized and positioned specifically for the space to be protected with the block 15 and ports 16 being specifically designed to precisely reach all areas of the space in question. The space size and shape as well as the position of the system 10 and the specifications of the block 15 and ports 16 would have been programmed into the software. The Ethernet hookup point 36 may allow remote controlling, software programming and updates and/or live viewing and saving of the camera 28 and sensor 24, 26 images.

(36) After the software has determined which ports 16 will be needed to extinguish a fire the specific solenoids 60 assigned to those ports 16 will be opened. As the solenoids 60 are opened, pressurized air, or other gas, is released to the agent cells 80 connected to the solenoids 60 by passages in the manifold 50. The agent cells 80 contain the proper fire extinguishing agent for an anticipated event. When the compressed air (or other fluid) is released by the solenoids 60 to the cells 80 the agent in the cells is projected out of the cell 80 through the cell outlets 82 to the port connectors 19 and out of the ports 16 towards the fire event. The combination of the agent released from the ports 16 will form a single jet that will be applied directly on the fire. Neither the nozzle block 15 nor the system 10, itself, moves during this process. The choice of specific nozzles places the extinguishing jet exactly where needed. The sensors 24 and 26 will indicate when the fire is extinguished, pass this information to the controlling hardware and software and the solenoids 60 will be closed and the flow of the agent will be stopped. The cells 80 are accessible and may be detached from the manifold 50 for refilling or replacement.

(37) This type of system 10 allows for a fire to be extinguished in an enclosed area using a minimal amount of fire suppression agent to a discreet and selective area. In this way, agent is only applied to an affected area, thereby protecting other non-affected components from the agent. Excessive amounts of agent will not be used as a result of the direct application and automated shut off after the event is extinguished. The system 10 may be sized and designed for many shapes and sizes of areas and positioned to reach specific locations in those areas.

(38) It is anticipated that this system and device may be used in any case where fluid is desired to be applied to a specific spot while limiting fluid and energy wastage. Such applications may include, but are not limited to, fire suppression, cooling, paint application, pesticide application, watering, coating, de-icing, steaming and heating. The software and hardware may be adjusted to detect and apply a needed fluid for such divergent applications. The specific software, hardware, electronics and control elements for the control of the detecting and locating of an event as well as the selection of the proper port(s) and the release and shut of the fluid media are common to the art and can be based on a wide variety of computer languages and coding systems. Relevant detection equipment (cameras and sensors) may be employed to sense events and software may be written to perform the required operations. The above system is very versatile and may be adjusted to meet the requirements of a multitude of applications where direct fluid application is needed. Therefore, the scope of the structure should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples presented.